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Kalcev G, Scano A, Orrù G, Primavera D, Cossu G, Nardi AE, Carta MG. Is a Genetic Variant associated with Bipolar Disorder Frequent in People without Bipolar Disorder but with Characteristics of Hyperactivity and Novelty Seeking? Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2023; 19:e174501792303280. [PMID: 37916199 PMCID: PMC10351339 DOI: 10.2174/17450179-v19-e230419-2022-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective The objective is to verify whether a genetic condition associated with bipolar disorder (BD) is frequent in old adults adapted to their environment, without BD, but with aptitudes for hyperactivity and novelty seeking (H/NS). Methods In this cross-sectional study, the study sample included healthy elderly people (40 participants, aged 60 or older) living in an urban area and recruited from a previous study on physical exercise and active aging, who were compared with 21 old adults with BD from the same area. The genetic methodology consisted of blood sampling, DNA extraction, real-time PCR jointly with FRET probes, and the SANGER sequencing method. The genetic variant RS1006737 of CACNA1C, found to be associated with bipolar disorder diagnosis, was investigated. Results The frequency of the RS1006737 genetic variant in the study group (H/NS) is not higher than in the BD group and is statistically significantly higher than in all the control groups found in the literature. However, the familiarity for BD is higher in old adults with BD than in the H/NS sample without BD. The risk of BD in the family (also considering those without BD but with family members with BD) is not associated with the presence of the genetic variant examined. Conclusion The study suggests that the gene examined is associated with characteristics of hyperactivity rather than just BD. Nevertheless, choosing to participate in an exercise program is an excessively general way to identify H/NS. The next step would be to identify the old adults with well-defined H/NS features with an adequate tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goce Kalcev
- Department of Innovation Sciences and Technology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Diego Primavera
- Azienda Regionale della Salute (ARES, Sardegna), Medio Campidano, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Laboratory Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry (Ipub), Federal University of Rio De Janeiro (Ufrj), Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Kalcev G, Cossu G, Preti A, Littera MT, Frau S, Primavera D, Zaccheddu R, Matza V, Ermellino M, Pintus E, Carta MG. Development and Validation of the Questionnaire for Adaptive Hyperactivity and Goal Achievement (AHGA). Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2023; 19:e174501792303281. [PMID: 37916197 PMCID: PMC10351347 DOI: 10.2174/17450179-v19-e230419-2022-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective This paper illustrates the preliminary psychometric properties of the Questionnaire for Adaptive Hyperactivity and Goal Achievement (AHGA), aimed at measuring adaptive characteristics of hyperactivity and goal pursuit in older adults. Methods The 12-item scale was administered to a sample of 120 subjects (older adults) between February 2022 and June 2022. The reliability of AHGA was measured using Cronbach's alpha, and factor structure was established using parallel analysis (PA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Convergent validity was tested against the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN). Results All included subjects have an average age of 74.1±5.1 years. AHGA reliability was good (Cronbach's alpha: 0.713 [95%CI: 0.630 to 0.783]). Factor analysis suggested two main components: goal achievement and hyperactivity, which explained 41% of the variance in the data. The results support the convergent validity of the scale: AHGA measures adaptive characteristics of hyperactivity and goal pursuit, in contrast to BRIAN, which measures pathological characteristics. Conclusion The reported findings represent an innovative approach to hyperthymic features by embracing a broader spectrum concept that conceptualizes the potential transition between pathological and adaptive aspects as a continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goce Kalcev
- Department of Innovation Sciences and Technologies at the University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Preti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Stèphanie Frau
- Department of Psychology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Diego Primavera
- Azienda Regionale della Salute (ARES, Sardegna), Medio Campidano, Italy
| | - Rosanna Zaccheddu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisa Pintus
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mauro G. Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Scano A, Kalcev G, Piras M, Fais S, Cossu G, Gonzalez CIA, Carta MG, Orrù G. Usefulness of salivary sampling for the molecular detection of a
genetic variant associated with bipolar disorders. J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036221146915. [PMID: 36967730 PMCID: PMC10037733 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221146915] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Under certain conditions, the hyperthymic temperament traits associated with an
increased risk of developing bipolar disorders may in fact produce adaptive
responses. The purpose of this study is to see if the type of biological
material used for genetic analysis (saliva or blood) affects the detection of
mutations in the CACNA1C (RS1006737) gene. The first experimental group
consisted of Sardinian migrants (“volunteers”) in South American and European
megacities. The second experimental group consisted of older healthy subjects
with hyperactivity and novelty-seeking characteristics from Cagliari, Italy. The
genetic procedure included DNA extraction, real-time PCR, and the Sanger method.
