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Xie G, Qin Y, Wu N, Han X, Li J. Single-Nucleus Transcriptome Profiling from the Hippocampus of a PTSD Mouse Model and CBD-Treated Cohorts. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:519. [PMID: 38674453 PMCID: PMC11050643 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040519] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common psychiatric disorder after a catastrophic event; however, the efficacious treatment options remain insufficient. Increasing evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) exhibits optimal therapeutic effects for treating PTSD. To elucidate the cell-type-specific transcriptomic pathology of PTSD and the mechanisms of CBD against this disease, we conducted single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) in the hippocampus of PTSD-modeled mice and CBD-treated cohorts. We constructed a mouse model by adding electric foot shocks following exposure to single prolonged stress (SPS+S) and tested the freezing time, anxiety-like behavior, and cognitive behavior. CBD was administrated before every behavioral test. The PTSD-modeled mice displayed behaviors resembling those of PTSD in all behavioral tests, and CBD treatment alleviated all of these PTSD-like behaviors (n = 8/group). Three mice with representative behavioral phenotypes were selected from each group for snRNA-seq 15 days after the SPS+S. We primarily focused on the excitatory neurons (ExNs) and inhibitory neurons (InNs), which accounted for 68.4% of the total cell annotations. A total of 88 differentially upregulated genes and 305 differentially downregulated genes were found in the PTSD mice, which were found to exhibit significant alterations in pathways and biological processes associated with fear response, synaptic communication, protein synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and oxidative stress response. A total of 63 overlapping genes in InNs were identified as key genes for CBD in the treatment of PTSD. Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that the anti-PTSD effect of CBD was related to the regulation of protein synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, oxidative stress response, and fear response. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that CBD also enhanced retrograde endocannabinoid signaling in ExNs, which was found to be suppressed in the PTSD group. Our research may provide a potential explanation for the pathogenesis of PTSD and facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for drug development. Moreover, it may shed light on the therapeutic mechanisms of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; (G.X.); (Y.Q.); (N.W.); (J.L.)
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Wang J, Zhao P, Cheng P, Zhang Z, Yang S, Wang J, Wang X, Zhu G. Exploring the effect of Anshen Dingzhi prescription on hippocampal mitochondrial signals in single prolonged stress mouse model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117713. [PMID: 38181935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
HEADINGS ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Anshen Dingzhi prescription (ADP), which was first published in the masterpiece of traditional Chinese Medicine in the Qing Dynasty, "Yi Xue Xin Wu" (1732 CE), is documented to interrupt panic-related disorders. However, the mechanism of its action is still not clear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the effects of ADP on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like behaviors and explore the mechanism from perspective of sirtuin1 (SIRT1)-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 alpha (PGC-1α)-dependent mitochondrial function. MATERIALS AND METHODS The changes of SIRT1-PGC-1α signal and mitochondrial function were evaluated in the hippocampus of mice receiving single prolonged stress (SPS). Later, the roles of this signaling pathway played in fear memory generalization and anxiety-like behavior in SPS mice was investigated using two agonists of this signaling pathway. On this basis, the effects of ADP (36.8 mg/kg) with definite therapeutic effects, on mitochondrial function were investigated and further confirmed by a SIRT1 inhibitor. Finally, the possible components of ADP targeting PGC-1α were monitored through bioinformatics. RESULTS Compared with control mice, SIRT1-PGC-1α signal in the hippocampus was impaired in SPS mice, accompanied with dysfunction of mitochondria and abnormal expression of synaptic proteins. The agonists of SIRT1-PGC-1α signal, ZLN005, as well as resveratrol improved the behavioral changes of mice caused by SPS, reversed the decline of proteins in SIRT1-PGC-1α signal, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the abnormal expression of synaptic proteins. The fingerprint was established for the quality control of ADP. At a dose of 36.8 mg/kg, ADP could prevent fear memory generalization and anxiety-like behavior in SPS mice. Mechanically, ADP promoted SIRT1-PGC-1α signal and repaired mitochondrial function. Importantly, SIRT1 inhibitor, selisistat eliminated the ameliorative effects of ADP on behavioral and mitochondrial function. Through molecular docking simulation, the brain-entering components of ADP, including malkangunin, Rg5, fumarine, frutinone A, celabenzine, and inermin had high binding energy with PGC-1α. CONCLUSION Dysfunction of SIRT1-PGC-1α-dependent mitochondrial function is attributed to SPS-triggered fear generalization and anxiety-like behavior, and ADP could improve PTSD-like behaviors likely through activating this signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Zhengrong Zhang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Shaojie Yang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinical Medical Research Center of Anhui Province, The Second Affiliation Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230061, China
| | - Jingji Wang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinical Medical Research Center of Anhui Province, The Second Affiliation Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230061, China
| | - Xuncui Wang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
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Blalock ZN, Wu GWY, Lindqvist D, Trumpff C, Flory JD, Lin J, Reus VI, Rampersaud R, Hammamieh R, Gautam A, Doyle FJ, Marmar CR, Jett M, Yehuda R, Wolkowitz OM, Mellon SH. Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA levels and glucocorticoid sensitivity in a cohort of male veterans with and without combat-related PTSD. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:22. [PMID: 38200001 PMCID: PMC10781666 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02721-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) is a biomarker of cellular injury or cellular stress and is a potential novel biomarker of psychological stress and of various brain, somatic, and psychiatric disorders. No studies have yet analyzed ccf-mtDNA levels in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), despite evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in this condition. In the current study, we compared plasma ccf-mtDNA levels in combat trauma-exposed male veterans with PTSD (n = 111) with those who did not develop PTSD (n = 121) and also investigated the relationship between ccf mt-DNA levels and glucocorticoid sensitivity. In unadjusted analyses, ccf-mtDNA levels did not differ significantly between the PTSD and non-PTSD groups (t = 1.312, p = 0.191, Cohen's d = 0.172). In a sensitivity analysis excluding participants with diabetes and those using antidepressant medication and controlling for age, the PTSD group had lower ccf-mtDNA levels than did the non-PTSD group (F(1, 179) = 5.971, p = 0.016, partial η2 = 0.033). Across the entire sample, ccf-mtDNA levels were negatively correlated with post-dexamethasone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) decline (r = -0.171, p = 0.020) and cortisol decline (r = -0.149, p = 0.034) (viz., greater ACTH and cortisol suppression was associated with lower ccf-mtDNA levels) both with and without controlling for age, antidepressant status and diabetes status. Ccf-mtDNA levels were also significantly positively associated with IC50-DEX (the concentration of dexamethasone at which 50% of lysozyme activity is inhibited), a measure of lymphocyte glucocorticoid sensitivity, after controlling for age, antidepressant status, and diabetes status (β = 0.142, p = 0.038), suggesting that increased lymphocyte glucocorticoid sensitivity is associated with lower ccf-mtDNA levels. Although no overall group differences were found in unadjusted analyses, excluding subjects with diabetes and those taking antidepressants, which may affect ccf-mtDNA levels, as well as controlling for age, revealed decreased ccf-mtDNA levels in PTSD. In both adjusted and unadjusted analyses, low ccf-mtDNA levels were associated with relatively increased glucocorticoid sensitivity, often reported in PTSD, suggesting a link between mitochondrial and glucocorticoid-related abnormalities in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary N Blalock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gwyneth W Y Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Unit for Biological and Precision Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Caroline Trumpff
