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Fang F, Quach B, Lawrence KG, van Dongen J, Marks JA, Lundgren S, Lin M, Odintsova VV, Costeira R, Xu Z, Zhou L, Mandal M, Xia Y, Vink JM, Bierut LJ, Ollikainen M, Taylor JA, Bell JT, Kaprio J, Boomsma DI, Xu K, Sandler DP, Hancock DB, Johnson EO. Trans-ancestry epigenome-wide association meta-analysis of DNA methylation with lifetime cannabis use. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:124-133. [PMID: 37935791 PMCID: PMC11078760 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02310-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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is widely used worldwide, yet its links to health outcomes are not fully understood. DNA methylation can serve as a mediator to link environmental exposures to health outcomes. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of peripheral blood-based DNA methylation and lifetime cannabis use (ever vs. never) in a meta-analysis including 9436 participants (7795 European and 1641 African ancestry) from seven cohorts. Accounting for effects of cigarette smoking, our trans-ancestry EWAS meta-analysis revealed four CpG sites significantly associated with lifetime cannabis use at a false discovery rate of 0.05 ( p < 5.85 × 10 - 7 ) : cg22572071 near gene ADGRF1, cg15280358 in ADAM12, cg00813162 in ACTN1, and cg01101459 near LINC01132. Additionally, our EWAS analysis in participants who never smoked cigarettes identified another epigenome-wide significant CpG site, cg14237301 annotated to APOBR. We used a leave-one-out approach to evaluate methylation scores constructed as a weighted sum of the significant CpGs. The best model can explain 3.79% of the variance in lifetime cannabis use. These findings unravel the DNA methylation changes associated with lifetime cannabis use that are independent of cigarette smoking and may serve as a starting point for further research on the mechanisms through which cannabis exposure impacts health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Bryan Quach
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kaitlyn G Lawrence
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jenny van Dongen
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jesse A Marks
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sara Lundgren
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mingkuan Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Veronika V Odintsova
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ricardo Costeira
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Linran Zhou
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Meisha Mandal
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Yujing Xia
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jacqueline M Vink
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura J Bierut
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Miina Ollikainen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jack A Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Dana B Hancock
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Eric O Johnson
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- Fellow Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Kitdumrongthum S, Trachootham D. An Individuality of Response to Cannabinoids: Challenges in Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis Products. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062791. [PMID: 36985763 PMCID: PMC10058560 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since legalization, cannabis/marijuana has been gaining considerable attention as a functional ingredient in food. ∆-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids are key bioactive compounds with health benefits. The oral consumption of cannabis transports much less hazardous chemicals than smoking. Nevertheless, the response to cannabis is biphasically dose-dependent (hormesis; a low-dose stimulation and a high-dose inhibition) with wide individuality in responses. Thus, the exact same dose and preparation of cannabis may be beneficial for some but toxic to others. The purpose of this review is to highlight the concept of individual variations in response to cannabinoids, which leads to the challenge of establishing standard safe doses of cannabis products for the general population. The mechanisms of actions, acute and chronic toxicities, and factors affecting responses to cannabis products are updated. Based on the literature review, we found that the response to cannabis products depends on exposure factors (delivery route, duration, frequency, and interactions with food and drugs), individual factors (age, sex), and susceptibility factors (genetic polymorphisms of cannabinoid receptor gene, N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing enzymes, THC-metabolizing enzymes, and epigenetic regulations). Owing to the individuality of responses, the safest way to use cannabis-containing food products is to start low, go slow, and stay low.
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Smederevac S, Delgado-Cruzata L, Mitrović D, Dinić BM, Bravo TAT, Delgado M, Bugarski Ignjatović V, Sadiković S, Milovanović I, Vučinić N, Branovački B, Prinz M, Budimlija Z, Kušić‐Tišma J, Nikolašević Ž. Differences in MB-COMT DNA methylation in monozygotic twins on phenotypic indicators of impulsivity. Front Genet 2023; 13:1067276. [PMID: 36685886 PMCID: PMC9852709 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1067276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications of the membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase (MB-COMT) gene may affect the enzymatic degradation of dopamine, and consequently, human behavior. This study investigated the association between membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase DNA methylation (DNAm) differences in 92 monozygotic (MZ) twins with phenotypic manifestations of cognitive, behavioral, and personality indicators associated with reward-related behaviors and lack of control. We used pyrosequencing to determine DNAm of the regulatory region of membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase in saliva DNA. Results of intrapair differences in the percentage of membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase DNAm at each of five CpG sites show that there are associations between phenotypic indicators of lack of control and membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase DNAm differences on CpG1, CpG2 and CpG4, suggesting the common epigenetic patterns for personality traits, cognitive functions, and risk behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snežana Smederevac
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia,*Correspondence: Selka Sadiković, ; Snežana Smederevac,
| | | | - Dušanka Mitrović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Bojana M. Dinić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Maria Delgado
- Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, United States
| | | | - Selka Sadiković
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia,*Correspondence: Selka Sadiković, ; Snežana Smederevac,