Nonetheless, the authors believe that saliva is the most appropriate biological
material, given its many advantages. In contrast to blood, saliva can be
collected by any type of healthcare provider after following a few simple
instructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Alessandra Scano, Department of Surgical
Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale, 46, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Goce Kalcev
- International PhD in Innovation
Sciences and Technology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- International PhD in Innovation
Sciences and Technology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Fais
- Department of Surgical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Piras M, Scano A, Orrù G, Preti A, Marchese C, Kalcev G. Can an Investigation of a Single Gene be Effective in Differentiating Certain Features of the Bipolar Disorder Profile? Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2021; 17:187-189. [PMID: 35173786 PMCID: PMC8728559 DOI: 10.2174/1745017902117010187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is amongst the most common heritable mental disorders, but the clarification of its genetic roots has proven to be very challenging. Many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified to be associated with BD. SNPs in the CACNA1C gene have emerged as the most significantly associated with the disease. The aim of the present study is to provide a concise description of SNP 1006737 variants identified by Real Time PCR and confirm sequencing analysis with the Sanger method in order to estimate the association with BD. The molecular method was tested on 47 Sardinian subjects of whom 23 were found to not be mutated, 1 was found to be a carrier of the homozygous A allele and 23 were found to be carriers of the heterozygous G allele. Moreover, the positive results of the preliminary application suggest that the development of the screener could be extended to the other 5 genetic variables identified as associated with BD.
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Carta MG, Moro MF, Piras M, Ledda V, Prina E, Stocchino S, Orrù G, Romano F, Brasesco MV, Freire RC, Nardi AE, Tondo L. Megacities, migration and an evolutionary approach to bipolar disorder: a study of Sardinian immigrants in Latin America. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 42:63-67. [PMID: 31269095 PMCID: PMC6986479 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2018-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To determine whether people with a Sardinian genetic background who live in the megacities of South America have a higher frequency of hypomania than residents of Sardinia. Methods: A community survey of Sardinian immigrants was carried out in four Brazilian metropoles (n=218) and Buenos Aires (n=306). The results were compared with those of a study involving a similar methodology (Mood Disorder Questionnaire [MDQ] as a screening tool) conducted in seven Italian regions, including a sub-sample from Sardinia. Results: There was a higher prevalence of lifetime hypomania among Sardinians living in the Brazilian metropoles than among those living in Sardinia. This result was also consistent with Sardinian immigrants in Buenos Aires. After stratification by sex and age, the lifetime prevalence of MDQ scores ≥ 8 among Sardinians in South-American megacities and Sardinia was 8.6% vs. 2.9%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The higher frequency of hypomania in migrant populations appears to favor an evolutionary view in which mood disorders may be a maladaptive aspect of a genetic background with adaptive characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro G Carta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria F Moro
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martina Piras
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vanessa Ledda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Prina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Serena Stocchino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Maria V Brasesco
- Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad del Museo Social Argentino, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rafael C Freire
- Instituto de Psiquiatria (IPUB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio E Nardi
- Instituto de Psiquiatria (IPUB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Tondo
- Centro Lucio Bini Cagliari, Cagliari/Rome, Italy.,McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio E Nardi
- Institute of Psychiatry - Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. National Academy of Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Carta MG, Preti A, Akiskal HS. Coping with the New Era: Noise and Light Pollution, Hperactivity and Steroid Hormones. Towards an Evolutionary View of Bipolar Disorders. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2018. [PMID: 29541149 PMCID: PMC5838624 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901814010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human population is increasing in immense cities with millions of inhabitants, in which life is expected to run 24 hours a day for seven days a week (24/7). Noise and light pollution are the most reported consequences, with a profound impact on sleep patterns and circadian biorhythms. Disruption of sleep and biorhythms has severe consequences on many metabolic pathways. Suppression of melatonin incretion at night and the subsequent effect on DNA methylation may increase the risk of prostate and breast cancer. A negative impact of light pollution on neurosteroids may also affect mood. People who carry the genetic risk of bipolar disorder may be at greater risk of full-blown bipolar disorder because of the impact of noise and light pollution on sleep patterns and circadian biorhythms. However, living in cities may also offers opportunities and might be selective for people with hyperthymic temperament, who may find themselves advantaged by increased energy prompted by increased stimulation produced by life in big cities. This might result in the spreading of the genetic risk of bipolar disorder in the coming decades. In this perspective the burden of poor quality of life, increased disability adjusted life years and premature mortality due to the increases of mood disorders is the negative side of a phenomenon that in its globality also shows adaptive aspects. The new lifestyle also influences those who adapt and show behaviors, reactions and responses that might resemble the disorder, but are on the adaptive side.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Carta
