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García-Cerro S, Gómez-Garrido A, Garcia G, Crespo-Facorro B, Brites D. Exploratory Analysis of MicroRNA Alterations in a Neurodevelopmental Mouse Model for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2786. [PMID: 38474035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression levels and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). In this study, we examined the adult expression profiles of specific miRNAs in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of a neurodevelopmental mouse model for ASD and SCZ that mimics perinatal pathology, such as NMDA receptor hypofunction, and exhibits behavioral and neurophysiological phenotypes related to these disorders during adulthood. To model the early neuropathogenesis of the disorders, mouse pups were administered subcutaneously with ketamine (30 mg/Kg) at postnatal days 7, 9, and 11. We focused on a set of miRNAs most frequently altered in ASD (miR-451a and miR-486-3p) and in SCZ (miR-132-3p and miR-137-3p) according to human studies. Additionally, we explored miRNAs whose alterations have been identified in both disorders (miR-21-5p, miR-92a-2-5p, miR-144-3p, and miR-146a-5p). We placed particular emphasis on studying the sexual dimorphism in the dynamics of these miRNAs. Our findings revealed significant alterations in the PFC of this ASD- and SCZ-like mouse model. Specifically, we observed upregulated miR-451a and downregulated miR-137-3p. Furthermore, we identified sexual dimorphism in the expression of miR-132-3p, miR-137-3p, and miR-92a-2-5p. From a translational perspective, our results emphasize the potential involvement of miR-92a-2-5p, miR-132-3p, miR-137-3p, and miR-451a in the pathophysiology of ASD and SCZ and strengthen their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of such disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana García-Cerro
- Translational Psychiatry Group, Ibis-Biomedicine Institute of Sevilla-CSIC, Manuel Siurot AV, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Monforte de Lemos AV, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Gómez-Garrido
- Translational Psychiatry Group, Ibis-Biomedicine Institute of Sevilla-CSIC, Manuel Siurot AV, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Monforte de Lemos AV, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonçalo Garcia
- Neuroinflammation, Signaling and Neuroregeneration Lab, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Benedicto Crespo-Facorro
- Translational Psychiatry Group, Ibis-Biomedicine Institute of Sevilla-CSIC, Manuel Siurot AV, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Monforte de Lemos AV, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Mental Health Unit, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Manuel Siurot AV, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Sánchez Pizjuán AV, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Dora Brites
- Neuroinflammation, Signaling and Neuroregeneration Lab, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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Ghamari R, Tahmaseb M, Sarabi-Jamab A, Etesami SA, Mohammadzadeh A, Alizadeh F, Tehrani-Doost M. Association of verbal and non-verbal theory of mind abilities with non-coding variants of OXTR in youth with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing individuals: a case-control study. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:30. [PMID: 38191308 PMCID: PMC10773038 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05461-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to attribute mental states to others is called theory of mind (ToM) and is a substantial component of social cognition. This ability is abnormally developed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several studies over the past decade have identified the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and its variants as promising components for explaining the molecular mechanisms underlying Theory of Mind (ToM). The main aim of this study is to examine the association between rs2268498 and rs53576, two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and verbal and non-verbal ToM in children and adolescents with ASD and a group of typically developing youth. METHODS The study involved 44 children and adolescents with high-functioning ASD aged 8 to 18 years old and 44 TD individuals who were matched on age and sex. In all participants, blood samples were collected and rs2268498 and rs53576 were genotyped. Happe's Strange Stories test and the moving shapes paradigm were used to measure verbal and non-verbal ToM in all participants. RESULTS The results of permutation tests and logistic regression suggested that in TD group, rs2268498 AA carriers showed significant higher scores in variables representing verbal ToM (ToM stories and appropriateness score) whereas, in ASD group, rs53576 AA carriers exhibited significant better performance in parameters related to non-verbal ToM (ToM general rule and intentionality score). The results of hierarchical clustering in both groups support the findings by distinguishing between language-related and language-independent aspects of ToM. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, we examined the association between rs2268498 and rs53576 and social functioning in individuals with ASD and TD group. We found preliminary evidence that rs2268498 and rs53576 are associated with ToM related abilities in healthy individuals as well as in autistic individuals. Accordingly, rs2268498 and rs53576 may play an important role in predicting ToM capabilities. It will be necessary to conduct further research to address the association of genetic variants with a deficit in ToM in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Ghamari
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Tahmaseb
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atiye Sarabi-Jamab
- School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Azar Mohammadzadeh
- Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Roozbeh Psychiatry Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Alizadeh
- Department of Genomic Psychiatry and Behavioral Genomics (DGPBG), School of Medicine, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Tehrani-Doost
- Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Roozbeh Psychiatry Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Portnova GV, Proskurnina EV, Skorokhodov IV, Sokolova SV, Semirechenko AN, Varlamov AA. Salivary Oxytocin and Antioxidative Response to Robotic Touch in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12322. [PMID: 37569698 PMCID: PMC10419114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with ASD are known to have a tendency to have tactile sensory processing issues that could be associated with their impairment as regards social communication. The alterations in tactile processing in autistic subjects are usually accompanied by hypersensitivity and other unpleasant emotions induced by tactile contact. In our study, we investigated the impact of the velocity and the force of a tactile stroke received impersonally by a custom-built robotic device. A total of 21 adults with ASD and 22 adults from a control group participated in our study. The participants' responses were assessed according to subjective scales, EEG changes, and the dynamics of saliva antioxidants and oxytocin. It was found that the oxytocin level was significantly lower in subjects with ASD but increased after tactile stimulation. However, contrary to expectations, the increase in the oxytocin level in the target group negatively correlated with the subjective pleasantness of tactile stimulation and was probably associated with a stress-induced effect. The basic levels of antioxidants did not differ between the TD and ASD groups; however, these had significantly increased in individuals with ASD by the end of the study. The EEG findings, which revealed enhanced antioxidant levels, contributed to the relief of the cognitive control during the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina V. Portnova
- Laboratory of Human Higher Nervous Activity, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 5A Butlerova Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena V. Proskurnina
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye Str., 115522 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ivan V. Skorokhodov
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
- Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Our Sunny World”, 98 Nizhegorodskaya Str., 109052 Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V. Sokolova
- Medical Scientific and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Prosp. 27-10, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey N. Semirechenko
- Tactile Communication Research Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, 6 Volgina Str., 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton A. Varlamov
- Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Our Sunny World”, 98 Nizhegorodskaya Str., 109052 Moscow, Russia
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Siecinski SK, Giamberardino SN, Spanos M, Hauser AC, Gibson JR, Chandrasekhar T, Trelles MDP, Rockhill CM, Palumbo ML, Cundiff AW, Montgomery A, Siper P, Minjarez M, Nowinski LA, Marler S, Kwee LC, Shuffrey LC, Alderman C, Weissman J, Zappone B, Mullett JE, Crosson H, Hong N, Luo S, She L, Bhapkar M, Dean R, Scheer A, Johnson JL, King BH, McDougle CJ, Sanders KB, Kim SJ, Kolevzon A, Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Hauser ER, Sikich L, Gregory SG. Genetic and epigenetic signatures associated with plasma oxytocin levels in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2023; 16:502-523. [PMID: 36609850 PMCID: PMC10023458 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), the brain's most abundant neuropeptide, plays an important role in social salience and motivation. Clinical trials of the efficacy of OT in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have reported mixed results due in part to ASD's complex etiology. We investigated whether genetic and epigenetic variation contribute to variable endogenous OT levels that modulate sensitivity to OT therapy. To carry out this analysis, we integrated genome-wide profiles of DNA-methylation, transcriptional activity, and genetic variation with plasma OT levels in 290 participants with ASD enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of OT. Our analysis identified genetic variants with novel association with plasma OT, several of which reside in known ASD risk genes. We also show subtle but statistically significant association of plasma OT levels with peripheral transcriptional activity and DNA-methylation profiles across several annotated gene sets. These findings broaden our understanding of the effects of the peripheral oxytocin system and provide novel genetic candidates for future studies to decode the complex etiology of ASD and its interaction with OT signaling and OT-based interventions. LAY SUMMARY: Oxytocin (OT) is an abundant chemical produced by neurons that plays an important role in social interaction and motivation. We investigated whether genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to variable OT levels in the blood. To this, we integrated genetic, gene expression, and non-DNA regulated (epigenetic) signatures with blood OT levels in 290 participants with autism enrolled in an OT clinical trial. We identified genetic association with plasma OT, several of which reside in known autism risk genes. We also show statistically significant association of plasma OT levels with gene expression and epigenetic across several gene pathways. These findings broaden our understanding of the factors that influence OT levels in the blood for future studies to decode the complex presentation of autism and its interaction with OT and OT-based treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K Siecinski
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Marina Spanos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Annalise C Hauser
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jason R Gibson
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tara Chandrasekhar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - M D Pilar Trelles
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carol M Rockhill
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michelle L Palumbo
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Paige Siper
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mendy Minjarez
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa A Nowinski
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Marler
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lydia C Kwee
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Cheryl Alderman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jordana Weissman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brooke Zappone
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Mullett
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hope Crosson
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalie Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheng Luo
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lilin She
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Manjushri Bhapkar
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Russell Dean
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Abby Scheer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jacqueline L Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bryan H King
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher J McDougle
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin B Sanders
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Soo-Jeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth R Hauser
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Linmarie Sikich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Simon G Gregory
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Garrido-Torres N, Guzmán-Torres K, García-Cerro S, Pinilla Bermúdez G, Cruz-Baquero C, Ochoa H, García-González D, Canal-Rivero M, Crespo-Facorro B, Ruiz-Veguilla M. miRNAs as biomarkers of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023:10.1007/s00787-023-02138-3. [PMID: 36735095 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02138-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex clinical manifestations that arise between 18 and 36 months of age. Social interaction deficiencies, a restricted range of interests, and repetitive stereotyped behaviors are characteristics which are sometimes difficult to detect early. Several studies show that microRNAs (miRs/miRNAs) are strongly implicated in the development of the disorder and affect the expression of genes related to different neurological pathways involved in ASD. The present systematic review and meta-analysis addresses the current status of miRNA studies in different body fluids and the most frequently dysregulated miRNAs in patients with ASD. We used a combined approach to summarize miRNA fold changes in different studies using the mean values. In addition, we summarized p values for differential miRNA expression using the Fisher method. Our literature search yielded a total of 133 relevant articles, 27 of which were selected for qualitative analysis based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 16 studies evaluating miRNAs whose data were completely reported were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. The most frequently dysregulated miRNAs across the analyzed studies were miR-451a, miR-144-3p, miR-23b, miR-106b, miR150-5p, miR320a, miR92a-2-5p, and miR486-3p. Among the most dysregulated miRNAs in individuals with ASD, miR-451a is the most relevant to clinical practice and is associated with impaired social interaction. Other miRNAs, including miR19a-3p, miR-494, miR-142-3p, miR-3687, and miR-27a-3p, are differentially expressed in various tissues and body fluids of patients with ASD. Therefore, all these miRNAs can be considered candidates for ASD biomarkers. Saliva may be the optimal biological fluid for miRNA measurements, because it is easy to collect from children compared to other biological fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Garrido-Torres
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Seville, Spain
| | | | - Susana García-Cerro
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Hansel Ochoa
- Epidemiology Research Group (EpiAndes), Los Andes University, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego García-González
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Canal-Rivero
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Seville, Spain
| | - Benedicto Crespo-Facorro
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain.