| | - Ilija Milovanović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nataša Vučinić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Bojan Branovački
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Mechthild Prinz
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zoran Budimlija
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Jelena Kušić‐Tišma
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Alameda L, Trotta G, Quigley H, Rodriguez V, Gadelrab R, Dwir D, Dempster E, Wong CCY, Forti MD. Can epigenetics shine a light on the biological pathways underlying major mental disorders? Psychol Med 2022; 52:1645-1665. [PMID: 35193719 PMCID: PMC9280283 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721005559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of the global burden of disease can be attributed to mental illness. Despite important advances in identifying risk factors for mental health conditions, the biological processing underlying causal pathways to disease onset remain poorly understood. This represents a limitation to implement effective prevention and the development of novel pharmacological treatments. Epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as mediators of environmental and genetic risk factors which might play a role in disease onset, including childhood adversity (CA) and cannabis use (CU). Particularly, human research exploring DNA methylation has provided new and promising insights into the role of biological pathways implicated in the aetio-pathogenesis of psychiatric conditions, including: monoaminergic (Serotonin and Dopamine), GABAergic, glutamatergic, neurogenesis, inflammatory and immune response and oxidative stress. While these epigenetic changes have been often studied as disease-specific, similarly to the investigation of environmental risk factors, they are often transdiagnostic. Therefore, we aim to review the existing literature on DNA methylation from human studies of psychiatric diseases (i) to identify epigenetic modifications mapping onto biological pathways either transdiagnostically or specifically related to psychiatric diseases such as Eating Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar and Psychotic Disorder, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety Disorder, and (ii) to investigate a convergence between some of these epigenetic modifications and the exposure to known risk factors for psychiatric disorders such as CA and CU, as well as to other epigenetic confounders in psychiatry research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alameda
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Centro Investigación Biomedica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Giulia Trotta
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Harriet Quigley
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Rodriguez
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Romayne Gadelrab
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniella Dwir
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emma Dempster
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Barrack Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Chloe C. Y. Wong
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Marta Di Forti
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Azimi AM, Connolly EJ. Child Maltreatment and Substance Use: A Behavior Genetic Analysis. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:279-289. [PMID: 35001675 DOI: 10.1177/10775595211064207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment is a pervasive social problem often perpetuated by family members and is related to a wide array of negative life outcomes. Although substance use is an outcome commonly associated with experiences of child maltreatment, not all individuals who experience maltreatment struggle with such issues. Many individuals can positively adapt to experiences of maltreatment based on levels of resilience and susceptibility. Research suggests that genetic differences may partly explain why negative outcomes develop for some, but not for others. Few studies have examined the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence the longitudinal association between child maltreatment and varying forms of substance use, leaving a fundamental gap in our current understanding of this association. The current study aims to address this gap by analyzing a sample of twins from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Findings from a series of univariate and bivariate biometric models reveal that the longitudinal associations between maltreatment, cigarette use, and marijuana use are accounted for by additive genetic and nonshared environmental factors. Moreover, the magnitude of the contribution varies across unique subgroups of cigarette and marijuana use. Directions for future research and theoretical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andia M Azimi
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, 4038Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Eric J Connolly
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, 4038Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
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Methylomic Investigation of Problematic Adolescent Cannabis Use and Its Negative Mental Health Consequences. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 60:1524-1532. [PMID: 33631312 PMCID: PMC8380262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The impact of adolescent cannabis use is a pressing public health question owing to the high rates of use and links to negative outcomes. This study considered the association between problematic adolescent cannabis use and methylation. METHOD Using an enrichment-based sequencing approach, a methylome-wide association study (MWAS) was performed of problematic adolescent cannabis use in 703 adolescent samples from the Great Smoky Mountain Study. Using epigenomic deconvolution, MWASs were performed for the main cell types in blood: granulocytes, T cells, B cells, and monocytes. Enrichment testing was conducted to establish overlap between cannabis-associated methylation differences and variants associated with negative mental health effects of adolescent cannabis use. RESULTS Whole-blood analyses identified 45 significant CpGs, and cell type-specific analyses yielded 32 additional CpGs not identified in the whole-blood MWAS. Significant overlap was observed between the B-cell MWAS and genetic studies of education attainment and intelligence. Furthermore, the results from both T cells and monocytes overlapped with findings from an MWAS of psychosis conducted in brain tissue. CONCLUSION In one of the first methylome-wide association studies of adolescent cannabis use, several methylation sites located in genes of importance for potentially relevant brain functions were identified. These findings resulted in several testable hypotheses by which cannabis-associated methylation can impact neurological development and inflammation response as well as potential mechanisms linking cannabis-associated methylation to potential downstream mental health effects.