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Behavioral Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Janine D Flory
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Rampersaud
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, USACEHR, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, USACEHR, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Francis J Doyle
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Charles R Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marti Jett
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, USACEHR, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Karunakaran KB, Amemori KI. Spatiotemporal expression patterns of anxiety disorder-associated genes. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:385. [PMID: 38092764 PMCID: PMC10719387 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02693-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders (ADs) are the most common form of mental disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Although physiological studies have revealed the neural circuits related to AD symptoms, how AD-associated genes are spatiotemporally expressed in the human brain still remains unclear. In this study, we integrated genome-wide association studies of four human AD subtypes-generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder-with spatial gene expression patterns. Our investigation uncovered a novel division among AD-associated genes, marked by significant and distinct expression enrichments in the cerebral nuclei, limbic, and midbrain regions. Each gene cluster was associated with specific anxiety-related behaviors, signaling pathways, region-specific gene networks, and cell types. Notably, we observed a significant negative correlation in the temporal expression patterns of these gene clusters during various developmental stages. Moreover, the specific brain regions enriched in each gene group aligned with neural circuits previously associated with negative decision-making and anxious temperament. These results suggest that the two distinct gene clusters may underlie separate neural systems involved in anxiety. As a result, our findings bridge the gap between genes and neural circuitry, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying AD-associated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani B Karunakaran
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Amemori
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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Dmytriv TR, Tsiumpala SA, Semchyshyn HM, Storey KB, Lushchak VI. Mitochondrial dysfunction as a possible trigger of neuroinflammation at post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Front Physiol 2023; 14:1222826. [PMID: 37942228 PMCID: PMC10628526 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1222826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder that occurs in approximately 15% of people as a result of some traumatic events. The main symptoms are re-experiencing and avoidance of everything related to this event and hyperarousal. The main component of the pathophysiology of PTSD is an imbalance in the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and development of neuroinflammation. In parallel with this, mitochondrial dysfunction is observed, as in many other diseases. In this review, we focus on the question how mitochondria may be involved in the development of neuroinflammation and its maintaining at PTSD. First, we describe the differences in the operation of the neuro-endocrine system during stress versus PTSD. We then show changes in the activity/expression of mitochondrial proteins in PTSD and how they can affect the levels of hormones involved in PTSD development, as well as how mitochondrial damage/pathogen-associated molecule patterns (DAMPs/PAMPs) trigger development of inflammation. In addition, we examine the possibility of treating PTSD-related inflammation using mitochondria as a target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetiana R. Dmytriv
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Sviatoslav A. Tsiumpala
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Halyna M. Semchyshyn
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Kenneth B. Storey
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Volodymyr I. Lushchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
- Research and Development University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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Alves de Araujo Junior D, Sair HI, Peters ME, Carvalho AF, Yedavalli V, Solnes LB, Luna LP. The association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cognitive impairment: A systematic review of neuroimaging findings. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:259-269. [PMID: 37390621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may increase the risk of various types of dementia. Despite the large number of studies linking these critical conditions, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The past decade has witnessed an exponential increase in interest on brain imaging research to assess the neuroanatomical underpinnings of PTSD. This systematic review provides a critical assessment of available evidence of neuroimaging correlates linking PTSD to a higher risk of dementia. METHODS The EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and SCOPUS electronic databases were systematically searched from 1980 to May 22, 2021 for original references on neuroimaging correlates of PTSD and risk of dementia. Literature search, screening of references, methodological quality appraisal of included articles as well as data extractions were independently conducted by at least two investigators. Eligibility criteria included: 1) a clear PTSD definition; 2) a subset of included participants must have developed dementia or cognitive impairment at any time point after the diagnosis of PTSD through any diagnostic criteria; and 3) brain imaging protocols [structural, molecular or functional], including whole-brain morphologic and functional MRI, and PET imaging studies linking PTSD to a higher risk of cognitive impairment/dementia. RESULTS Overall, seven articles met eligibility criteria, comprising findings from 366 participants with PTSD. Spatially convergent structural abnormalities in individuals with PTSD and co-occurring cognitive dysfunction involved primarily the bilateral frontal (e.g., prefrontal, orbitofrontal, cingulate cortices), temporal (particularly in those with damage to the hippocampi), and parietal (e.g., superior and precuneus) regions. LIMITATIONS A meta-analysis could not be performed due to heterogeneity and paucity of measurable data in the eligible studies. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review provides putative neuroimaging correlates associated with PTSD and co-occurring dementia/cognitive impairment particularly involving the hippocampi. Further research examining neuroimaging features linking PTSD to dementia are clearly an unmet need of the field. Future imaging studies should provide a better control for relevant confounders, such as the selection of more homogeneous samples (e.g., age, race, education), a proper control for co-occurring disorders (e.g., co-occurring major depressive and anxiety disorders) as well as the putative effects of psychotropic medication use. Furthermore, prospective studies examining imaging biomarkers associated with a higher rate of conversion from PTSD to dementia could aid in the stratification of people with PTSD at higher risk for developing dementia for whom putative preventative interventions could be especially beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haris I Sair
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew E Peters
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - André F Carvalho
- IMPACT (Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment) Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Vivek Yedavalli
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lilja B Solnes
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Licia P Luna
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Watling SE, Rhind SG, Warsh J, Green D, McCluskey T, Tong J, Truong P, Chavez S, Richardson JD, Kish SJ, Boileau I. Exploring brain glutathione and peripheral blood markers in posttraumatic stress disorder: a combined [1H]MRS and peripheral blood study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1195012. [PMID: 37333909 PMCID: PMC10272391 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1195012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Oxidative stress has been implicated in psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Currently, the status of glutathione (GSH), the brain's most abundant antioxidant, in PTSD remains uncertain. Therefore, the current study investigated brain concentrations of GSH and peripheral concentrations of blood markers in individuals with PTSD vs. Healthy Controls (HC). Methods GSH spectra was acquired in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using MEGA-PRESS, a J-difference-editing acquisition method. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP)-1,2, and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Results There was no difference in GSH between PTSD and HC in the ACC (n = 30 PTSD, n = 20 HC) or DLPFC (n = 14 PTSD, n = 18 HC). There were no group differences between peripheral blood markers (P > 0.3) except for (non-significantly) lower TIMP-2 in PTSD. Additionally, TIMP-2 and GSH in the ACC were positively related in those with PTSD. Finally, MPO and MMP-9 were negatively associated with duration of PTSD. Conclusions We do not report altered GSH concentrations in the ACC or DLPFC in PTSD, however, systemic MMPs and MPO might be implicated in central processes and progression of PTSD. Future research should investigate these relationships in larger sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Watling