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Seville, Spain.
| | - Miguel Ruiz-Veguilla
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio, IBIS-CSIC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sevilla, Avda Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Seville, Spain
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Li D, Zhang L, Bai T, Qiu B, Zhu C, Wang K. Oxytocin-Receptor Gene Modulates Reward-Network Connection and Relationship with Empathy Performance. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:85-94. [PMID: 36643732 PMCID: PMC9833327 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s370834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Empathy traits are highly heritable and linked with reward processing. It is implicated that common variations of the oxytocin-receptor gene (OXTR) play a modulatory effect on empathic performance. However, it is unclear about the neural substrates underlying the modulatory effect of the OXTR genotype on empathic performance. This study aimed to characterize the modulatory effect of common OXTR variations on reward-circuitry function and its relationship with empathy. Methods Based on the seed of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc; a key hub of reward circuitry), we examined differences in spontaneous local activity and functional connectivity between OXTR rs2268493 genotype groups and their relationship with empathic performance among 402 high-homogeneity participants. Results Comparing with C carriers (CC/CT) group, the individuals with the rs2268493 TT genotype exhibited lower functional connectivity of the right NAcc with the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and inferior frontal gyrus. Similarly lower functional connectivity was found between the left NAcc and mPFC. Consequently, no significant difference was found in the spontaneous local activity of NAcc. Discussion Our findings suggested that common OXTR variations have a modulatory effect on the connection of the NAcc with the hub of empathic networks (mPFC and IFG), which may provide insight on the neural substrate underlying the modulatory effect of OXTR on empathic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Li
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Research Center for Translational Medicine, Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Long Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tongjian Bai
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bensheng Qiu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and the Centers for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China., Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Zhu
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Research Center for Translational Medicine, Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Chunyan Zhu; Kai Wang, Email ;
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, People’s Republic of China,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
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7
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Marazziti D, Diep PT, Carter S, Carbone MG. Oxytocin: An Old Hormone, A Novel Psychotropic Drug And Possible Use In Treating Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5615-5687. [PMID: 35894453 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220727120646] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Historically, this molecule has been involved as a key factor in the formation of infant attachment, maternal behavior and pair bonding and, more generally, in linking social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. In the last decades, the whole oxytocin system has gained a growing interest as it was proposed to be implicated in etiopathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS With the main goal of an in-depth understanding of the oxytocin role in the regulation of different functions and complex behaviors as well as its intriguing implications in different neuropsychiatric disorders, we performed a critical review of the current state of art. We carried out this work through PubMed database up to June 2021 with the search terms: 1) "oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders"; 2) "oxytocin and neurodevelopmental disorders"; 3) "oxytocin and anorexia"; 4) "oxytocin and eating disorders"; 5) "oxytocin and obsessive-compulsive disorder"; 6) "oxytocin and schizophrenia"; 7) "oxytocin and depression"; 8) "oxytocin and bipolar disorder"; 9) "oxytocin and psychosis"; 10) "oxytocin and anxiety"; 11) "oxytocin and personality disorder"; 12) "oxytocin and PTSD". RESULTS Biological, genetic, and epigenetic studies highlighted quality and quantity modifications in the expression of oxytocin peptide or in oxytocin receptor isoforms. These alterations would seem to be correlated with a higher risk of presenting several neuropsychiatric disorders belonging to different psychopathological spectra. Collaterally, the exogenous oxytocin administration has shown to ameliorate many neuropsychiatric clinical conditions. CONCLUSION Finally, we briefly analyzed the potential pharmacological use of oxytocin in patient with severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunoregulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Phuoc-Tan Diep
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Carter
- Director Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Manuel G Carbone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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8
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Nakata Y, Kanahara N, Kimura A, Niitsu T, Komatsu H, Oda Y, Nakamura M, Ishikawa M, Hasegawa T, Kamata Y, Yamauchi A, Inazumi K, Kimura H, Shiko Y, Kawasaki Y, Iyo M. Oxytocin system dysfunction in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: Alterations of blood oxytocin levels and effect of a genetic variant of OXTR. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 138:219-227. [PMID: 33866050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) has a quite complex pathophysiology that includes not only severe positive symptoms but also other symptom domains. Much attention has been devoted to the overlapping psychological and biological profiles of schizophrenia and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). We compared TRS patients (n = 30) with schizophrenia patients in remission (RemSZ, n = 28) and ASD patients (n = 28), focusing on general cognitive and social cognitive impairment and oxytocin system dysfunction. Our analyses revealed that there was no difference in oxytocin concentration among the three groups. The TRS patients' oxytocin blood concentrations were positively correlated with their processing speed and theory-of-mind scores, whereas the RemSZ and ASD groups had no significant relation with any measures. Rs53576, a single nucleotide polymorphism on the oxytocin receptor gene, affected social cognition abilities in the schizophrenia group. Although the overall findings are preliminary, they indicate that oxytocin system dysfunction could be involved in the serious cognitive deficits in TRS patients. Further, these results suggest that patients with TRS might have early neurodevelopmental abnormalities based on their shared biological features with ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nakata
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Nobuhisa Kanahara
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan; Division of Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation, Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Kimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomihisa Niitsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hideki Komatsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasunori Oda
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Miwako Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masatomo Ishikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tadashi Hasegawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan; Palliative Care Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yu Kamata
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamauchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, Chiba Rosai Hospital, Ichihara, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Inazumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, Gakuji-kai Kimura Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuki Shiko
- Biostatistics Section, Clinical Research Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yohei Kawasaki
- Biostatistics Section, Clinical Research Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaomi Iyo
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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9
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Iovino M, Messana T, Tortora A, Giusti C, Lisco G, Giagulli VA, Guastamacchia E, De Pergola G, Triggiani V. Oxytocin Signaling Pathway: From Cell Biology to Clinical Implications. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 21:91-110. [PMID: 32433011 DOI: 10.2174/1871530320666200520093730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to the well-known role played in lactation and parturition, Oxytocin (OT) and OT receptor (OTR) are involved in many other aspects such as the control of maternal and social behavior, the regulation of the growth of the neocortex, the maintenance of blood supply to the cortex, the stimulation of limbic olfactory area to mother-infant recognition bond, and the modulation of the autonomic nervous system via the vagal pathway. Moreover, OT and OTR show antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-pain, anti-diabetic, anti-dyslipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects. OBJECTIVE The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the main data coming from the literature dealing with the role of OT and OTR in physiology and pathologic conditions focusing on the most relevant aspects. METHODS Appropriate keywords and MeSH terms were identified and searched in Pubmed. Finally, references of original articles and reviews were examined. RESULTS We report the most significant and updated data on the role played by OT and OTR in physiology and different clinical contexts. CONCLUSION Emerging evidence indicates the involvement of OT system in several pathophysiological mechanisms influencing brain anatomy, cognition, language, sense of safety and trust and maternal behavior, with the possible use of exogenous administered OT in the treatment of specific neuropsychiatric conditions. Furthermore, it modulates pancreatic β-cell responsiveness and lipid metabolism leading to possible therapeutic use in diabetic and dyslipidemic patients and for limiting and even reversing atherosclerotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Iovino
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Tullio Messana
- Infantile Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS - Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Tortora
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Consuelo Giusti
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lisco
- Hospital Unit of Endocrinology, Perrino Hospital, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Vito Angelo Giagulli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Edoardo Guastamacchia
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Pergola
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari, School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Triggiani
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases. University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
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10
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The promiscuity of the oxytocin-vasopressin systems and their involvement in autism spectrum disorder. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 182:121-140. [PMID: 34266588 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819973-2.00009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin systems have been studied separately in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we provide evidence from an evolutionary and neuroscience perspective about the shared mechanisms and the common roles in regulating social behaviors. We first discuss findings on the evolutionary history of oxytocin and vasopressin ligands and receptors that highlight their common origin and clarify the evolutionary background of the crosstalk between them. Second, we conducted a comprehensive review of the increasing evidence for the role of both neuropeptides in regulating social behaviors. Third, we reviewed the growing evidence on the associations between the oxytocin/vasopressin systems and ASD, which includes oxytocin and vasopressin dysfunction in animal models of autism and in human patients, and the impact of treatments targeting the oxytocin or the vasopressin systems in children and in adults. Here, we highlight the potential of targeting the oxytocin/vasopressin systems to improve social deficits observed in ASD and the need for further investigations on how to transfer these research innovations into clinical applications.