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Epigenetic Mediation of AKT1 rs1130233's Effect on Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Medial Temporal Function during Fear Processing. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091240. [PMID: 34573260 PMCID: PMC8471665 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
High doses of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, have been shown to have anxiogenic effects. Additionally, THC effects have been shown to be modulated by genotype, including the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1130233 at the protein kinase AKT1 gene, a key component of the dopamine signalling cascade. As such, it is likely that epigenetic methylation around this SNP may affect AKT gene expression, which may in turn impact on the acute effects of THC on brain function. We investigated the genetic (AKT1 rs1130233) and epigenetic modulation of brain function during fear processing in a 2-session, double-blind, cross-over, randomized placebo-controlled THC administration, in 36 healthy males. Fear processing was assessed using an emotion (fear processing) paradigm, under functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Complete genetic and fMRI data were available for 34 participants. THC caused an increase in anxiety and transient psychotomimetic symptoms and para-hippocampal gyrus/amygdala activation. Number of A alleles at the AKT1 rs1130233 SNP, and percentage methylation at the CpG11-12 site, were independently associated with a greater effect of THC on activation in a network of brain regions including left and right parahippocampal gyri, respectively. AKT1 rs1130233 moderation of the THC effect on left parahippocampal activation persisted after covarying for methylation percentage, and was partially mediated in sections of the left parahippocampal gyrus/hippocampus by methylation percentage. These results may offer an example of how genetic and epigenetic variations influence the psychotomimetic and neurofunctional effects of THC.
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Pehlivan S, Aytac HM, Cetinay Aydin P, Nursal AF, Pehlivan M. Global and glucocorticoid receptor gene-specific (NR3C1) DNA methylation analysis in patients with cannabinoid or synthetic cannabinoid use disorder. Psychiatry Res 2021; 298:113774. [PMID: 33556690 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between cannabinoid use disorder (CUD) or synthetic cannabinoid use disorder (SCUD) and the global methylation, methylation of NR3C1 gene promotor, and NR3C1 BclI polymorphism, considering clinical parameters. Based on the DSM-5 criteria, 172 SCUD patients' and 44 CUD patients' diagnoses were confirmed with a positive urine test; 88 healthy volunteers were also included in the study. Global DNA methylation was measured using a 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) DNA ELISA Kit. Methylation-specific PCR was used to identify the methylation of the NR3C1 gene. The analysis of the BclI polymorphism of the NR3C1 gene was evaluated by using the PCR-RFLP. Our results demonstrated that the mean of 5-mC percentages of SCUD patients differed significantly from those of the control group. When comparing NR3C1 gene methylation and clinical parameters due to NR3C1 genotype distribution in patients, the genotype distribution was significantly different between the groups, due to the former polysubstance abuse. Additionally, there was a significantly positive correlation between the 5-mC percentages of SCUD patients and the reported durations of their disorders. In summary, whereas global DNA methylation may be associated with SCUD, the methylation of the NR3C1 gene and NR3C1 BclI polymorphism were not related to CUD or SCUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sacide Pehlivan
- Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Turkey.
| | | | - Pinar Cetinay Aydin
- University of Health Sciences Department of Psychiatry, Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, 12. Psychiatry Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ayse Feyda Nursal
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Pehlivan
- Department of Hematology, Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey.
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Oyaci Y, Aytac HM, Pasin O, Cetinay Aydin P, Pehlivan S. Detection of altered methylation of MB-COMT promotor and DRD2 gene in cannabinoid or synthetic cannabinoid use disorder regarding gene variants and clinical parameters. J Addict Dis 2021; 39:526-536. [PMID: 33781176 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2021.1906618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the association between cannabinoid use disorder (CUD) or synthetic cannabinoid use disorder (SCUD) and methylation status of MB-COMT (membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase) promotor or DRD2 gene considering gene variants and clinical parameters. Based on the DSM-5 criteria, 218 CUD/SCUD patients' diagnoses were confirmed with a positive urine test, and a control group consisting of 102 participants without substance use disorders was included. Methylation-specific PCR was used to identify the methylation of the MB-COMT promotor and DRD2 gene. DRD2-141C Ins/Del and COMT Val158Met gene variants were evaluated by using PCR-RFLP. When the DRD2 and MB-COMT promoter methylation of CUD/SCUD patients were compared with the control group, there was a significant difference between the MB-COMT promoter methylation status of the two groups. When comparing DRD2 gene methylation due to clinical parameters and DRD2 genotype distribution in patients, the methylation status was significantly different between the groups due to the family history. Again, comparing the MB-COMT promotor methylation due to the COMT Val158Met genotype distribution and clinical parameters in patients, the MB-COMT promoter methylation status was significantly different between the groups due to the presence of alcohol usage. In summary, whereas the MB-COMT promoter methylation may be associated with the CUD/SCUD, the methylation of the DRD2 gene was not related to CUD/SCUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Oyaci
- Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Mervan Aytac
- Department of Psychiatry, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Pasin
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pinar Cetinay Aydin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Psychiatry Clinic, Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sacide Pehlivan
- Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Hodgins S. Sex differences in antisocial and aggressive disorders that onset in childhood and persist into adulthood. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 175:405-422. [PMID: 33008540 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64123-6.00027-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