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shawn G. Rhind
- Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto Research Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jerry Warsh
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Duncan Green
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tina McCluskey
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Junchao Tong
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Truong
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sofia Chavez
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J. Don Richardson
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- St. Joseph's London Operational Stress Injury (OSI), Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J. Kish
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boileau
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Muhie S, Gautam A, Yang R, Misganaw B, Daigle BJ, Mellon SH, Flory JD, Abu-Amara D, Lee I, Wang K, Rampersaud R, Hood L, Yehuda R, Marmar CR, Wolkowitz OM, Ressler KJ, Doyle FJ, Hammamieh R, Jett M. Molecular signatures of post-traumatic stress disorder in war-zone-exposed veteran and active-duty soldiers. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101045. [PMID: 37196634 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101045] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a multisystem syndrome. Integration of systems-level multi-modal datasets can provide a molecular understanding of PTSD. Proteomic, metabolomic, and epigenomic assays are conducted on blood samples of two cohorts of well-characterized PTSD cases and controls: 340 veterans and 180 active-duty soldiers. All participants had been deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan and exposed to military-service-related criterion A trauma. Molecular signatures are identified from a discovery cohort of 218 veterans (109/109 PTSD+/-). Identified molecular signatures are tested in 122 separate veterans (62/60 PTSD+/-) and in 180 active-duty soldiers (PTSD+/-). Molecular profiles are computationally integrated with upstream regulators (genetic/methylation/microRNAs) and functional units (mRNAs/proteins/metabolites). Reproducible molecular features of PTSD are identified, including activated inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic dysregulation, and impaired angiogenesis. These processes may play a role in psychiatric and physical comorbidities, including impaired repair/wound healing mechanisms and cardiovascular, metabolic, and psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seid Muhie
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; The Geneva Foundation, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Ruoting Yang
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Burook Misganaw
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; Vysnova Inc., Landover, MD 20785, USA
| | - Bernie J Daigle
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Computer Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Janine D Flory
- Office of Mental Health, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10468, USA
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Inyoul Lee
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ryan Rampersaud
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Leroy Hood
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Office of Mental Health, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10468, USA
| | - Charles R Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Francis J Doyle
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02134, USA
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Marti Jett
- US Army Medical Research and Development Command, HQ, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
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9
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Sumner JA, Cleveland S, Chen T, Gradus JL. Psychological and biological mechanisms linking trauma with cardiovascular disease risk. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:25. [PMID: 36707505 PMCID: PMC9883529 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02330-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and experiences of psychological trauma have been associated with subsequent CVD onset. Identifying key pathways connecting trauma with CVD has the potential to inform more targeted screening and intervention efforts to offset elevated cardiovascular risk. In this narrative review, we summarize the evidence for key psychological and biological mechanisms linking experiences of trauma with CVD risk. Additionally, we describe various methodologies for measuring these mechanisms in an effort to inform future research related to potential pathways. With regard to mechanisms involving posttraumatic psychopathology, the vast majority of research on psychological distress after trauma and CVD has focused on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), even though posttraumatic psychopathology can manifest in other ways as well. Substantial evidence suggests that PTSD predicts the onset of a range of cardiovascular outcomes in trauma-exposed men and women, yet more research is needed to better understand posttraumatic psychopathology more comprehensively and how it may relate to CVD. Further, dysregulation of numerous biological systems may occur after trauma and in the presence of posttraumatic psychopathology; these processes of immune system dysregulation and elevated inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, renin-angiotensin system dysregulation, and accelerated biological aging may all contribute to subsequent cardiovascular risk, although more research on these pathways in the context of traumatic stress is needed. Given that many of these mechanisms are closely intertwined, future research using a systems biology approach may prove fruitful for elucidating how processes unfold to contribute to CVD after trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Sumner
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Shiloh Cleveland
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany Chen
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaimie L Gradus
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Lushchak O, Strilbytska O, Koliada A, Storey KB. An orchestrating role of mitochondria in the origin and development of post-traumatic stress disorder. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1094076. [PMID: 36703926 PMCID: PMC9871262 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1094076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most discussed and actively researched areas in medicine, psychiatry, neurophysiology, biochemistry and rehabilitation over the last decades. Multiple causes can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. Humans subjected to violence, participants in hostilities, victims of terrorist attacks, physical or psychological persecution, witnessing scenes of cruelty, survival of natural disasters, and more, can strongly affect both children and adults. Pathological features of post-traumatic stress disorder that are manifested at molecular, cellular and whole-organism levels must be clearly understood for successful diagnosis, management, and minimizing of long-term outcomes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. This article summarizes existing data on different post-traumatic stress disorder causes and symptoms, as well as effects on homeostasis, genetic instability, behavior, neurohumoral balance, and personal psychic stability. In particular, we highlight a key role of mitochondria and oxidative stress development in the severity and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Excessive or prolonged exposure to traumatic factors can cause irreversible mitochondrial damage, leading to cell death. This review underlines the exceptional importance of data integration about the mechanisms and functions of the mitochondrial stress response to develop a three-dimensional picture of post-traumatic stress disorder pathophysiology and develop a comprehensive, universal, multifaceted, and effective strategy of managing or treatment post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleh Lushchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine,Research and Development University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine,*Correspondence: Oleh Lushchak,