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11
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Sapey-Triomphe LA, Reversat J, Lesca G, Chatron N, Bussa M, Mazoyer S, Schmitz C, Sonié S, Edery P. A de novo frameshift pathogenic variant in TBR1 identified in autism without intellectual disability. Hum Genomics 2020; 14:32. [PMID: 32948248 PMCID: PMC7501624 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-020-00281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In order to be able to provide accurate genetic counseling to patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is crucial to identify correlations between heterogeneous phenotypes and genetic alterations. Among the hundreds of de novo pathogenic variants reported in ASD, single-nucleotide variations and small insertions/deletions were reported in TBR1. This gene encodes a transcription factor that plays a key role in brain development. Pathogenic variants in TBR1 are often associated with severe forms of ASD, including intellectual disability and language impairment. Methods Adults diagnosed with ASD but without intellectual disability (diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, according to the DSM-IV) took part in a genetic consultation encompassing metabolic assessments, a molecular karyotype and the screening of a panel of 268 genes involved in intellectual disability, ASD and epilepsy. In addition, the patient reported here went through a neuropsychological assessment, structural magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements. Results Here, we report the case of a young adult male who presents with a typical form of ASD. Importantly, this patient presents with no intellectual disability or language impairment, despite a de novo heterozygous frameshift pathogenic variant in TBR1, leading to an early premature termination codon (c.26del, p.(Pro9Leufs*12)). Conclusion Based on this case report, we discuss the role of TBR1 in general brain development, language development, intellectual disability and other symptoms of ASD. Providing a detailed clinical description of the individuals with such pathogenic variants should help to understand the genotype-phenotype relationships in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie-Anne Sapey-Triomphe
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France.,Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Reversat
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France
| | - Gaëtan Lesca
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France.,Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Chatron
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France.,Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Marina Bussa
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Rhône-Alpes, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France.,Hôpital Saint-Jean-de-Dieu, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvie Mazoyer
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Christina Schmitz
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France.
| | - Sandrine Sonié
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France.,Centre de Ressource Autisme Rhône-Alpes, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France.,Hôpital Saint-Jean-de-Dieu, Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Edery
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France.,Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
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12
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Antonucci LA, Pergola G, Passiatore R, Taurisano P, Quarto T, Dispoto E, Rampino A, Bertolino A, Cassibba R, Blasi G. The interaction between OXTR rs2268493 and perceived maternal care is associated with amygdala-dorsolateral prefrontal effective connectivity during explicit emotion processing. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 270:553-565. [PMID: 31471679 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-019-01062-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated a link between socio-emotional processing and the oxytocin receptor. In this regard, a single nucleotide polymorphism in the oxytocin receptor coding gene (OXTR rs2268493) has been linked with lower social functioning, increased risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and with post-mortem OXTR mRNA expression levels. Indeed, the levels of expression of OXTR in brain regions involved in emotion processing are also associated with maternal care. Furthermore, maternal care has been associated with emotional correlates. Taken together, these previous findings suggest a possible combined effect of rs2268493 and maternal care on emotion-related brain phenotypes. A crucial biological mechanism subtending emotional processing is the amygdala-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) functional connection. On this basis, our aim was to investigate the interaction between rs2268493 and maternal care on amygdala-DLPFC effective connectivity during emotional evaluation. We characterized through dynamic causal modeling (DCM) patterns of amygdala-DLPFC effective connectivity during explicit emotion processing in healthy controls (HC), profiled based on maternal care and rs2268493 genotype. In the whole sample, right top-down DLPFC-to-amygdala pattern was the most likely directional model of effective connectivity. This pattern of connectivity was the most likely for all rs2268493/maternal care subgroups, except for thymine homozygous (TT)/low maternal care individuals. Here, a right bottom-up amygdala-to-DLPFC was the most likely directional model. These results suggest a gene by environment interaction mediated by the oxytocin receptor on biological phenotypes relevant to emotion processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Antonucci
- Section for Neurodiagnostic Applications, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, 80336, Munich, Germany.,Department of Educational Science, Psychology and Communication Science, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121, Bari, Italy.,Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Giulio Pergola
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Passiatore
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Taurisano
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.,IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013, Foggia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Quarto
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dispoto
- Department of Educational Science, Psychology and Communication Science, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Rampino
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.,Psychiatry Unit, Bari University Hospital, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.,Psychiatry Unit, Bari University Hospital, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Cassibba
- Department of Educational Science, Psychology and Communication Science, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70121, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Blasi
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy. .,Psychiatry Unit, Bari University Hospital, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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13
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Wang J, Zhang P, Li W, Wen Q, Liu F, Xu J, Xu Q, Zhu D, Ye Z, Yu C. Right Posterior Insula and Putamen Volume Mediate the Effect of Oxytocin Receptor Polygenic Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders on Reward Dependence in Healthy Adults. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:746-756. [PMID: 32710107 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Much evidence indicates the influence of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene on autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), a set of disorders characterized by a range of deficits in prosocial behaviors, which are closely related to the personality trait of reward dependence (RD). However, we do not know the effect of the OXTR polygenic risk score for ASDs (OXTR-PRSASDs) on RD and its underlying neuroanatomical substrate. Here, we aimed to investigate associations among the OXTR-PRSASDs, gray matter volume (GMV), and RD in two independent datasets of healthy young adults (n = 450 and 540). We found that the individuals with higher OXTR-PRSASDs had lower RD and significantly smaller GMV in the right posterior insula and putamen. The GMV of this region showed a positive correlation with RD and a mediation effect on the association between OXTR-PRSASDs and RD. Moreover, the correlation map between OXTR-PRSASDs and GMV showed spatial correlation with OXTR gene expression. All results were highly consistent between the two datasets. These findings highlight a possible neural pathway by which the common variants in the OXTR gene associated with ASDs may jointly impact the GMV of the right posterior insula and putamen and further affect the personality trait of RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junping Wang
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Qin Wen
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jiayuan Xu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Ye
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Chunshui Yu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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14
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Borowiak K, von Kriegstein K. Intranasal oxytocin modulates brain responses to voice-identity recognition in typically developing individuals, but not in ASD. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:221. [PMID: 32636360 PMCID: PMC7341857 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00903-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Faces and voices are prominent cues for person-identity recognition. Face recognition behavior and associated brain responses can be enhanced by intranasal administration of oxytocin. It is unknown whether oxytocin can also augment voice-identity recognition mechanisms. To find it out is particularly relevant for individuals who have difficulties recognizing voice identity such as individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We conducted a combined behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study to investigate voice-identity recognition following intranasal administration of oxytocin or placebo in a group of adults diagnosed with ASD (full-scale intelligence quotient > 85) and pairwise-matched typically developing (TD) controls. A single dose of 24 IU oxytocin was administered in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and cross-over design. In the control group, but not in the ASD group, administration of oxytocin compared to placebo increased responses to recognition of voice identity in contrast to speech in the right posterior superior temporal sulcus/gyrus (pSTS/G) - a region implicated in the perceptual analysis of voice-identity information. In the ASD group, the right pSTS/G responses were positively correlated with voice-identity recognition accuracy in the oxytocin condition, but not in the placebo condition. Oxytocin did not improve voice-identity recognition performance at the group level. The ASD compared to the control group had lower right pSTS/G responses to voice-identity recognition. Since ASD is known to have atypical pSTS/G, the results indicate that the potential of intranasal oxytocin to enhance mechanisms for voice-identity recognition might be variable and dependent on the functional integrity of this brain region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Borowiak
- Technische Universität Dresden, Bamberger Straße 7, 01187, Dresden, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstraße 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt University of Berlin, Luisenstraße 56, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Katharina von Kriegstein
- Technische Universität Dresden, Bamberger Straße 7, 01187, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstraße 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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15
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The oxytocin receptor gene predicts brain activity during an emotion recognition task in autism. Mol Autism 2019; 10:12. [PMID: 30918622 PMCID: PMC6419364 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism is a highly varied and heritable neurodevelopmental condition, and common variants explain approximately 50% of the genetic variance of autism. One of the genes implicated in autism is the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). The current study combined genetic and brain imaging (fMRI) data to examine the moderating effect of genotype on the association between diagnosis and brain activity in response to a test of cognitive empathy. Methods Participants were adolescents (mean age = 14.7 ± 1.7) who were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the OXTR and underwent functional brain imaging while completing the adolescent version of the ‘Reading the Mind in the Eyes’ Test (Eyes Test). Results Two (rs2254298, rs53576) of the five OXTR SNPs examined were significantly associated with brain activity during the Eyes Test, and three of the SNPs (rs2254298, rs53576, rs2268491) interacted with diagnostic status to predict brain activity. All of the effects localized to the right supramarginal gyrus (rSMG) and an overlap analysis revealed a large overlap of the effects. An exploratory analysis showed that activity within an anatomically defined rSMG and genotype can predict diagnostic status with reasonable accuracy. Conclusions This is one of the first studies to investigate OXTR and brain function in autism. The findings suggest a neurogenetic mechanism by which OXTR-dependent activity within the rSMG is related to the aetiology of autism. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-019-0258-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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16