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Preti
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Menberu M, Mekonen T, Azale T, Ayano G, Yimer S, Getnet A, Belete A, Kerie S, Fekadu W. Health care seeking behavior for depression in Northeast Ethiopia: depression is not considered as illness by more than half of the participants. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2018; 17:34. [PMID: 30093914 PMCID: PMC6080351 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-018-0205-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is one of the most disabling and chronic mental illnesses. Despite its high burden, many people suffering from depression did not perceive that they had a treatable illness and consequently most of them did not seek professional help. The aim of this study was to assess the level of professional help-seeking behavior and associated factors among individuals with depression. METHODS AND MATERIALS The community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia. First, 1165 residents were screened for depression using patient health questionnaire and then 226 individuals who were screened positive for probable depression were interviewed with General Help-Seeking Questionnaire to assess the professional help-seeking behavior of participants with depression. Major associated variables were identified using logistic regression with 95% confidence interval (CI), and variables with a p value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS Among the total participants with depressive symptoms, only 25.66% of them did seek professional help. Being female [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.769, 95% CI (1.280, 5.99)], current alcohol drinking [AOR = 2.74, 95% CI (1.265, 5.940)], co-morbid medical-surgical illness [AOR = 4.49, 95% CI (1.823, 11.071)], perceiving depression as illness [AOR = 2.44, 95% CI (1.264, 4.928)], having moderate depressive symptoms [AOR = 2.54, 95% CI (1.086, 5.928)] and moderately severe depressive symptoms [AOR = 7.67, 95% CI (2.699, 21.814)] were significantly associated with help seeking behavior of participants. CONCLUSIONS Level of professional help-seeking behavior is as low as previous studies in different countries. The severity of depressive symptoms, co-morbidity of medical-surgical illness, current drinking of alcohol, being female, and perceiving depression as illness were significantly associated with professional help-seeking behavior for depressive symptoms. Working on mental health literacy in the community is important to increase help-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melak Menberu
- 1Psychiatry Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfa Mekonen
- 1Psychiatry Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Telake Azale
- 2School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Getinet Ayano
- Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Yimer
- 4Psychiatry Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Asmamaw Getnet
- 5College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Amsalu Belete
- College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Sitotaw Kerie
- 7Nursing Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Wubalem Fekadu
- 1Psychiatry Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.,8Psychiatry Department, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Carta MG, Moro D, Wallet Oumar F, Moro MF, Pintus M, Pintus E, Minerba L, Sancassiani F, Pascolo-Fabrici E, Preti A, Bhugra DK. A Follow-Up on Psychiatric Symptoms and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders in Tuareg Refugees in Burkina Faso. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:127. [PMID: 29740352 PMCID: PMC5928199 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to carry out a 2-year follow-up of refugees in a camp in Burkina Faso who had been interviewed previously. We also aimed to verify whether the general conditions in which they lived (e.g., protection by international organizations and the conclusion of negotiations and new hope of returning to Mali and reunification with surviving family members) would affect their mental health state. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study repeated over time on a cohort of refugees. People living in the Subgandé camp who had participated in the first survey in 2012 were identified using informational chains and approached for follow-up. Those who agreed were interviewed using the Short Screening Scale for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the K6 scale, French versions, to measure general psychopathology and the level of impairment. RESULTS The second survey shows a dramatic decrease in psychopathological symptoms (positivity at K6 scale). Improvement was also conspicuous in the frequency of people with stress symptoms (positivity at Short Screening Scale for PTSD and simultaneous positivity to K6 scale). The frequency of people screened positive at the Short Screening Scale for PTSD had also decreased, but the level of improvement was not pronounced. CONCLUSION Our findings confirm that when physical conditions improve, psychological symptoms can also improve. Although in the studied sample psychological factors, such as the hope of returning to their own land and thus the possibility of maintaining ethnic cohesion, may have played a role, future research carried out with a proper methodology and sufficient resources to identify protective factors is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Moro
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fadimata Wallet Oumar
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Moro
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirra Pintus
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Pintus
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Sancassiani
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Preti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dinesh Kumar Bhugra
- Health Service and Population Research Department (HSPRD), Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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