| | - Olha Strilbytska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Alexander Koliada
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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11
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Stankiewicz AM, Jaszczyk A, Goscik J, Juszczak GR. Stress and the brain transcriptome: Identifying commonalities and clusters in standardized data from published experiments. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 119:110558. [PMID: 35405299 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Interpretation of transcriptomic experiments is hindered by many problems including false positives/negatives inherent to big-data methods and changes in gene nomenclature. To find the most consistent effect of stress on brain transcriptome, we retrieved data from 79 studies applying animal models and 3 human studies investigating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The analyzed data were obtained either with microarrays or RNA sequencing applied to samples collected from more than 1887 laboratory animals and from 121 human subjects. Based on the initial database containing a quarter million differential expression effect sizes representing transcripts in three species, we identified the most frequently reported genes in 223 stress-control comparisons. Additionally, the analysis considers sex, individual vulnerability and contribution of glucocorticoids. We also found an overlap between gene expression in PTSD patients and animals which indicates relevance of laboratory models for human stress response. Our analysis points to genes that, as far as we know, were not specifically tested for their role in stress response (Pllp, Arrdc2, Midn, Mfsd2a, Ccn1, Htra1, Csrnp1, Tenm4, Tnfrsf25, Sema3b, Fmo2, Adamts4, Gjb1, Errfi1, Fgf18, Galnt6, Slc25a42, Ifi30, Slc4a1, Cemip, Klf10, Tom1, Dcdc2c, Fancd2, Luzp2, Trpm1, Abcc12, Osbpl1a, Ptp4a2). Provided transcriptomic resource will be useful for guiding the new research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian M Stankiewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Aneta Jaszczyk
- Department of Animal Behavior and Welfare, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Joanna Goscik
- Faculty of Computer Science, Bialystok University of Technology, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Grzegorz R Juszczak
- Department of Animal Behavior and Welfare, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland.
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12
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Cao-Lei L, Saumier D, Fortin J, Brunet A. A narrative review of the epigenetics of post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:857087. [PMID: 36419982 PMCID: PMC9676221 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.857087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic research in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is essential, given that environmental stressors and fear play such a crucial role in its development. As such, it may provide a framework for understanding individual differences in the prevalence of the disorder and in treatment response. This paper reviews the epigenetic markers associated with PTSD and its treatment, including candidate genes and epigenome-wide studies. Because the etiopathogenesis of PTSD rests heavily on learning and memory, we also draw upon animal neuroepigenetic research on the acquisition, update and erasure of fear memory, focusing on the mechanisms associated with memory reconsolidation. Reconsolidation blockade (or impairment) treatment in PTSD has been studied in clinical trials and, from a neurological perspective, may hold promise for identifying epigenetic markers of successful therapy. We conclude this paper by discussing several key considerations and challenges in epigenetic research on PTSD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cao-Lei
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (CIUSSS-ODIM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Saumier
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (CIUSSS-ODIM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Justine Fortin
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (CIUSSS-ODIM), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain Brunet
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (CIUSSS-ODIM), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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13
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Brivio P, Gallo MT, Karel P, Cogi G, Fumagalli F, Homberg JR, Calabrese F. Alterations of mitochondrial dynamics in serotonin transporter knockout rats: A possible role in the fear extinction recall mechanisms. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:957702. [PMID: 36386781 PMCID: PMC9650094 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.957702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-related mental disorders encompass a plethora of pathologies that share the exposure to a negative environment as trigger for their development. The vulnerability to the effects of a negative environment is not equal to all but differs between individuals based on the genetic background makeup. Here, to study the molecular mechanisms potentially underlying increased threat anticipation, we employed an animal model showing this symptom (5-HTT knockout rats) which we exposed to Pavlovian fear conditioning (FC). We investigated the role of mitochondria, taking advantage of the recent evidence showing that the dynamic of these organelles is dysregulated after stress exposure. Behavioral experiments revealed that, during the second day of extinction of the FC paradigm, 5-HTT knockout (5-HTT-/-) animals showed a lack of fear extinction recall. From a mechanistic standpoint, we carried out our molecular analyses on the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, given their role in the management of the fear response due to their tight connection. We demonstrated that mitochondrial dynamics are impaired in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex of 5-HTT-/- rats. The dissection of the potential contributing factors revealed a critical role in the mechanisms regulating fission and fusion that are dysregulated in transgenic animals. Furthermore, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and the production of antioxidant enzymes were altered in these brain regions in 5-HTT-/- rats. In summary, our data suggest that increased extracellular 5-HT levels cause an unbalance of mitochondrial functionality that could contribute to the reduced extinction recall of 5-HTT-/- rats, pointing out the role of mitochondrial dynamics in the etiology of psychiatric disorders. Our findings, also, provide some interesting insights into the targeted development of drugs to treat such disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Brivio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Gallo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Peter Karel
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Giulia Cogi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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14
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Daskalakis NP, Meijer OC, Ronald de Kloet E. Mineralocorticoid receptor and glucocorticoid receptor work alone and together in cell-type-specific manner: Implications for resilience prediction and targeted therapy. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 18:100455. [PMID: 35601687 PMCID: PMC9118500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
‘You can't roll the clock back and reverse the effects of experiences' Bruce McEwen used to say when explaining how allostasis labels the adaptive process. Here we will for once roll the clock back to the times that the science of the glucocorticoid hormone was honored with a Nobel prize and highlight the discovery of their receptors in the hippocampus as inroad to its current status as master regulator in control of stress coping and adaptation. Glucocorticoids operate in concert with numerous neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and other hormones with the aim to facilitate processing of information in the neurocircuitry of stress, from anticipation and perception of a novel experience to behavioral adaptation and memory storage. This action, exerted by the glucocorticoids, is guided by two complementary receptor systems, mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR), that need to be balanced for a healthy stress response pattern. Here we discuss the cellular, neuroendocrine, and behavioral studies underlying the MR:GR balance concept, highlight the relevance of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) -axis patterns and note the limited understanding yet of sexual dimorphism in glucocorticoid actions. We conclude with the prospect that (i) genetically and epigenetically regulated receptor variants dictate cell-type-specific transcriptome signatures of stress-related neuropsychiatric symptoms and (ii) selective receptor modulators are becoming available for more targeted treatment. These two new developments may help to ‘restart the clock’ with the prospect to support resilience.