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Kruppa JA, Gossen A, Oberwelland Weiß E, Kohls G, Großheinrich N, Cholemkery H, Freitag CM, Karges W, Wölfle E, Sinzig J, Fink GR, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Konrad K, Schulte-Rüther M. Neural modulation of social reinforcement learning by intranasal oxytocin in male adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: a randomized trial. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:749-756. [PMID: 30390065 PMCID: PMC6372686 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0258-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Reduced social motivation is a hallmark of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Although the exact neural mechanisms are unclear, oxytocin has been shown to enhance motivation and attention to social stimuli, suggesting a potential to augment social reinforcement learning as the central mechanism of behavioral interventions in ASD. We tested how reinforcement learning in social contexts and associated reward prediction error (RPE) signals in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) were modulated by intranasal oxytocin. Male adults with a childhood diagnosis of ASD (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 24; aged 18-26 years) performed a probabilistic reinforcement learning task during functional magnetic resonance imaging in a single-center (research center in Germany), randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial. The interventions were intranasal oxytocin (Syntocinon®, Novartis; 10 puffs = 20 international units (IUs) per treatment) and placebo spray. Using computational modeling of behavioral data, trial-by-trial RPE signals were assessed and related to brain activation in NAcc during reinforcing feedback in social and non-social contexts. The order of oxytocin/placebo was randomized for 60 participants. Twenty-one participants were excluded from analyses, leaving 39 for the final analysis. Behaviorally, individuals with ASD showed enhanced learning under oxytocin when the learning target as well as feedback was social as compared to non-social (social vs. non-social target: 87.09% vs. 71.29%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.28-24.33, p = .003; social vs. non-social feedback: 81.00% vs. 71.29%, 95% CI: 2.81-16.61, p = .027). Correspondingly, oxytocin enhanced the correlation of the RPE signal with NAcc activation during social (vs. non-social) feedback in ASD (3.48 vs. -1.12, respectively, 95% CI: 2.98-6.22, p = .000), whereas in controls, this effect was found in the placebo condition (2.90 vs. -1.14, respectively, 95% CI: 1.07-7.01, p = .010). In ASD, a similar pattern emerged when the learning target was social (3.00 vs. -0.64, respectively, 95% CI: -0.13 to 7.41, p = .057), whereas controls showed a reduced correlation for social learning targets under oxytocin (-0.70 vs. 2.72, respectively, 95% CI: -5.86 to 0.98, p = .008). The current data suggest that intranasal oxytocin has the potential to enhance social reinforcement learning in ASD. Future studies are warranted that investigate whether oxytocin can potentiate social learning when combined with behavioral therapies, resulting in greater treatment benefits than traditional behavior-only approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana A. Kruppa
- 0000 0000 8653 1507grid.412301.5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany ,grid.494742.8JARA-Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), RWTH Aachen and Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany ,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany
| | - Anna Gossen
- 0000 0000 8653 1507grid.412301.5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany ,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany
| | - Eileen Oberwelland Weiß
- 0000 0000 8653 1507grid.412301.5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany ,grid.494742.8JARA-Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), RWTH Aachen and Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany ,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany
| | - Gregor Kohls
- 0000 0000 8653 1507grid.412301.5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nicola Großheinrich
- 0000 0000 8653 1507grid.412301.5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany ,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany
| | - Hannah Cholemkery
- 0000 0004 0578 8220grid.411088.4Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christine M. Freitag
- 0000 0004 0578 8220grid.411088.4Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wolfram Karges
- 0000 0000 8653 1507grid.412301.5Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Elke Wölfle
- 0000 0000 8653 1507grid.412301.5Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Judith Sinzig
- 0000 0000 9702 9846grid.491992.eDepartment of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-Klinik Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gereon R. Fink
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany ,0000 0000 8852 305Xgrid.411097.aDepartment of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- 0000 0000 8653 1507grid.412301.5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Konrad
- 0000 0000 8653 1507grid.412301.5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany ,grid.494742.8JARA-Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), RWTH Aachen and Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany
| | - Martin Schulte-Rüther
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany. .,JARA-Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), RWTH Aachen and Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany. .,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany.
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17
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Wilczyński KM, Siwiec A, Janas-Kozik M. Systematic Review of Literature on Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Within the Oxytocin and Vasopressin Receptor Genes in the Development of Social Cognition Dysfunctions in Individuals Suffering From Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:380. [PMID: 31214061 PMCID: PMC6554290 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is found in virtually all population groups regardless of ethnic or socioeconomic backgrounds. Among others, dominant symptoms of autism persistent throughout its course of development include, inter alia, qualitative disorders of social communication and social interactions. Numerous studies have been performed on animal models as well as groups of healthy individuals to assess the potential role of oxytocinergic and vasopresynergic systems in normal social functioning. These studies have also discussed their potential participation in the development of social cognition dysfunctions in the course of ASD. This literature review aimed to identify studies examining single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor genes and their differential effects on social cognitive dysfunction in the development of ASD. Methods: A systematic review of literature published within the last 10 years and accessible in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and APA PsycNET databases was conducted by each author separately. Inclusion criteria required that articles should 1) be published between January 2008 and August 2018; 2) be published in English or Polish; 3) be located in periodical publications; 4) focus on the role of polymorphisms within oxytocin and vasopressin receptor genes in autistic population; 5) provide a clear presentation of the applied methodology; and 6) apply proper methodology. Results: From the 491 studies qualified to the initial abstract analysis, 15 met the six inclusion criteria and were included in the full-text review. Conclusions: The analysis of available literature seems to indicate that there is an association between social cognition dysfunctions in the course of autism and selected alleles of polymorphisms within the OXT receptor AVP 1A receptor genes. However, previous studies neither specify the nature of this association in an unequivocal way nor select genotypes that are the basis for this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Maria Wilczyński
- Pediatric Centre of John Paul II in Sosnowiec Sp. z o.o., Sosnowiec, Poland.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Andrzej Siwiec
- Pediatric Centre of John Paul II in Sosnowiec Sp. z o.o., Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Janas-Kozik
- Pediatric Centre of John Paul II in Sosnowiec Sp. z o.o., Sosnowiec, Poland.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Developmental Age, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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18
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Bozdogan ST, Kutuk MO, Tufan E, Altıntaş Z, Temel GO, Toros F. No Association between Polymorphisms of Vitamin D and Oxytocin Receptor Genes and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in a Sample of Turkish Children. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2018; 16:415-421. [PMID: 30466214 PMCID: PMC6245295 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2018.16.4.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in social skills and communication with repetitive behaviors. Etiology is still unclear although it is thought to develop with interaction of genes and environmental factors. Oxytocin has extensive effects on intrauterine brain development. Vitamin D, affects neural development and differentiation and contributes to the regulation of around 900 genes including oxytocin receptor gene. In the present study, the contribution of D vitamin receptor and oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms in the development of ASD in Turkish community was investigated. To our knowledge, this is the first study examining these two associated genes together in the literature. Methods Eighty-five patients diagnosed with ASD according to DSM-5 who were referred to outpatient clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Başkent University and Mersin University and 52 healthy, age and gender-matched controls were included in the present study. Vitamin D receptor gene rs731236 (Taq1), rs2228570 (Fok1), rs1544410 (Bsm1), rs7975232 (Apa1) polymorphisms and oxytocin receptor gene rs1042778 and rs2268493 polymorphisms were investigated using real time polymerase chain reaction method. Results No significant difference between groups in terms of distribution of genotype and alleles in each of polymorphisms for these genes could be found. Conclusion Knowledge of genes and polymorphisms associated with the development of ASD may be beneficial for early diagnosis and future treatment. Further studies with larger populations are required to demonstrate molecular pathways which may play part in the development of ASD in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevcan Tug Bozdogan
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Meryem Ozlem Kutuk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Başkent University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Evren Tufan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Altıntaş
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Gülhan Orekici Temel
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Fevziye Toros
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
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19
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Cataldo I, Azhari A, Lepri B, Esposito G. Oxytocin receptors (OXTR) and early parental care: An interaction that modulates psychiatric disorders. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 82:27-38. [PMID: 29033100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin plays an important role in the modulation of social behavior in both typical and atypical contexts. Also, the quality of early parental care sets the foundation for long-term psychosocial development. Here, we review studies that investigated how oxytocin receptor (OXTR) interacts with early parental care experiences to influence the development of psychiatric disorders. Using Pubmed, Scopus and PsycInfo databases, we utilized the keyword "OXTR" before subsequently searching for specific OXTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), generating a list of 598 studies in total. The papers were catalogued in a database and filtered for gene-environment interaction, psychiatric disorders and involvement of parental care. In particular, rs53576 and rs2254298 were found to be significantly involved in gene-environment interactions that modulated risk for psychopathology and the following psychiatric disorders: disruptive behavior, depression, anxiety, eating disorder and borderline personality disorder. These results illustrate the importance of OXTR in mediating the impact of parental care on the emergence of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Italy; Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Atiqah Azhari
- Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Bruno Lepri
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Italy; Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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20
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Lopatina OL, Komleva YK, Gorina YV, Higashida H, Salmina AB. Neurobiological Aspects of Face Recognition: The Role of Oxytocin. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:195. [PMID: 30210321 PMCID: PMC6121008 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Face recognition is an important index in the formation of social cognition and neurodevelopment in humans. Changes in face perception and memory are connected with altered sociability, which is a symptom of numerous brain conditions including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Various brain regions and neuropeptides are implicated in face processing. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in various social behaviors, including face and emotion recognition. Nasal OT administration is a promising new therapy that can address social cognition deficits in individuals with ASD. New instrumental neurotechnologies enable the assessment of brain region activation during specific social tasks and therapies, and can characterize the involvement of genes and peptides in impaired neurodevelopment. The present review sought to discuss some of the mechanisms of the face distinguishing process, the ability of OT to modulate social cognition, as well as new perspectives and technologies for research and rehabilitation of face recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga L Lopatina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yulia K Komleva
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Yana V Gorina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.,Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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21
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de Oliveira Pereira Ribeiro L, Vargas-Pinilla P, Kappel DB, Longo D, Ranzan J, Becker MM, dos Santos Riesgo R, Schuler-Faccini L, Roman T, Schuch JB. Evidence for Association Between OXTR Gene and ASD Clinical Phenotypes. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 65:213-221. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1088-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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22