As many as 10.7% of males and 7.5% of females display early-onset, stable, antisocial and aggressive behavior (ESAAB). Most research has focused on males. These individuals are diagnosed with conduct disorder in childhood and antisocial personality disorder in adulthood, and a very few, almost all males, present the syndrome of psychopathy. ESAAB includes three subgroups: (1) conduct problems and callousness; (2) conduct problems, callousness, and anxiety; and (3) conduct problems. Heritability of the first two subtypes is high. This high heritability derives, at least in part, from genes involved in regulating serotonergic functioning early in life and to genotypes that confer sensitivity to trauma. The first subtype is rare and characterized by difficulty in face emotion recognition, especially fear and sadness, and hypoarousal as indexed by both autonomic and neural measures, and by structural brain abnormalities. By contrast, those with conduct problems, callousness, and anxiety are more common. They include a greater proportion of females and show hypersensitivity to threat that triggers reactive aggression and that is reflected in both autonomic and neural functioning. In sum, fewer females than males present ESAAB, but many characteristics, autonomic and neural correlates, and etiology are similar. Importantly, however, females with ESAAB play a critical role in the intergenerational transfer of antisocial behavior. Despite higher prevalence of EASSB in males than females, few sex differences in neural abnormalities have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheilagh Hodgins
- Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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11
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Highs and lows of cannabinoid-dopamine interactions: effects of genetic variability and pharmacological modulation of catechol-O-methyl transferase on the acute response to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:3209-3219. [PMID: 31187152 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05273-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) enzyme has been implicated in determining dopaminergic tone and the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the human brain. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to evaluate the effect of (1) a functional polymorphism and (2) acute pharmacological inhibition of COMT on the acute response to THC in humans. METHODS Sub-study I: The effect of intravenous (IV) THC (0.05 mg/kg) was investigated in 74 healthy subjects genotyped for the COMT rs4680 (Val/Met) polymorphism in a 2-test-day double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Sub-study II: COMT rs4680 homozygous subjects (Val/Val and Met/Met) from sub-study I received the COMT enzyme inhibitor tolcapone (200 mg) followed by IV THC or placebo on two additional test days. Subjective, behavioral, and cognitive data were obtained periodically on each test day. RESULTS Sub-study I: Val/Val individuals were most sensitive to THC-induced attention and working memory deficits. In contrast, the psychotomimetic and subjective effects of THC were not influenced by COMT genotype. Sub-study II: Tolcapone reduced THC-induced working memory deficits, but not THC's psychotomimetic effects. Tolcapone and COMT genotype (met/met) were associated with an increased report of feeling "mellow." CONCLUSIONS The interaction between COMT rs4680 polymorphisms and tolcapone on the cognitive, but not on the psychotomimetic and overall subjective effects of THC, suggests that modulation of dopaminergic signaling may selectively influence specific cannabinoid effects in healthy individuals. The role of dopaminergic signaling in the cognitive effects of cannabinoids should be considered in drug development efforts targeting these effects. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00678730?term=NCT00678730&rank=1 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00678730.
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12
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Xu K, Montalvo‐Ortiz JL, Zhang X, Southwick SM, Krystal JH, Pietrzak RH, Gelernter J. Epigenome‐Wide
DNA
Methylation Association Analysis Identified Novel Loci in Peripheral Cells for Alcohol Consumption Among European American Male Veterans. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:2111-2121. [PMID: 31386212 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
| | - Janitza L. Montalvo‐Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
| | - Steven M. Southwick
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
- Clinical Neurosciences Division U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder West Haven Connecticut
| | - John H. Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
- Clinical Neurosciences Division U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder West Haven Connecticut
| | - Robert H. Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
- Clinical Neurosciences Division U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder West Haven Connecticut
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
- Clinical Neurosciences Division U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder West Haven Connecticut
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13
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Wu Q, Odwin-Dacosta S, Cao S, Yager JD, Tang WY. Estrogen down regulates COMT transcription via promoter DNA methylation in human breast cancer cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 367:12-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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14
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Lax E, Szyf M. The Role of DNA Methylation in Drug Addiction: Implications for Diagnostic and Therapeutics. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:93-104. [PMID: 29933958 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a devastating health problem that is a very heavy burden on the individual affected and the society in general. Recent research defines addiction as a neurobehavioral disorder. Underpinning biological mechanisms of drug addiction are abnormal neuronal and brain activity following acute and repeated drug exposure. Abnormal gene expression is found in reward and decision-making brain regions of addicts and in animal models and is possibly responsible for changes in brain function. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression. Global and site-specific changes in DNA methylation are observed in addiction. Here, we discuss recent findings on the involvement of DNA methylation in drug addiction from animal and human studies. We also propose future directions for utilizing DNA methylation-based approaches for diagnosis, therapeutics, and evaluation of response to therapy in drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Lax
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University Medical School, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University Medical School, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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15