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15
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Lin H, Guo J, Guo M, Jiang X. Study on the Relationship between 5-HttLPR Gene and BDNF Gene Polymorphism and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Li and Han Nationality of Hainan Province. Health (London) 2022. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2022.141012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Karunakaran KB, Amemori S, Balakrishnan N, Ganapathiraju MK, Amemori KI. Generalized and social anxiety disorder interactomes show distinctive overlaps with striosome and matrix interactomes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18392. [PMID: 34526518 PMCID: PMC8443595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97418-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying anxiety disorders remain elusive despite the discovery of several associated genes. We constructed the protein-protein interaction networks (interactomes) of six anxiety disorders and noted enrichment for striatal expression among common genes in the interactomes. Five of these interactomes shared distinctive overlaps with the interactomes of genes that were differentially expressed in two striatal compartments (striosomes and matrix). Generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder interactomes showed exclusive and statistically significant overlaps with the striosome and matrix interactomes, respectively. Systematic gene expression analysis with the anxiety disorder interactomes constrained to contain only those genes that were shared with striatal compartment interactomes revealed a bifurcation among the disorders, which was influenced by the anterior cingulate cortex, nucleus accumbens, amygdala and hippocampus, and the dopaminergic signaling pathway. Our results indicate that the functionally distinct striatal pathways constituted by the striosome and the matrix may influence the etiological differentiation of various anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani B Karunakaran
- Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Satoko Amemori
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - N Balakrishnan
- Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Madhavi K Ganapathiraju
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
- Intelligent Systems Program, School of Computing and Information, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
| | - Ken-Ichi Amemori
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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17
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Ponomareva OY, Ressler KJ. Genomic factors underlying sex differences in trauma-related disorders. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100330. [PMID: 33997155 PMCID: PMC8102626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a devastating illness with treatment that is effective in only approximately half of the population. This limited rate of response highlights the necessity for research into underlying individual biological mechanisms that mediate development and progression of this disease, allowing for identification of patient-specific treatments. PTSD has clear sex differences in both risk and symptom patterns. Thus, one approach is to characterize trauma-related changes between men and women who exhibit differences in treatment efficacy and response to trauma. Recent technological advances in sequencing have identified several genomic loci and transcriptional changes that are associated with post-trauma symptomatology. However, although the diagnosis of PTSD is more prevalent in women, the genetic factors underlying sex differences remain poorly understood. Here, we review recent work that highlights current understanding and limitations in the field of sex differences in PTSD and related symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Y Ponomareva
- Neuropsychiatry Translational Research Fellowship Program, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.,McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
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18
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Bountress KE, Vladimirov V, McMichael G, Taylor ZN, Hardiman G, Chung D, Adams ZW, Danielson CK, Amstadter AB. Gene Expression Differences Between Young Adults Based on Trauma History and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:581093. [PMID: 33897478 PMCID: PMC8060466 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.581093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to identify gene expression differences associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma exposure (TE) in a three-group study design comprised of those with and without trauma exposure and PTSD. Methods: We conducted gene expression and gene network analyses in a sample (n = 45) composed of female subjects of European Ancestry (EA) with PTSD, TE without PTSD, and controls. Results: We identified 283 genes differentially expressed between PTSD-TE groups. In an independent sample of Veterans (n = 78) a small minority of these genes were also differentially expressed. We identified 7 gene network modules significantly associated with PTSD and TE (Bonferroni corrected p ≤ 0.05), which at a false discovery rate (FDR) of q ≤ 0.2, were significantly enriched for biological pathways involved in focal adhesion, neuroactive ligand receptor interaction, and immune related processes among others. Conclusions: This study uses gene network analyses to identify significant gene modules associated with PTSD, TE, and controls. On an individual gene level, we identified a large number of differentially expressed genes between PTSD-TE groups, a minority of which were also differentially expressed in the independent sample. We also demonstrate a lack of network module preservation between PTSD and TE, suggesting that the molecular signature of PTSD and trauma are likely independent of each other. Our results provide a basis for the identification of likely disease pathways and biomarkers involved in the etiology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin E. Bountress
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatry and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Vladimir Vladimirov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine Texas A&M University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gowon McMichael
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatry and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Z. Nathan Taylor
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatry and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Gary Hardiman
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Zachary W. Adams
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Carla Kmett Danielson
- National Crime Victim Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Ananda B. Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatry and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA, United States
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19
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Vlaikou AM, Nussbaumer M, Komini C, Lambrianidou A, Konidaris C, Trangas T, Filiou MD. Exploring the crosstalk of glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism in psychiatric disorders and brain tumours. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:3002-3018. [PMID: 33226682 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of metabolic pathways characterises a plethora of common pathologies and has emerged as an underlying hallmark of disease phenotypes. Here, we focus on psychiatric disorders and brain tumours and explore changes in the interplay between glycolysis and mitochondrial energy metabolism in the brain. We discuss alterations in glycolysis versus core mitochondrial metabolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, in major psychiatric disorders and brain tumours. We investigate potential common patterns of altered mitochondrial metabolism in different brain regions and sample types and explore how changes in mitochondrial number, shape and morphology affect disease-related manifestations. We also highlight the potential of pharmacologically targeting mitochondria to achieve therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki-Maria Vlaikou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Biomedical Research Division, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Markus Nussbaumer
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Biomedical Research Division, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Komini
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Biomedical Research Division, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Andromachi Lambrianidou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Constantinos Konidaris
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Biomedical Research Division, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theoni Trangas
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Michaela D Filiou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Biomedical Research Division, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
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20