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Cataldo I, Azhari A, Esposito G. A Review of Oxytocin and Arginine-Vasopressin Receptors and Their Modulation of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:27. [PMID: 29487501 PMCID: PMC5816822 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) play a key regulatory part in social and affiliative behaviors; two aspects highly compromised in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Furthermore, variants in the adjacent oxytocin-vasopressin gene regions have been found to be associated with ASD diagnosis and endophenotypes. This review focuses mainly on common OXTr single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), AVPR1a microsatellites and AVPR1b polymorphisms in relation to the development of autism. Although these genes did not surface in genome-wide association studies, evidence supports the hypothesis that these receptors and their polymorphisms are widely involved in the regulation of social behavior, and in modulating neural and physiological pathways contributing to the etiology of ASD. With a specific focus on variants considered to be among the most prevalent in the development of ASD, these issues will be discussed in-depth and suggestions to approach inconsistencies in the present literature will be provided. Translational implications and future directions are deliberated from a short-term and a forward-looking perspective. While the scientific community has made significant progress in enhancing our understanding of ASD, more research is required for the ontology of this disorder to be fully elucidated. By supplementing information related to genetics, highlighting the differences across male and female sexes, this review provides a wider view of the current state of knowledge of OXTr and AVPr mechanisms of functioning, eventually addressing future research in the identification of further risk factors, to build new strategies for early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.,Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Atiqah Azhari
- Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.,Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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23
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Hovey D, Henningsson S, Cortes DS, Bänziger T, Zettergren A, Melke J, Fischer H, Laukka P, Westberg L. Emotion recognition associated with polymorphism in oxytocinergic pathway gene ARNT2. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2018; 13:173-181. [PMID: 29194499 PMCID: PMC5827350 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsx141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to correctly understand the emotional expression of another person is essential for social relationships and appears to be a partly inherited trait. The neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin have been shown to influence this ability as well as face processing in humans. Here, recognition of the emotional content of faces and voices, separately and combined, was investigated in 492 subjects, genotyped for 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in eight genes encoding proteins important for oxytocin and vasopressin neurotransmission. The SNP rs4778599 in the gene encoding aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2 (ARNT2), a transcription factor that participates in the development of hypothalamic oxytocin and vasopressin neurons, showed an association that survived correction for multiple testing with emotion recognition of audio-visual stimuli in women (n = 309). This study demonstrates evidence for an association that further expands previous findings of oxytocin and vasopressin involvement in emotion recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hovey
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanne Henningsson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Diana S Cortes
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tanja Bänziger
- Department of Psychology, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Anna Zettergren
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas Melke
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petri Laukka
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Westberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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24
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Glenn AL, Lochman JE, Dishion T, Powell NP, Boxmeyer C, Qu L. Oxytocin Receptor Gene Variant Interacts with Intervention Delivery Format in Predicting Intervention Outcomes for Youth with Conduct Problems. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2018; 19:38-48. [PMID: 28303421 PMCID: PMC5600646 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-017-0777-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Coping Power is an evidence-based preventive intervention program for youth with aggressive behavior problems that has traditionally been delivered in small group formats. Because of concerns about iatrogenic effects secondary to aggregation of high risk youth, the current study examined whether genetic risk may moderate intervention outcome when youth were randomly assigned to group versus individual formats of an intervention. The oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) has been associated with social behavior and may influence susceptibility to social reinforcement in general and deviant peer influence in particular. One variant of OXTR (rs2268493) was examined in 197 fourth-grade African-American children (64% male) who were randomly assigned to Group Coping Power or Individual Coping Power (Lochman et al. 2015). Longitudinal assessments of teacher- and parent-reported behavior were collected through a 1-year follow-up. Growth curve analyses revealed a genotype by delivery format interaction. Youth with the A/A genotype demonstrated reductions in externalizing problems over the course of the intervention regardless of intervention format. In contrast, carriers of the G allele receiving the group-based intervention showed little improvement during the intervention and a worsening of symptoms during the follow-up year, while those receiving the individual format demonstrated reductions in externalizing problems. Given the associations between this OXTR variant and social bonding, carriers of the G allele may be more sensitive to social rewards from deviant peers in the group setting. This study suggests that genetic factors may be useful in predicting which type of intervention will be most effective for a particular individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Glenn
- Center for the Prevention of Youth Behavior Problems, Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA.
| | - John E Lochman
- Center for the Prevention of Youth Behavior Problems, Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
| | - Thomas Dishion
- Arizona State University, P.O. Box 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287-1104, USA
| | - Nicole P Powell
- Center for the Prevention of Youth Behavior Problems, Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
| | - Caroline Boxmeyer
- Center for the Prevention of Youth Behavior Problems, Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
| | - Lixin Qu
- Center for the Prevention of Youth Behavior Problems, Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
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25
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Pease LI, Clegg PD, Proctor CJ, Shanley DJ, Cockell SJ, Peffers MJ. Cross platform analysis of transcriptomic data identifies ageing has distinct and opposite effects on tendon in males and females. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14443. [PMID: 29089527 PMCID: PMC5663855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of tendinopathy is influenced by a variety of factors including age, gender, sex hormones and diabetes status. Cross platform comparative analysis of transcriptomic data elucidated the connections between these entities in the context of ageing. Tissue-engineered tendons differentiated from bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells from young (20-24 years) and old (54-70 years) donors were assayed using ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq). Extension of the experiment to microarray and RNA-seq data from tendon identified gender specific gene expression changes highlighting disparity with existing literature and published pathways. Separation of RNA-seq data by sex revealed underlying negative binomial distributions which increased statistical power. Sex specific de novo transcriptome assemblies generated fewer larger transcripts that contained miRNAs, lincRNAs and snoRNAs. The results identify that in old males decreased expression of CRABP2 leads to cell proliferation, whereas in old females it leads to cellular senescence. In conjunction with existing literature the results explain gender disparity in the development and types of degenerative diseases as well as highlighting a wide range of considerations for the analysis of transcriptomic data. Wider implications are that degenerative diseases may need to be treated differently in males and females because alternative mechanisms may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise I Pease
- MRC - Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter D Clegg
- MRC - Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Liverpool, UK
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, The University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Carole J Proctor
- MRC - Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Daryl J Shanley
- MRC - Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Liverpool, UK
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Simon J Cockell
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Bioinformatics Support Unit, Framlington Place, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Mandy J Peffers
- MRC - Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Liverpool, UK.
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, The University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
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26
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Harrison AM. Altruism as Reparation of Mismatch or Disruption in the Self. PSYCHOANALYTIC INQUIRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/07351690.2017.1362922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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27
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Baribeau DA, Dupuis A, Paton TA, Scherer SW, Schachar RJ, Arnold PD, Szatmari P, Nicolson R, Georgiades S, Crosbie J, Brian J, Iaboni A, Lerch J, Anagnostou E. Oxytocin Receptor Polymorphisms are Differentially Associated with Social Abilities across Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11618. [PMID: 28912494 PMCID: PMC5599599 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10821-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a pituitary neuropeptide that affects social behaviour. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) have been shown to explain some variability in social abilities in control populations. Whether these variants similarly contribute to the severity of social deficits experienced by children with neurodevelopmental disorders is unclear. Social abilities were assessed in a group of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n = 341) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n = 276) using two established social measures. Scores were compared by OXTR genotype (rs53576, rs237887, rs13316193, rs2254298). Unexpectedly, the two most frequently studied OXTR SNPs in the general population (rs53576 and rs2254298) were associated with an increased severity of social deficits in ASD (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0005), yet fewer social deficits in ADHD (p = 0.007 and p < 0.0001). We conclude that these genetic modifier alleles are not inherently risk-conferring with respect to their impact on social abilities; molecular investigations are greatly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annie Dupuis
- Department of Biostatistics Design and Analysis, The Hospital for Sick Children, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara A Paton
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Russell J Schachar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul D Arnold
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Departments of Psychiatry & Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rob Nicolson
- The Children's Health Research Institute and Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Chedoke Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Crosbie
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alana Iaboni
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Lerch
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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28
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Additive effects of oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms on reward circuitry in youth with autism. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1134-1139. [PMID: 27843152 PMCID: PMC5991611 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Several common alleles in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) are associated with altered brain function in reward circuitry in neurotypical adults and may increase risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Yet, it is currently unknown how variation in the OXTR relates to brain functioning in individuals with ASD, and, critically, whether neural endophenotypes vary as a function of aggregate genetic risk. Here, for we believe the first time, we use a multi-locus approach to examine how genetic variation across several OXTR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affect functional connectivity of the brain's reward network. Using data from 41 children with ASD and 41 neurotypical children, we examined functional connectivity of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) - a hub of the reward network - focusing on how connectivity varies with OXTR risk-allele dosage. Youth with ASD showed reduced NAcc connectivity with other areas in the reward circuit as a function of increased OXTR risk-allele dosage, as well as a positive association between risk-allele dosage and symptom severity, whereas neurotypical youth showed increased NAcc connectivity with frontal brain regions involved in mentalizing. In addition, we found that increased NAcc-frontal cortex connectivity in typically developing youth was related to better scores on a standardized measure of social functioning. Our results indicate that cumulative genetic variation on the OXTR impacts reward system connectivity in both youth with ASD and neurotypical controls. By showing differential genetic effects on neuroendophenotypes, these pathways elucidate mechanisms of vulnerability versus resilience in carriers of disease-associated risk alleles.