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Barker ED, Walton E, Cecil CAM. Annual Research Review: DNA methylation as a mediator in the association between risk exposure and child and adolescent psychopathology. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2018; 59:303-322. [PMID: 28736860 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation (DNAm) is a potential mechanism for propagating the effects of environmental exposures on child and adolescent mental health. In recent years, this field has experienced steady growth. METHODS We provide a strategic review of the current child and adolescent literature to evaluate evidence for a mediating role of DNAm in the link between environmental risks and psychopathological outcomes, with a focus on internalising and externalising difficulties. RESULTS Based on the studies presented, we conclude that there is preliminary evidence to support that (a) environmental factors, such as diet, neurotoxic exposures and stress, influence offspring DNAm, and that (b) variability in DNAm, in turn, is associated with child and adolescent psychopathology. Overall, very few studies have examined DNAm in relation to both exposures and outcomes, and almost all analyses have been correlational in nature. CONCLUSIONS DNAm holds potential as a biomarker indexing both environmental risk exposure and vulnerability for child psychopathology. However, the extent to which it may represent a causal mediator is not clear. In future, collection of prospective risk exposure, DNAm and outcomes - as well as functional characterisation of epigenetic findings - will assist in determining the role of DNAm in the link between risk exposure and psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward D Barker
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Esther Walton
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Charlotte A M Cecil
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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16
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Vaessen TSJ, de Jong L, Schäfer AT, Damen T, Uittenboogaard A, Krolinski P, Nwosu CV, Pinckaers FME, Rotee ILM, Smeets APW, Ermiş A, Kennedy JL, Nieman DH, Tiwari A, van Os J, Drukker M. The interaction between cannabis use and the Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene in psychosis: A transdiagnostic meta - analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192658. [PMID: 29444152 PMCID: PMC5812637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neither environmental nor genetic factors are sufficient to predict the transdiagnostic expression of psychosis. Therefore, analysis of gene-environment interactions may be productive. OBJECTIVE A meta-analysis was performed using papers investigating the interaction between cannabis use and catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) polymorphism Val158Met (COMTVal158Met). DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA All observational studies assessing the interaction between COMTVal158Met and cannabis with any psychosis or psychotic symptoms measure as an outcome. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS A meta-analysis was performed using the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines and forest plots were generated. Thirteen articles met the selection criteria: 7 clinical studies using a case-only design, 3 clinical studies with a dichotomous outcome, and 3 studies analysing a continuous outcome of psychotic symptoms below the threshold of psychotic disorder. The three study types were analysed separately. Validity of the included studies was assessed using "A Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool: for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions". RESULTS For case-only studies, a significant interaction was found between cannabis use and COMTVal158Met, with an OR of 1.45 (95% Confidence Interval = 1.05-2.00; Met/Met as the risk genotype). However, there was no evidence for interaction in either the studies including dichotomous outcomes (B = -0.51, 95% Confidence Interval -1.72, 0.70) or the studies including continuous outcomes (B = -0.04 95% Confidence Interval -0.16-0.08). LIMITATION A substantial part of the included studies used the case-only design, which has lower validity and tends to overestimate true effects. CONCLUSION The interaction term between cannabis use and COMTVal158Met was only statistically significant in the case-only studies, but not in studies using other clinical or non-clinical psychosis outcomes. Future additional high quality studies might change current perspectives, yet currently evidence for the interaction remains unconvincing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lea de Jong
- Student Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Annika Theresia Schäfer
- Student Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Damen
- Student Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aniek Uittenboogaard
- Student Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Pauline Krolinski
- Student Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Chinyere Vicky Nwosu
- Student Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Iris Leah Marije Rotee
- Student Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ayşegül Ermiş
- Department of Psychiatry, Bakirkoy Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - James L. Kennedy
- Neurogenetics Section, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dorien H. Nieman
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arun Tiwari
- Neurogenetics Section, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jim van Os
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department Psychiatry, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- King's College London, King's Health Partners Department of Psychosis Studies; Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marjan Drukker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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17