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Bersani FS, Mellon SH, Lindqvist D, Kang JI, Rampersaud R, Somvanshi PR, Doyle FJ, Hammamieh R, Jett M, Yehuda R, Marmar CR, Wolkowitz OM. Novel Pharmacological Targets for Combat PTSD-Metabolism, Inflammation, The Gut Microbiome, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Mil Med 2020; 185:311-318. [PMID: 32074311 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current pharmacological treatments of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have limited efficacy. Although the diagnosis is based on psychopathological criteria, it is frequently accompanied by somatic comorbidities and perhaps "accelerated biological aging," suggesting widespread physical concomitants. Such physiological comorbidities may affect core PTSD symptoms but are rarely the focus of therapeutic trials. METHODS To elucidate the potential involvement of metabolism, inflammation, and mitochondrial function in PTSD, we integrate findings and mechanistic models from the DOD-sponsored "Systems Biology of PTSD Study" with previous data on these topics. RESULTS Data implicate inter-linked dysregulations in metabolism, inflammation, mitochondrial function, and perhaps the gut microbiome in PTSD. Several inadequately tested targets of pharmacological intervention are proposed, including insulin sensitizers, lipid regulators, anti-inflammatories, and mitochondrial biogenesis modulators. CONCLUSIONS Systemic pathologies that are intricately involved in brain functioning and behavior may not only contribute to somatic comorbidities in PTSD, but may represent novel targets for treating core psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Saverio Bersani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, Rome 00185, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF School of Medicine, 513 Parnassus Ave, 1464G, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jee In Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Ryan Rampersaud
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Pramod Rajaram Somvanshi
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 29 Oxford St., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Francis J Doyle
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 29 Oxford St., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Integrative Systems Biology, U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research, 568 Doughten Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010
| | - Marti Jett
- Integrative Systems Biology, U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research, 568 Doughten Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468.,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574
| | - Charles R Marmar
- Center for Alcohol Use Disorder and PTSD, New York University, 1 Park Ave., Room 8-214, New York NY 10016.,Department of Psychiatry, New York University, 1 Park Ave., Room 8-214, New York, NY 10016
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143
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21
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Preston G, Emmerzaal T, Kirdar F, Schrader L, Henckens M, Morava E, Kozicz T. Cerebellar mitochondrial dysfunction and concomitant multi-system fatty acid oxidation defects are sufficient to discriminate PTSD-like and resilient male mice. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 6:100104. [PMID: 34589865 PMCID: PMC8474165 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of trauma on mental health is complex with poorly understood underlying mechanisms. Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly implicated in psychopathologies and mood disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We hypothesized that defects in mitochondrial energy metabolism in the cerebellum, an emerging region of interest in the pathobiology of mood disorders, would be associated with PTSD-like symptomatology, and that PTSD-like symptomatology would correlate with the activities of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mtETC) and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) pathways. We assayed mitochondrial energy metabolism and fatty acid profiling using targeted metabolomics in mice exposed to a recently developed paradigm for PTSD-induction. 48 wild type male FVB.129P2 mice were exposed to a trauma, and PTSD-like and resilient animals were identified using behavioral profiling. Mice displaying PTSD-like symptomatology displayed reduced mtETC complex activities in the cerebellum, and cerebellar mtETC complex activity negatively correlated with PTSD-like symptomatology. PTSD-like animals also displayed fatty acid profiles consistent with FAO dysfunction in both cerebellum and plasma. Machine learning analysis of all biochemical measures in this cohort of animals also identified plasma acetylcarnitine, along with reduced activity of cerebellar complex I and IV as well as succinate:cytochrome c oxidoreductase as state predictive discriminators of PTSD-symptomatology. Our data also suggest that trauma-induced impaired mtETC function in the cerebellum and concomitant impaired multi-system fatty acid oxidation are candidate drivers of PTSD-like behavior in mice. These bioenergetic and metabolic changes may offer an informative window into the underlying biology and highlight novel potential targets for diagnostics and therapeutic interventions in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Preston
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Hayward Genetics Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Tim Emmerzaal
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Faisal Kirdar
- Hayward Genetics Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Laura Schrader
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Marloes Henckens
- Department of Cognitive Neurosciences, Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Eva Morava
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Tamas Kozicz
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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22
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Ridout KK, Coe JL, Parade SH, Marsit CJ, Kao HT, Porton B, Carpenter LL, Price LH, Tyrka AR. Molecular markers of neuroendocrine function and mitochondrial biogenesis associated with early life stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 116:104632. [PMID: 32199200 PMCID: PMC7887859 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) promoter methylation influences cellular expression of the glucocorticoid receptor and is a proposed mechanism by which early life stress impacts neuroendocrine function. Mitochondria are sensitive and responsive to neuroendocrine stress signaling through the glucocorticoid receptor, and recent evidence with this sample and others shows that mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is increased in adults with a history of early stress. No prior work has examined the role of NR3C1 methylation in the association between early life stress and mtDNAcn alterations. METHODS Adult participants (n = 290) completed diagnostic interviews and questionnaires characterizing early stress and lifetime psychiatric symptoms. Medical conditions, active substance abuse, and prescription medications other than oral contraceptives were exclusionary. Subjects with a history of lifetime bipolar, obsessive-compulsive, or psychotic disorders were excluded; individuals with other forms of major psychopathology were included. Whole blood mtDNAcn was measured using qPCR; NR3C1 methylation was measured via pyrosequencing. Multiple regression and bootstrapping procedures tested NR3C1 methylation as a mediator of effects of early stress on mtDNAcn. RESULTS The positive association between early adversity and mtDNAcn (p = .02) was mediated by negative associations of early adversity with NR3C1 methylation (p = .02) and NR3C1 methylation with mtDNAcn (p < .001). The indirect effect involving early adversity, NR3C1 methylation, and mtDNAcn was significant (95 % CI [.002, .030]). CONCLUSIONS NR3C1 methylation significantly mediates the association between early stress and mtDNAcn, suggesting that glucocorticoid receptor signaling may be a mechanistic pathway underlying mtDNAcn alterations of interest for future longitudinal work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn K Ridout
- Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, San Jose, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Jesse L Coe
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA; Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stephanie H Parade
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA; Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hung-Teh Kao
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Barbara Porton
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lawrence H Price
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Audrey R Tyrka
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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23