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29
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Kasper C, Vierbuchen M, Ernst U, Fischer S, Radersma R, Raulo A, Cunha-Saraiva F, Wu M, Mobley KB, Taborsky B. Genetics and developmental biology of cooperation. Mol Ecol 2017. [PMID: 28626971 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite essential progress towards understanding the evolution of cooperative behaviour, we still lack detailed knowledge about its underlying molecular mechanisms, genetic basis, evolutionary dynamics and ontogeny. An international workshop "Genetics and Development of Cooperation," organized by the University of Bern (Switzerland), aimed at discussing the current progress in this research field and suggesting avenues for future research. This review uses the major themes of the meeting as a springboard to synthesize the concepts of genetic and nongenetic inheritance of cooperation, and to review a quantitative genetic framework that allows for the inclusion of indirect genetic effects. Furthermore, we argue that including nongenetic inheritance, such as transgenerational epigenetic effects, parental effects, ecological and cultural inheritance, provides a more nuanced view of the evolution of cooperation. We summarize those genes and molecular pathways in a range of species that seem promising candidates for mechanisms underlying cooperative behaviours. Concerning the neurobiological substrate of cooperation, we suggest three cognitive skills necessary for the ability to cooperate: (i) event memory, (ii) synchrony with others and (iii) responsiveness to others. Taking a closer look at the developmental trajectories that lead to the expression of cooperative behaviours, we discuss the dichotomy between early morphological specialization in social insects and more flexible behavioural specialization in cooperatively breeding vertebrates. Finally, we provide recommendations for which biological systems and species may be particularly suitable, which specific traits and parameters should be measured, what type of approaches should be followed, and which methods should be employed in studies of cooperation to better understand how cooperation evolves and manifests in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Kasper
- Institute for Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrich Ernst
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Fischer
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Aura Raulo
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Filipa Cunha-Saraiva
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoology and Evolution, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kenyon B Mobley
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Barbara Taborsky
- Institute for Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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30
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Holmqvist Jämsen S, Johansson A, Westberg L, Santtila P, von der Pahlen B, Simberg S. Associations Between Vocal Symptoms and Genetic Variants in the Oxytocin Receptor and Arginine Vasopressin 1A Receptor Gene. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2017; 60:1843-1854. [PMID: 28687839 DOI: 10.1044/2016_jslhr-s-16-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Oxytocin and arginine vasopressin are associated with different aspects of the stress response. As stress is regarded as a risk factor for vocal symptoms, we wanted to explore the association between the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and arginine vasopressin 1A receptor gene (AVPR1A) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and vocal symptoms. We also wanted to explore whether such effects might be mediated by cortisol because oxytocin and vasopressin are associated with cortisol levels. METHOD A population-based sample (N = 657) of Finnish twins (born 1961-1989) completed a web questionnaire on the occurrence of vocal symptoms. A total of 170 participants submitted saliva samples for hormone analysis. A total of 20 OXTR and AVPR1A SNPs were analyzed. RESULTS Three OXTR polymorphisms (rs2270465, rs2268493, rs7632287) and 2 AVPR1A polymorphisms (rs1587097, rs1042615) showed nominal effects (p < .05) on vocal symptoms, of which 1 (rs1587097) remained significant after correcting for multiple testing (p = .003). We found potential mediation of the effect of the OXTR rs2268493 polymorphism on vocal symptoms through levels of cortisol. CONCLUSIONS The associations between variants of OXTR and AVPR1A and vocal symptoms indicate that oxytocin and vasopressin might influence vocal symptoms. The effect of oxytocin seems to be partly mediated through cortisol actions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ada Johansson
- Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FinlandDepartment of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Turku, FinlandDepartment of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars Westberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pekka Santtila
- Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Susanna Simberg
- Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FinlandDepartment of Special Needs Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
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31
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Klein M, van Donkelaar M, Verhoef E, Franke B. Imaging genetics in neurodevelopmental psychopathology. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2017; 174:485-537. [PMID: 29984470 PMCID: PMC7170264 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are defined by highly heritable problems during development and brain growth. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and intellectual disability (ID) are frequent neurodevelopmental disorders, with common comorbidity among them. Imaging genetics studies on the role of disease-linked genetic variants on brain structure and function have been performed to unravel the etiology of these disorders. Here, we reviewed imaging genetics literature on these disorders attempting to understand the mechanisms of individual disorders and their clinical overlap. For ADHD and ASD, we selected replicated candidate genes implicated through common genetic variants. For ID, which is mainly caused by rare variants, we included genes for relatively frequent forms of ID occurring comorbid with ADHD or ASD. We reviewed case-control studies and studies of risk variants in healthy individuals. Imaging genetics studies for ADHD were retrieved for SLC6A3/DAT1, DRD2, DRD4, NOS1, and SLC6A4/5HTT. For ASD, studies on CNTNAP2, MET, OXTR, and SLC6A4/5HTT were found. For ID, we reviewed the genes FMR1, TSC1 and TSC2, NF1, and MECP2. Alterations in brain volume, activity, and connectivity were observed. Several findings were consistent across studies, implicating, for example, SLC6A4/5HTT in brain activation and functional connectivity related to emotion regulation. However, many studies had small sample sizes, and hypothesis-based, brain region-specific studies were common. Results from available studies confirm that imaging genetics can provide insight into the link between genes, disease-related behavior, and the brain. However, the field is still in its early stages, and conclusions about shared mechanisms cannot yet be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Klein
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein van Donkelaar
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Verhoef
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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32
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Yang S, Dong X, Guo X, Han Y, Song H, Gao L, Dai W, Su Y, Zhang X. Serum Oxytocin Levels and an Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism (rs2254298) Indicate Social Deficits in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:221. [PMID: 28484366 PMCID: PMC5399030 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) and its receptor (OXTR) have been predicted to be involved in the regulation of social functioning in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Objective of the study was to investigate serum OT levels and the OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism in Chinese Han children and adolescents with ASD as well as to identify their social deficits relevant to the oxytocinergic system. We tested serum OT levels using ELISA in 55 ASD subjects and 110 typically developing (TD) controls as well as genotyped the OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism using PCR-RFLP in 100 ASD subjects and 232 TD controls. Autistic symptoms were assessed by the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). There were no significant associations between OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism and ASD, serum OT levels and age, as well as serum OT levels and intelligent quotient (IQ) in both ASD and TD groups. However, ASD subjects exhibited elevated serum OT levels compared to TD controls and positive correlations between serum OT levels and “adaptation to change score” in the CARS and CARS total scores. Moreover, in the ASD group, significant relationships were revealed between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2254298 and serum OT levels, the category “stereotypes and object use” in the ABC and the category “adaptation to change” in the CARS. These findings indicated that individuals with ASD may exhibit a dysregulation in OT on the basis of changes in OXTR gene expression as well as environmentally induced alterations of the oxytocinergic system to determine their social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhan Yang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Xiaopeng Dong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Xuan Guo
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Hanbing Song
- Department of Applied Science, The College of William and MaryWilliamsburg, VA, USA
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Su
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjin, China
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33
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Genes Related to Oxytocin and Arginine-Vasopressin Pathways: Associations with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2017; 33:238-246. [PMID: 28283809 PMCID: PMC5360847 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-017-0120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behavior. Although the mechanisms underlying its etiology and manifestations are poorly understood, several lines of evidence from rodent and human studies suggest involvement of the evolutionarily highly-conserved oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP), as these neuropeptides modulate various aspects of mammalian social behavior. As far as we know, there is no comprehensive review of the roles of the OXT and AVP systems in the development of ASD from the genetic aspect. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding associations between ASD and single-nucleotide variants of the human OXT-AVP pathway genes OXT, AVP, AVP receptor 1a (AVPR1a), OXT receptor (OXTR), the oxytocinase/vasopressinase (LNPEP), and ADP-ribosyl cyclase (CD38).