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Gerra MC, Jayanthi S, Manfredini M, Walther D, Schroeder J, Phillips KA, Cadet JL, Donnini C. Gene variants and educational attainment in cannabis use: mediating role of DNA methylation. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:23. [PMID: 29353877 PMCID: PMC5802451 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic and sociodemographic risk factors potentially associated with cannabis use (CU) were investigated in 40 cannabis users and 96 control subjects. DNA methylation analyses were also performed to explore the possibility of epigenetic changes related to CU. We conducted a candidate gene association study that included variants involved in the dopaminergic (ANKK1, NCAM1 genes) and endocannabinoid (CNR1, CNR2 gene) pathways. Sociodemographic data included gender, marital status, level of education, and body mass index. We used MeDIP-qPCR to test whether variations in DNA methylation might be associated with CU. We found a significant association between SNP rs1049353 of CNR1 gene (p = 0.01) and CU. Differences were also observed related to rs2501431 of CNR2 gene (p = 0.058). A higher education level appears to decrease the risk of CU. Interestingly, females were less likely to use cannabis than males. There was a significantly higher level of DNA methylation in cannabis users compared to controls in two of the genes tested: hypermethylation at exon 8 of DRD2 gene (p = 0.034) and at the CpG-rich region in the NCAM1 gene (p = 0.0004). Both genetic variants and educational attainment were also related to CU. The higher rate of DNA methylation, evidenced among cannabis users, may be either a marker of CU or a consequence of long-term exposure to cannabis. The identified genetic variants and the differentially methylated regions may represent biomarkers and/or potential targets for designs of pharmacological therapeutic agents. Our observations also suggest that educational programs may be useful strategies for CU prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carla Gerra
- 0000 0004 1758 0937grid.10383.39Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fMolecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Matteo Manfredini
- 0000 0004 1758 0937grid.10383.39Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Donna Walther
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fMolecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jennifer Schroeder
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fOffice of the Clinical Director, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Karran A. Phillips
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fOffice of the Clinical Director, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Claudia Donnini
- 0000 0004 1758 0937grid.10383.39Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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18
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Lodhi RJ, Wang Y, Rossolatos D, MacIntyre G, Bowker A, Crocker C, Ren H, Dimitrijevic A, Bugbee DA, Loverock A, Majeau B, Sivapalan S, Newton VM, Tibbo P, Purdon SE, Aitchison KJ. Investigation of the COMT Val158Met variant association with age of onset of psychosis, adjusting for cannabis use. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00850. [PMID: 29201551 PMCID: PMC5698868 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COMT rs4680 (Val158Met) genotype moderates the effect of cannabis on the age of onset of psychosis (AoP). We investigated the association between rs4680 and AoP, after adjusting for relevant covariates, in a Canadian Caucasian sample. METHODS One hundred and sixty-nine subjects with psychosis were recruited. AoP, defined as age of DSM-IV diagnosis was established using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Cannabis use data were collected using a self-report computerized questionnaire. DNA was extracted from saliva and genotyping of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism was done by SNaPshot and TaqMan assays. Kaplan-Meier analysis results are reported. RESULTS In those who had used cannabis before 20 years of age, rs4680 had a trend level effect on AoP (median AoP: Val/Val < Val/Met < Met/Met 19.37, 20.95, 21.24 years, respectively; log-rank test p = .051). CONCLUSION Our data are indicative of the need to further investigate the association between the COMT rs4680 variant and AoP in the context of adolescent cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit J Lodhi
- Department of Psychiatry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Yabing Wang
- Department of Psychiatry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - David Rossolatos
- Department of Psychiatry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | | | | | - Candice Crocker
- Department of Psychiatry Dalhousie University Halifax NS Canada
| | - Hongyan Ren
- Department of Psychiatry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | | | - Darren A Bugbee
- Department of Medicine University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | | | - Brett Majeau
- Neuropsychology Alberta Hospital Edmonton AB Canada
| | | | | | - Philip Tibbo
- Department of Psychiatry Dalhousie University Halifax NS Canada.,Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program Halifax NS Canada
| | - Scot E Purdon
- Department of Psychiatry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada.,Neuropsychology Alberta Hospital Edmonton AB Canada.,Edmonton Early Intervention in Psychosis Clinic Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Katherine J Aitchison
- Department of Psychiatry University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada.,Edmonton Early Intervention in Psychosis Clinic Edmonton AB Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
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19
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Prom-Wormley EC, Ebejer J, Dick DM, Bowers MS. The genetic epidemiology of substance use disorder: A review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 180:241-259. [PMID: 28938182 PMCID: PMC5911369 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorder (SUD) remains a significant public health issue. A greater understanding of how genes and environment interact to regulate phenotypes comprising SUD will facilitate directed treatments and prevention. METHODS The literature studying the neurobiological correlates of SUD with a focus on the genetic and environmental influences underlying these mechanisms was reviewed. Results from twin/family, human genetic association, gene-environment interaction, epigenetic literature, phenome-wide association studies are summarized for alcohol, nicotine, cannabinoids, cocaine, and opioids. RESULTS There are substantial genetic influences on SUD that are expected to influence multiple neurotransmission pathways, and these influences are particularly important within the dopaminergic system. Genetic influences involved in other aspects of SUD etiology including drug processing and metabolism are also identified. Studies of gene-environment interaction emphasize the importance of environmental context in SUD. Epigenetic studies indicate drug-specific changes in gene expression as well as differences in gene expression related to the use of multiple substances. Further, gene expression is expected to differ by stage of SUD such as substance initiation versus chronic substance use. While a substantial literature has developed for alcohol and nicotine use disorders, there is comparatively less information for other commonly abused substances. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of genetically-mediated mechanisms involved in the neurobiology of SUD provides increased opportunity to develop behavioral and biologically based treatment and prevention of SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Prom-Wormley
- Dvision of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 980212, Richmond, VA 23298-0212, USA.