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Cai N, Fňašková M, Konečná K, Fojtová M, Fajkus J, Coomber E, Watt S, Soranzo N, Preiss M, Rektor I. No Evidence of Persistence or Inheritance of Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Holocaust Survivors and Their Descendants. Front Genet 2020; 11:87. [PMID: 32211017 PMCID: PMC7069217 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA copy number has been previously shown to be elevated with severe and chronic stress, as well as stress-related pathology like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While experimental data point to likely recovery of mtDNA copy number changes after the stressful event, time needed for full recovery and whether it can be achieved are still unknown. Further, while it has been shown that stress-related mtDNA elevation affects multiple tissues, its specific consequences for oogenesis and maternal inheritance of mtDNA has never been explored. In this study, we used qPCR to quantify mtDNA copy number in 15 Holocaust survivors and 102 of their second- and third-generation descendants from the Czech Republic, many of whom suffer from PTSD, and compared them to controls in the respective generations. We found no significant difference in mtDNA copy number in the Holocaust survivors compared to controls, whether they have PTSD or not, and no significant elevation in descendants of female Holocaust survivors as compared to descendants of male survivors or controls. Our results showed no evidence of persistence or inheritance of mtDNA changes in Holocaust survivors, though that does not rule out effects in other tissues or mitigating mechanism for such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Cai
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom.,European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Monika Fňašková
- Neuroscience Centre, CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,1st Neurology Department, Hospital St Anne and School of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Klára Konečná
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Miloslava Fojtová
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jiří Fajkus
- Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics, CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Eve Coomber
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Watt
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Soranzo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Marek Preiss
- Neuroscience Centre, CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ivan Rektor
- Neuroscience Centre, CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
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24
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Brivio E, Lopez JP, Chen A. Sex differences: Transcriptional signatures of stress exposure in male and female brains. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12643. [PMID: 31989757 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
More than two-thirds of patients suffering from stress-related disorders are women but over two-thirds of suicide completers are men. These are just some examples of the many sex differences in the prevalence and manifestations of stress-related disorders, such as major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders, which have been extensively documented in clinical research. Nonetheless, the molecular origins of this sex dimorphism are still quite obscure. In response to this lack of knowledge, the NIH recently advocated implementing sex as biological variable in the design of preclinical studies across disciplines. As a result, a newly emerging field within psychiatry is trying to elucidate the molecular causes underlying the clinically described sex dimorphism. Several studies in rodents and humans have already identified many stress-related genes that are regulated by acute and chronic stress in a sex-specific fashion. Furthermore, current transcriptomic studies have shown that pathways and networks in male and female individuals are not equally affected by stress exposure. In this review, we give an overview of transcriptional studies designed to understand how sex influences stress-specific transcriptomic changes in rodent models, as well as human psychiatric patients, highlighting the use of different methodological techniques. Understanding which mechanisms are more affected in males, and which in females, may lead to the identification of sex-specific mechanisms, their selective contribution to stress susceptibility, and their role in the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Brivio
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Juan Pablo Lopez
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurobiology, Nella and Leon Benoziyo Center for Neurological Diseases, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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25
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Somvanshi PR, Mellon SH, Flory JD, Abu-Amara D, Wolkowitz OM, Yehuda R, Jett M, Hood L, Marmar C, Doyle FJ. Mechanistic inferences on metabolic dysfunction in posttraumatic stress disorder from an integrated model and multiomic analysis: role of glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 317:E879-E898. [PMID: 31322414 PMCID: PMC6879860 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00065.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with neuroendocrine alterations and metabolic abnormalities; however, how metabolism is affected by neuroendocrine disturbances is unclear. The data from combat-exposed veterans with PTSD show increased glycolysis to lactate flux, reduced TCA cycle flux, impaired amino acid and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammation, and hypersensitive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. To analyze whether the co-occurrence of multiple metabolic abnormalities is independent or arises from an underlying regulatory defect, we employed a systems biological approach using an integrated mathematical model and multiomic analysis. The models for hepatic metabolism, HPA axis, inflammation, and regulatory signaling were integrated to perform metabolic control analysis (MCA) with respect to the observations from our clinical data. We combined the metabolomics, neuroendocrine, clinical laboratory, and cytokine data from combat-exposed veterans with and without PTSD to characterize the differences in regulatory effects. MCA revealed mechanistic association of the HPA axis and inflammation with metabolic dysfunction consistent with PTSD. This was supported by the data using correlational and causal analysis that revealed significant associations between cortisol suppression, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, γ-glutamyltransferase, hypoxanthine, and several metabolites. Causal mediation analysis indicates that the effects of enhanced glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity (GRS) on glycolytic pathway, gluconeogenic and branched-chain amino acids, triglycerides, and hepatic function are jointly mediated by inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and energy deficit. Our analysis suggests that the interventions to normalize GRS and inflammation may help to manage features of metabolic dysfunction in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod R Somvanshi
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Janine D Flory
- Department of Psychiatry, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Department of Psychiatry, New York Langone Medical School, New York, New York
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Marti Jett
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Leroy Hood
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington
| | - Charles Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York Langone Medical School, New York, New York
| | - Francis J Doyle
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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26
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Seo JH, Park HS, Park SS, Kim CJ, Kim DH, Kim TW. Physical exercise ameliorates psychiatric disorders and cognitive dysfunctions by hippocampal mitochondrial function and neuroplasticity in post-traumatic stress disorder. Exp Neurol 2019; 322:113043. [PMID: 31446079 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-related condition that can be triggered by witnessing or experiencing a life-threatening event, such as a war, natural disaster, terrorist attack, major accident, or assault. PTSD is caused by dysfunction of the hippocampus and causes problems associated with brain functioning, such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. Exercise is known to have a positive effect on brain function, especially in the hippocampus. In this study, we investigated the effect of aerobic exercise on mitochondrial function and neuroplasticity in the hippocampus as well as behavioral changes in animal models of PTSD. Exposure to severe stress resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus, including impaired Ca2+ homeostasis, an increase in reactive oxygen species such as H2O2, a decrease in the O2 respiration rate, and overexpression of membrane permeability transition pore-related proteins, including voltage-dependent anion channel, adenine nucleotide translocase, and cyclophilin-D. Exposure to extreme stress also decreased neuroplasticity by increasing apoptosis and decreasing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and neurogenesis, resulting in increased anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. The impairments in mitochondrial function and neuroplasticity in the hippocampus, as well as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment, were all improved by exercise. Exercise-induced improvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in particular might alter mitochondrial function, neuroplasticity, and the rate of apoptosis in the hippocampus. Therefore, exercise might be an important non-pharmacological intervention for the prevention and treatment of the pathobiology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hee Seo
- Department of Adapted physical education, Baekseok University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Sang Park