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34
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Francis SM, Kim SJ, Kistner-Griffin E, Guter S, Cook EH, Jacob S. ASD and Genetic Associations with Receptors for Oxytocin and Vasopressin- AVPR1A, AVPR1B, and OXTR. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:516. [PMID: 27920663 PMCID: PMC5118619 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There are limited treatments available for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies have reported significant associations between the receptor genes of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) and ASD diagnosis, as well as ASD-related phenotypes. Researchers have also found the manipulation of these systems affects social and repetitive behaviors, core characteristics of ASD. Consequently, research involving the oxytocin/vasopressin pathways as intervention targets has increased. Therefore, further examination into the relationship between these neuropeptides and ASD was undertaken. In this study, we examined associations between variants in the receptor genes of vasopressin (AVPR1A, AVPR1B), oxytocin (OXTR), and ASD diagnosis along with related subphenotypes. Methods: Probands were assessed using Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, and clinical DSM-IV-TR criteria. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AVPR1B and OXTR, and microsatellites in AVPR1A were genotyped in ~200 families with a proband with ASD. Family-based association testing (FBAT) was utilized to determine associations between variants and ASD. Haplotypes composed of OXTR SNPs (i.e., rs53576-rs2254298-rs2268493) were also analyzed due to previously published associations. Results: Using the additive inheritance model in FBAT we found associations between AVPR1B SNPs (rs28632197, p = 0.005, rs35369693, p = 0.025) and diagnosis. As in other studies, OXTR rs2268493 (p = 0.050) was associated with diagnosis. rs2268493 was also associated with ASD subphenotypes of social withdrawal (p = 0.013) and Insistence on Sameness (p = 0.039). Further analyses demonstrated that the haplotype, rs2254298–rs2268493 was found to be significantly associated with diagnosis (A-T; p = 0.026). FBAT was also used to analyze AVPR1A microsatellites (RS1 and RS3). Both length variants were found to be associated with restrictive, repetitive behaviors, but not overall diagnosis. Correction for multiple comparisons was performed for SNPs tested in each gene region, only AVPR1B SNPs remained significantly associated with ASD diagnosis. Conclusions: Autism is a heterogeneous disorder with many genes and pathways that contribute to its development. SNPs and microsatellites in the receptor genes of OT and AVP are associated with ASD diagnosis and measures of social behavior as well as restricted repetitive behaviors. We reported a novel association with ASD and AVPR1B SNPs. Understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships may be helpful in the development of pharmacological interventions for the OT/AVP system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunday M Francis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Soo-Jeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington WA, USA
| | - Emily Kistner-Griffin
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stephen Guter
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Juvenile Research, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edwin H Cook
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Juvenile Research, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Suma Jacob
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
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35
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Verhallen RJ, Bosten JM, Goodbourn PT, Lawrance-Owen AJ, Bargary G, Mollon JD. The Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) and Face Recognition. Psychol Sci 2016; 28:47-55. [DOI: 10.1177/0956797616672269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent study has linked individual differences in face recognition to rs237887, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the oxytocin receptor gene ( OXTR; Skuse et al., 2014). In that study, participants were assessed using the Warrington Recognition Memory Test for Faces, but performance on Warrington’s test has been shown not to rely purely on face recognition processes. We administered the widely used Cambridge Face Memory Test—a purer test of face recognition—to 370 participants. Performance was not significantly associated with rs237887, with 16 other SNPs of OXTR that we genotyped, or with a further 75 imputed SNPs. We also administered three other tests of face processing (the Mooney Face Test, the Glasgow Face Matching Test, and the Composite Face Test), but performance was never significantly associated with rs237887 or with any of the other genotyped or imputed SNPs, after corrections for multiple testing. In addition, we found no associations between OXTR and Autism-Spectrum Quotient scores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny M. Bosten
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex
| | - Patrick T. Goodbourn
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne
| | | | - Gary Bargary
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge
- Division of Optometry and Visual Science, City University London
| | - J. D. Mollon
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge
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36
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Kosaka H, Okamoto Y, Munesue T, Yamasue H, Inohara K, Fujioka T, Anme T, Orisaka M, Ishitobi M, Jung M, Fujisawa TX, Tanaka S, Arai S, Asano M, Saito DN, Sadato N, Tomoda A, Omori M, Sato M, Okazawa H, Higashida H, Wada Y. Oxytocin efficacy is modulated by dosage and oxytocin receptor genotype in young adults with high-functioning autism: a 24-week randomized clinical trial. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e872. [PMID: 27552585 PMCID: PMC5022092 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [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: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that long-term oxytocin administration can alleviate the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, factors influencing its efficacy are still unclear. We conducted a single-center phase 2, pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial in young adults with high-functioning ASD, to determine whether oxytocin dosage and genetic background of the oxytocin receptor affects oxytocin efficacy. This trial consisted of double-blind (12 weeks), open-label (12 weeks) and follow-up phases (8 weeks). To examine dose dependency, 60 participants were randomly assigned to high-dose (32 IU per day) or low-dose intranasal oxytocin (16 IU per day), or placebo groups during the double-blind phase. Next, we measured single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). In the intention-to-treat population, no outcomes were improved after oxytocin administration. However, in male participants, Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scores in the high-dose group, but not the low-dose group, were significantly higher than in the placebo group. Furthermore, we examined whether oxytocin efficacy, reflected in the CGI-I scores, is influenced by estimated daily dosage and OXTR polymorphisms in male participants. We found that >21 IU per day oxytocin was more effective than ⩽21 IU per day, and that a SNP in OXTR (rs6791619) predicted CGI-I scores for ⩽21 IU per day oxytocin treatment. No severe adverse events occurred. These results suggest that efficacy of long-term oxytocin administration in young men with high-functioning ASD depends on the oxytocin dosage and genetic background of the oxytocin receptor, which contributes to the effectiveness of oxytocin treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kosaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji 910-1193, Fukui, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Y Okamoto
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - T Munesue
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - H Yamasue
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Inohara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Department of Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Japan
| | - T Fujioka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - T Anme
- International Community Care and Lifespan Development, Empowerment Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - M Orisaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - M Ishitobi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - M Jung
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - T X Fujisawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - S Tanaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - S Arai
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - M Asano
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - D N Saito
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - N Sadato
- Department of Cerebral Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - A Tomoda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - M Omori
- Faculty of Nursing and Social Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - M Sato
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan
| | - H Okazawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
| | - H Higashida
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Y Wada
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Japan
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37
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Dumais KM, Veenema AH. Vasopressin and oxytocin receptor systems in the brain: Sex differences and sex-specific regulation of social behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 40:1-23. [PMID: 25951955 PMCID: PMC4633405 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptides vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) and their receptors in the brain are involved in the regulation of various social behaviors and have emerged as drug targets for the treatment of social dysfunction in several sex-biased neuropsychiatric disorders. Sex differences in the VP and OT systems may therefore be implicated in sex-specific regulation of healthy as well as impaired social behaviors. We begin this review by highlighting the sex differences, or lack of sex differences, in VP and OT synthesis in the brain. We then discuss the evidence showing the presence or absence of sex differences in VP and OT receptors in rodents and humans, as well as showing new data of sexually dimorphic V1a receptor binding in the rat brain. Importantly, we find that there is lack of comprehensive analysis of sex differences in these systems in common laboratory species, and we find that, when sex differences are present, they are highly brain region- and species-specific. Interestingly, VP system parameters (VP and V1aR) are typically higher in males, while sex differences in the OT system are not always in the same direction, often showing higher OT expression in females, but higher OT receptor expression in males. Furthermore, VP and OT receptor systems show distinct and largely non-overlapping expression in the rodent brain, which may cause these receptors to have either complementary or opposing functional roles in the sex-specific regulation of social behavior. Though still in need of further research, we close by discussing how manipulations of the VP and OT systems have given important insights into the involvement of these neuropeptide systems in the sex-specific regulation of social behavior in rodents and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Dumais
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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Lee SY, Lee AR, Hwangbo R, Han J, Hong M, Bahn GH. Is Oxytocin Application for Autism Spectrum Disorder Evidence-Based? Exp Neurobiol 2015; 24:312-24. [PMID: 26713079 PMCID: PMC4688331 DOI: 10.5607/en.2015.24.4.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits within two core symptom domains: social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Although numerous studies have reported psychopharmacological treatment outcomes for the core symptom domains of ASD, there are not enough studies on fundamental treatments based on the etiological pathology of ASD. Studies on candidate medications related to the pathogenesis of ASD, such as naltrexone and secretin, were conducted, but the results were inconclusive. Oxytocin has been identified as having an important role in maternal behavior and attachment, and it has been recognized as a key factor in the social developmental deficit seen in ASD. Genetic studies have also identified associations between ASD and the oxytocin pathway. As ASD has its onset in infancy, parents are willing to try even experimental or unapproved treatments in an effort to avoid missing the critical period for diagnosis and treatment, which can place their child in an irreversible state. While therapeutic application of oxytocin for ASD is in its early stages, we have concluded that oxytocin would be a promising therapeutic substance via a thorough literature review focusing on the following: the relationship between oxytocin and sociality; single nucleotide polymorphisms as a biological marker of ASD; and validity verification of oxytocin treatment in humans. We also reviewed materials related to the mechanism of oxytocin action that may support its potential application in treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yup Lee
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02543, Korea
| | - Ah Rah Lee
- Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02543, Korea
| | - Ram Hwangbo
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Juhee Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Minha Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Seonam University, College of Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Goyang 10475, Korea
| | - Geon Ho Bahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Korea
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Bartholomeusz CF, Ganella EP, Labuschagne I, Bousman C, Pantelis C. Effects of oxytocin and genetic variants on brain and behaviour: Implications for treatment in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2015; 168:614-27. [PMID: 26123171 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Impairments in social cognition and poor social functioning are core features of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. In recent years, there has been a move towards developing new treatment strategies that specifically target social cognitive and social behavioural deficits. Oxytocin (OXT) is one such strategy that has gained increasing attention. There is a strong rationale for studying OXT in psychosis, from both an evolutionary perspective and neurodevelopmental-cognitive model of schizophrenia. Thus, the aim of this review was to critique and examine the observational and clinical oxytocin trial literature in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. A handful of clinical trials suggest that OXT treatment may be beneficial for remediating social cognitive impairments, psychiatric symptoms, and improving social outcomes. However, inconsistencies exist in this literature, which may be explained by individual differences in the underlying neural response to OXT treatment and/or variation in the oxytocin and oxytocin receptor genes. Therefore, we additionally reviewed the evidence for structural and functional neural intermediate phenotypes in humans that link genetic variants to social behaviour/thinking, and discuss the implications of such interactions in the context of dysfunctional brain networks in schizophrenia. Factors that pose challenges for future OXT clinical research include the impact of age, sex, and ancestry, task-specific effects, bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, as well as neurotransmitter and drug interactions. While initial findings from OXT single dose/clinical trial studies are promising, more interdisciplinary research in both healthy and psychiatric populations is needed before determining whether OXT is a viable treatment option/adjunct for addressing poor illness outcomes in psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cali F Bartholomeusz