| | - Jane Ebejer
- School of Cognitive Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Danielle M Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 842509, Richmond, VA 23284-2509, USA
| | - M Scott Bowers
- Faulk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Biomedical Engeneering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
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20
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Binge-Like Alcohol Exposure During Adolescence Disrupts Dopaminergic Neurotransmission in the Adult Prelimbic Cortex. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:1024-1036. [PMID: 27620551 PMCID: PMC5506791 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Repeated binge-like exposure to alcohol during adolescence has been reported to perturb prefrontal cortical development, yet the mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown. Here we report that adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure induces cellular and dopaminergic abnormalities in the adult prelimbic cortex (PrL-C). Exposing rats to alcohol during early-mid adolescence (PD28-42) increased the density of long/thin dendritic spines of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the adult PrL-C. Interestingly, although AIE exposure did not alter the expression of glutamatergic proteins in the adult PrL-C, there was a pronounced reduction in dopamine (DA) D1 receptor modulation of both intrinsic firing and evoked NMDA currents in pyramidal cells, whereas D2 receptor function was unaltered. Recordings from fast-spiking interneurons also revealed that AIE reduced intrinsic excitability, glutamatergic signaling, and D1 receptor modulation of these cells. Analysis of PrL-C tissue of AIE-exposed rats further revealed persistent changes in the expression of DA-related proteins, including reductions in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). AIE exposure was associated with hypermethylation of the COMT promoter at a conserved CpG site in exon II. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that AIE exposure disrupts DA and GABAergic transmission in the adult medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). As DA and GABA work in concert to shape and synchronize neuronal ensembles in the PFC, these alterations could contribute to deficits in behavioral control and decision-making in adults who abused alcohol during adolescence.
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21
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Drug Addiction and DNA Modifications. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 978:105-125. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53889-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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22
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Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a number of societal and political changes that have raised critical questions about the long-term impact of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) that are especially important given the prevalence of its abuse and that potential long-term effects still largely lack scientific data. Disturbances of the epigenome have generally been hypothesized as the molecular machinery underlying the persistent, often tissue-specific transcriptional and behavioral effects of cannabinoids that have been observed within one's lifetime and even into the subsequent generation. Here, we provide an overview of the current published scientific literature that has examined epigenetic effects of cannabinoids. Though mechanistic insights about the epigenome remain sparse, accumulating data in humans and animal models have begun to reveal aberrant epigenetic modifications in brain and the periphery linked to cannabis exposure. Expansion of such knowledge and causal molecular relationships could help provide novel targets for future therapeutic interventions.
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23
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Blum K, Thanos PK, Oscar-Berman M, Febo M, Baron D, Badgaiyan RD, Gardner E, Demetrovics Z, Fahlke C, Haberstick BC, Dushaj K, Gold MS. Dopamine in the Brain: Hypothesizing Surfeit or Deficit Links to Reward and Addiction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1:95-104. [PMID: 27398406 PMCID: PMC4936401 DOI: 10.17756/jrds.2015-016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently there has been debate concerning the role of brain dopamine in reward and addiction. David Nutt and associates eloquently proposed that dopamine (DA) may be central to psycho stimulant dependence and some what important for alcohol, but not important for opiates, nicotine or even cannabis. Others have also argued that surfeit theories can explain for example cocaine seeking behavior as well as non-substance-related addictive behaviors. It seems prudent to distinguish between what constitutes “surfeit” compared to” deficit” in terms of short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) brain reward circuitry responsivity. In an attempt to resolve controversy regarding the contributions of mesolimbic DA systems to reward, we review the three main competing explanatory categories: “liking”, “learning”, and “wanting”. They are (a) the hedonic impact -liking reward, (b) the ability to predict rewarding effects-learning and (c) the incentive salience of reward-related stimuli -wanting. In terms of acute effects, most of the evidence seems to favor the “surfeit theory”. Due to preferential dopamine release at mesolimbic-VTA-caudate-accumbens loci most drugs of abuse and Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) behaviors have been linked to heightened feelings of well-being and hyperdopaminergic states.The “dopamine hypotheses” originally thought to be simple, is now believed to be quite complex and involves encoding the set point of hedonic tone, encoding attention, reward expectancy, and incentive motivation. Importantly, Willuhn et al. shows that in a self-administration paradigm, (chronic) excessive use of cocaine is caused by decreased phasic dopamine signaling in the striatum. In terms of chronic addictions, others have shown a blunted responsivity at brain reward sites with food, nicotine, and even gambling behavior. Finally, we are cognizant of the differences in dopaminergic function as addiction progresses and argue that relapse may be tied to dopamine deficiency. Vulnerability to addiction and relapse may be the result of the cumulative effects of dopaminergic and other neurotransmitter genetic variants and elevated stress levels. We therefore propose that dopamine homeostasis may be a preferred goal to combat relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Division of Nutrigenomics, La Vita RDS, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Peter K Thanos
- Research Institute on Addictions, University of Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Marlene Oscar-Berman
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, and Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David Baron
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rajendra D Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eliot Gardner
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Eotvos Lorand University, Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Addiction, Izabella utca 46., H-1064, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Claudia Fahlke
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Brett C Haberstick
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kristina Dushaj
- Department of Neurological Research, Path Foundation NY, USA
| | - Mark S Gold
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, and Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine. St. Louis, MO, USA