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and the Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Eleni P Ganella
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and the Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia
| | - Izelle Labuschagne
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chad Bousman
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia; Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christos Pantelis
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia; Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Ayaz AB, Karkucak M, Ayaz M, Gokce S, Kayan E, Güler EE, Güngen BD, Kuşcu TD, Ocakoğlu G, Yakut T. Oxytocin system social function impacts in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2015; 168:609-16. [PMID: 26174935 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To investigate relationships between the polymorphisms and social functioning of children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to the polymorphism of three oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genes (rs53576, rs13316193, and and rs2268493). A total of 198 children-studying in the same primary and secondary school and matched in terms of age and gender (99 ADHD, 99 control)-were included in this study. The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version was administered to establish the clinical diagnosis. The Social Reciprocity Scale (SRS) was applied to evaluate social functioning. The total genomic DNA was isolated from buccal mucosa samples. No significant differences were determined between the ADHD and control groups in terms of rs2268493, rs13316193, and rs53576 genotype distribution (P = 0.078, P = 0.330, and P = 0.149, respectively). However, the control group T allele frequency in the OXTR Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) rs2268493 was significantly higher than the ADHD group (P = 0.024). Compared to the control group, the ADHD group had a higher score on the SRS scale (SRS total; Z = -21,135, P < 0.001). No significant difference existed in the SRS scale scores between the children with the T/T genotype and the C allele in the ADHD group (SRS total; Z = -0.543, P = 0.587). The allele distribution of the OXTR gene SNP rs2268493 was significantly different in the ADHD group, compared to the control group. This observation is important in understanding the underlying biological infrastructure in ADHD and developing treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Burcu Ayaz
- Department of Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry, Marmara University Pendik Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mutlu Karkucak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sakarya University Research and Training Hospital Hospital, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Ayaz
- Department of Child Development, School of Health Sciences, Istanbul Arel University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sebla Gokce
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erenkoy Psychiatry and Neurology Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esengul Kayan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Canakkale State Hospital, Canakkale, Turkey
| | - Elif Erol Güler
- Clinic of Psychology, Sakarya University Research and Training Hospital Hospital, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Belma Doğan Güngen
- Department of Neurology, Sakarya University Research and Training Hospital Hospital, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Tugba Didem Kuşcu
- Department of Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry, Marmara University Pendik Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Ocakoğlu
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Tahsin Yakut
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
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Mor M, Nardone S, Sams DS, Elliott E. Hypomethylation of miR-142 promoter and upregulation of microRNAs that target the oxytocin receptor gene in the autism prefrontal cortex. Mol Autism 2015; 6:46. [PMID: 26273428 PMCID: PMC4535255 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that regulate the translation of protein from gene transcripts and are a powerful mechanism to regulate gene networks. Next-generation sequencing technologies have produced important insights into gene transcription changes that occur in the brain of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (asd). However, these technologies have not yet been employed to uncover changes in microRNAs in the brain of individuals diagnosed with asd. Methods Small RNA next-generation sequencing was performed on RNA extracted from 12 human autism brain samples and 12 controls. Real-time PCR was used to validate a sample of the differentially expressed microRNAs, and bioinformatic analysis determined common pathways of gene targets. MicroRNA expression data was correlated to genome-wide DNA methylation data to determine if there is epigenetic regulation of dysregulated microRNAs in the autism brain. Luciferase assays, real-time PCR, and Western blot analysis were used to determine how dysregulated microRNAs may regulate the expression and translation of an autism-related gene transcript. Results We determined that miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-451a, miR-144-3p, and miR-21-5p are overexpressed in the asd brain. Furthermore, the promoter region of the miR-142 gene is hypomethylated in the same brain samples, suggesting that epigenetics plays a role in dysregulation of microRNAs in the brain. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these microRNAs target genes that are involved in synaptic function. Further bioinformatic analysis, coupled with in vitro luciferase assays, determined that miR-451a and miR-21-5p can target the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene. OXTR gene expression is increased in these same brain samples, and there is a positive correlation between miR-21-5p and OXTR expression. However, miR-21-5p expression negatively correlates to production of OXTR protein from the OXTR transcript. Therefore, we suggest that miR-21-5p may attenuate OXTR expression in the human autism brain. Conclusions Our data suggests that dysregulation of microRNAs may play a biological role in the brain of individuals of autism. In addition, we suggest an interaction between epigenetic mechanisms and microRNA dysregulation in the brain. Overall, this data adds an important link in our understanding of the molecular events that are dysregulated in the brain of individuals diagnosed with autism. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-015-0040-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Mor
- Bar Ilan University Faculty of Medicine, Hanrieta Sold 8, Safed, 13215 Israel
| | - Stefano Nardone
- Bar Ilan University Faculty of Medicine, Hanrieta Sold 8, Safed, 13215 Israel
| | - Dev Sharan Sams
- Bar Ilan University Faculty of Medicine, Hanrieta Sold 8, Safed, 13215 Israel
| | - Evan Elliott
- Bar Ilan University Faculty of Medicine, Hanrieta Sold 8, Safed, 13215 Israel
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Enami N, Itaya-Hironaka A, Yamauchi A, Sakuramoto-Tsuchida S, Takasawa S, Takahashi Y. The CD38 genotype (rs1800561 (4693C>T): R140W) is associated with an increased risk of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Early Hum Dev 2015; 91:467-70. [PMID: 26025338 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Preterm birth (PTB)/admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a complex disorder associated with significant neonatal mortality and morbidity and long-term adverse health consequences. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that genetic factors play an important role in its etiology. AIM Given the role of CD38 in term delivery through oxytocin (OXT) release, we hypothesized that OXT signaling may play a role in the etiology of PTB/admission to the NICU. This study was designed to identify genetic variation in the CD38-oxytocin pathway associated with PTB/admission to the NICU. METHODS To identify common genetic variants predisposing individuals to PTB/admission to the NICU, we genotyped two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CD38-oxytocin pathway in 63 case mothers, 55 control mothers, and 188 female volunteers in Nara Medical University Hospital, Japan. RESULTS Maternal genetic effect analysis of the SNP genotype data revealed a significant association between an SNP in CD38 (rs1800561 (4693C>T): R140W), which was reported to be correlated with diabetes and autism, and the risk of NICU admission. On the other hand, an SNP in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) (rs2254298) showed no correlation with the risk of NICU admission. CONCLUSION Our study points to an association between maternal common polymorphisms in the CD38 (rs1800561) gene in Japanese women and susceptibility to PTB/admission to the NICU. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the findings of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuko Enami
- Division of Neonatal Intensive Care, Perinatal Center, Nara Medical University Hospital, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
| | | | - Akiyo Yamauchi
- Department of Biochemistry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | | | - Shin Takasawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan.
| | - Yukihiro Takahashi
- Division of Neonatal Intensive Care, Perinatal Center, Nara Medical University Hospital, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
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Schaschl H, Huber S, Schaefer K, Windhager S, Wallner B, Fieder M. Signatures of positive selection in the cis-regulatory sequences of the human oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1A) genes. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:85. [PMID: 25968600 PMCID: PMC4429470 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0372-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evolutionary highly conserved neurohypophyseal hormones oxytocin and arginine vasopressin play key roles in regulating social cognition and behaviours. The effects of these two peptides are meditated by their specific receptors, which are encoded by the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and arginine vasopressin receptor 1a genes (AVPR1A), respectively. In several species, polymorphisms in these genes have been linked to various behavioural traits. Little, however, is known about whether positive selection acts on sequence variants in genes influencing variation in human behaviours. RESULTS We identified, in both neuroreceptor genes, signatures of balancing selection in the cis-regulative acting sequences such as transcription factor binding and enhancer sequences, as well as in a transcriptional repressor sequence motif. Additionally, in the intron 3 of the OXTR gene, the SNP rs59190448 appears to be under positive directional selection. For rs59190448, only one phenotypical association is known so far, but it is in high LD' (>0.8) with loci of known association; i.e., variants associated with key pro-social behaviours and mental disorders in humans. CONCLUSIONS Only for one SNP on the OXTR gene (rs59190448) was a sign of positive directional selection detected with all three methods of selection detection. For rs59190448, however, only one phenotypical association is known, but rs59190448 is in high LD' (>0.8), with variants associated with important pro-social behaviours and mental disorders in humans. We also detected various signatures of balancing selection on both neuroreceptor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Schaschl
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Susanne Huber
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katrin Schaefer
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sonja Windhager
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Bernard Wallner
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Cognitive Science Platform at the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martin Fieder
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Kim YR, Kim JH, Kim CH, Shin JG, Treasure J. Association between the oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs53576) and bulimia nervosa. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2015; 23:171-8. [PMID: 25773927 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oxytocin circuits are implicated in the regulation of appetite and weight. Variants in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene have been associated with bulimic behaviour. This study aimed to investigate the association between the OXTR gene and eating disorders. METHOD We genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs53576, rs237879, rs2228485, rs13316193, rs2254298 and rs1042778, located within the OXTR gene in Korean patients with eating disorders using the single-base extension method. We studied a total of 262 women, including 69 patients with anorexia nervosa, 90 patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), and 103 healthy women. RESULTS We found a positive association between the G allele of OXTR rs53576 and BN. In the BN group, the G carriers showed a high score on the behavioural inhibition system. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest the involvement of the oxytocinergic system in the mechanism that underlies BN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youl-Ri Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Eating Disorders and Mental Health, Inje University, Seoul, South Korea
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Ebner NC, Kamin H, Diaz V, Cohen RA, MacDonald K. Hormones as "difference makers" in cognitive and socioemotional aging processes. Front Psychol 2015; 5:1595. [PMID: 25657633 PMCID: PMC4302708 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with well-recognized alterations in brain function, some of which are reflected in cognitive decline. While less appreciated, there is also considerable evidence of socioemotional changes later in life, some of which are beneficial. In this review, we examine age-related changes and individual differences in four neuroendocrine systems-cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and oxytocin-as "difference makers" in these processes. This suite of interrelated hormonal systems actively coordinates regulatory processes in brain and behavior throughout development, and their level and function fluctuate during the aging process. Despite these facts, their specific impact in cognitive and socioemotional aging has received relatively limited study. It is known that chronically elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol exert neurotoxic effects on the aging brain with negative impacts on cognition and socioemotional functioning. In contrast, the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone appear to have neuroprotective effects in cognitive aging, but may decrease prosociality. Higher levels of the neuropeptide oxytocin benefit socioemotional functioning, but little is known about the effects of oxytocin on cognition or about age-related changes in the oxytocin system. In this paper, we will review the role of these hormones in the context of cognitive and socioemotional aging. In particular, we address the aforementioned gap in the literature by: (1) examining both singular actions and interrelations of these four hormonal systems; (2) exploring their correlations and causal relationships with aspects of cognitive and socioemotional aging; and (3) considering multilevel internal and external influences on these hormone systems within the framework of explanatory pluralism. We conclude with a discussion of promising future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA ; Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hayley Kamin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Vanessa Diaz
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ronald A Cohen
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kai MacDonald
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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