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Cecil CAM, Walton E, Viding E. DNA Methylation, Substance Use and Addiction: a Systematic Review of Recent Animal and Human Research from a Developmental Perspective. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-015-0072-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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25
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Interaction between smoking history and gene expression levels impacts survival of breast cancer patients. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-015-3507-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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26
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Hines LA, Morley KI, Mackie C, Lynskey M. Genetic and Environmental Interplay in Adolescent Substance Use Disorders. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2015; 2:122-129. [PMID: 26301173 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-015-0049-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent substance use is of considerable public health importance. This narrative review provides a brief background to genetically informative research methodologies and highlights key recent literature examining the interplay between genetic and environmental influences in the etiology of substance use. Twin studies have quantified the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences, and more recently co-relative and Children of Twin designs have shown environments can moderate heritability. Studies have identified a number of specific gene variants (e.g. OPRM1, DRD4, 5HTTLPR) that interact with parenting and peer influence, and the effectiveness of interventions may vary by genotype. However, little research has taken into account the stage-sequential nature of substance use. This may obscure important differences in the genetic and environmental influences, and their interplay, at the stages of escalation to problem use. Future research needs to build on existing methodologies to disentangle the complexities of progression in adolescent substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Hines
- Addictions Department, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8BB
| | - Katherine I Morley
- Addictions Department, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8BB
| | - Clare Mackie
- Addictions Department, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8BB
| | - Michael Lynskey
- Addictions Department, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8BB
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27
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Lappé M, Landecker H. How The Genome Got a Life Span. NEW GENETICS AND SOCIETY 2015; 34:152-176. [PMID: 26213491 PMCID: PMC4512745 DOI: 10.1080/14636778.2015.1034851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In the space of little more than a decade, ideas of the human genome have shifted significantly, with the emergence of the notion that the genome an individual changes with development, age, disease, environmental inputs, and time. This paper examines the emergence of the genome with a life span, one that experiences drift, instability and mutability, and a host of other temporal changes. We argue that developments in chromatin biology have provided the basis for this genomic embodiment of experience and exposure. We analyze how time has come to matter for the genome through chromatin, providing analysis of examples in which the human life course is being explored as a set of material changes to chromatin. A genome with a lifespan aligns the molecular and the experiential in new ways, shifting ideas of life stages, their interrelation, and the temporality of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Lappé
- Columbia University Center for Research on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Psychiatric, Neurologic, & Behavioral Genetics, 1051 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10032
| | - Hannah Landecker
- Institute for Society and Genetics And the Department of Sociology, University of California Los Angeles, Box 957221, 1320 Rolfe Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7221 Telephone: 310-825-1517
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Multigenerational and transgenerational inheritance of drug exposure: The effects of alcohol, opiates, cocaine, marijuana, and nicotine. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 118:21-33. [PMID: 25839742 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Familial inheritance of drug abuse is composed of both genetic and environmental factors. Additionally, epigenetic transgenerational inheritance may provide a means by which parental drug use can influence several generations of offspring. Recent evidence suggests that parental drug exposure produces behavioral, biochemical, and neuroanatomical changes in future generations. The focus of this review is to discuss these multigenerational and transgenerational phenotypes in the offspring of animals exposed to drugs of abuse. Specifically, changes found following the administration of alcohol, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, and nicotine will be discussed. In addition, epigenetic modifications to the genome following administration of these drugs will be detailed as well as their potential for transmission to the next generation.
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Bosia M, Pigoni A, Cavallaro R. Genomics and epigenomics in novel schizophrenia drug discovery: translating animal models to clinical research and back. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 10:125-39. [PMID: 25345474 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.976552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schizophrenia is a major psychiatric disorder that afflicts about 1% of the world's population, falling into the top 10 medical disorders causing disability. Existing therapeutic strategies have had limited success; they have poor effects on core cognitive impairment and long-term disability. They are also burdened by relevant side effects. Although new antipsychotic medications have been launched in the past decades, there has been a general lack of significant innovation over the past 60 years. This lack of significant progress in the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia is a reflection of the complexity and heterogeneity of its etiopathogenetic mechanisms. AREAS COVERED In this article, the authors briefly review genetic models of schizophrenia, focusing on examples of how new therapeutic strategies have been developed from them. They report on the evidence of epigenetic alterations in schizophrenia and their relevance to pharmacological studies. Further, they describe the implications of epigenetic mechanisms in the etiopathogenesis of the disease and the effects of current antipsychotic drugs on epigenetic processes. Finally, they provide their perspective of using epigenetic drugs for treating schizophrenia. EXPERT OPINION Current genetic and epigenetic studies are finally shedding light on the biomolecular mechanisms linked to the core pathogenetic alterations in schizophrenia, rather than just their symptoms. These advancements in the understanding of the physiopathology of schizophrenia provide exciting new perspectives for treatments. Indeed, the possibility of looking directly at the biomolecular level allows us to bypass the age-old issues of animal studies pertaining to their questionable validity as behavioral models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bosia
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences , Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127 Milano , Italy +390 226 433 218 ; +390 226 433 265 ;
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