- Department of Kinesiology, College of public health and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz school of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sang-Seo Park
- Department of physiology, College of medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Kohwang Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Ju Kim
- Department of physiology, College of medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Kohwang Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- College of Sports science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Woon Kim
- Department of physiology, College of medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Kohwang Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Exercise Rehabilitation Research Institute, Department of Exercise & Health Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Mellon SH, Bersani FS, Lindqvist D, Hammamieh R, Donohue D, Dean K, Jett M, Yehuda R, Flory J, Reus VI, Bierer LM, Makotkine I, Abu Amara D, Henn Haase C, Coy M, Doyle FJ, Marmar C, Wolkowitz OM. Metabolomic analysis of male combat veterans with post traumatic stress disorder. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213839. [PMID: 30883584 PMCID: PMC6422302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with impaired major domains of psychology and behavior. Individuals with PTSD also have increased co-morbidity with several serious medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, raising the possibility that systemic pathology associated with PTSD might be identified by metabolomic analysis of blood. We sought to identify metabolites that are altered in male combat veterans with PTSD. In this case-control study, we compared metabolomic profiles from age-matched male combat trauma-exposed veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts with PTSD (n = 52) and without PTSD (n = 51) (‘Discovery group’). An additional group of 31 PTSD-positive and 31 PTSD-negative male combat-exposed veterans was used for validation of these findings (‘Test group’). Plasma metabolite profiles were measured in all subjects using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. We identified key differences between PTSD subjects and controls in pathways related to glycolysis and fatty acid uptake and metabolism in the initial ‘Discovery group’, consistent with mitochondrial alterations or dysfunction, which were also confirmed in the ‘Test group’. Other pathways related to urea cycle and amino acid metabolism were different between PTSD subjects and controls in the ‘Discovery’ but not in the smaller ‘Test’ group. These metabolic differences were not explained by comorbid major depression, body mass index, blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, smoking, or use of analgesics, antidepressants, statins, or anti-inflammatories. These data show replicable, wide-ranging changes in the metabolic profile of combat-exposed males with PTSD, with a suggestion of mitochondrial alterations or dysfunction, that may contribute to the behavioral and somatic phenotypes associated with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synthia H. Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - F. Saverio Bersani
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, USACEHR, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Duncan Donohue
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, USACEHR, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Kelsey Dean
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Marti Jett
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, USACEHR, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Janine Flory
- Department of Psychiatry, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Victor I. Reus
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Linda M. Bierer
- Department of Psychiatry, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Iouri Makotkine
- Department of Psychiatry, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY and Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Duna Abu Amara
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical School, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Clare Henn Haase
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical School, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Michelle Coy
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Francis J. Doyle
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Charles Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical School, New York, NY, United States of America
- Stephen and Alexandra Cohen Veteran Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Owen M. Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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28
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Transcriptome analysis reveals novel genes and immune networks dysregulated in veterans with PTSD. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 74:133-142. [PMID: 30189241 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that emerges following trauma exposure and involves long-lasting psychological suffering and health-issues. Uncovering critical genes and molecular networks is essential to understanding the biology of the disorder. We performed a genome-wide scan to identify transcriptome signatures of PTSD. METHODS Genome-wide peripheral blood transcriptomic data from 380 service personnel were investigated. This included a discovery sample of 96 Australian Vietnam War veterans and two independent pre and post-deployment replication samples of U.S. Marines (N = 188 and N = 96). RESULTS A total of 60 transcripts were differentially expressed between veterans with and without PTSD, surviving Bonferroni multiple testing correction. Genes within the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Jak-STAT signaling and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways were enriched. For 49% of the genes, gene expression changes were also accompanied by DNA methylation changes. Using replication data from two U.S. Marine cohorts, we observed that of the differentially expressed genes, 71% genes also showed significant gene expression changes between pre and post-deployment. Weighted gene co-expression networks revealed two modules of genes associated with PTSD. The first module (67 genes, p-value = 6e-4) was enriched for genes within the 11p13 locus including BDNF. The second module (266 genes, p-value = 0.01) was enriched for genes in 17q11 including SLC6A4, STAT5A and STAT5B. CONCLUSIONS We identified novel transcriptomic loci and biological pathways for PTSD in service personnel. Network analysis revealed enrichment of loci harboring key candidate genes in PTSD. These findings highlight the role of transcriptional biomarkers in the molecular etiology of PTSD.
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29
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Preston G, Kirdar F, Kozicz T. The role of suboptimal mitochondrial function in vulnerability to post-traumatic stress disorder. J Inherit Metab Dis 2018; 41:585-596. [PMID: 29594645 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-018-0168-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder remains the most significant psychiatric condition associated with exposure to a traumatic event, though rates of traumatic event exposure far outstrip incidence of PTSD. Mitochondrial dysfunction and suboptimal mitochondrial function have been increasingly implicated in several psychopathologies, and recent genetic studies have similarly suggested a pathogenic role of mitochondria in PTSD. Mitochondria play a central role in several physiologic processes underlying PTSD symptomatology, including abnormal fear learning, brain network activation, synaptic plasticity, steroidogenesis, and inflammation. Here we outline several potential mechanisms by which inherited (genetic) or acquired (environmental) mitochondrial dysfunction or suboptimal mitochondrial function, may contribute to PTSD symptomatology and increase susceptibility to PTSD. The proposed pathogenic role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of PTSD has important implications for prevention and therapy, as antidepressants commonly prescribed for patients with PTSD have been shown to inhibit mitochondrial function, while alternative therapies shown to improve mitochondrial function may prove more efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Preston
- Hayward Genetics Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Faisal Kirdar
- Hayward Genetics Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Tamas Kozicz
- Hayward Genetics Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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30
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Kim GS, Smith AK, Nievergelt CM, Uddin M. Neuroepigenetics of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 158:227-253. [PMID: 30072055 PMCID: PMC6474244 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While diagnosis of PTSD is based on behavioral symptom clusters that are most directly associated with brain function, epigenetic studies of PTSD in humans to date have been limited to peripheral tissues. Animal models of PTSD have been key for understanding the epigenetic alterations in the brain most directly relevant to endophenotypes of PTSD, in particular those pertaining to fear memory and stress response. This chapter provides an overview of neuroepigenetic studies based on animal models of PTSD, with an emphasis on the effect of stress on fear memory. Where relevant, we also describe human-based studies with relevance to neuroepigenetic insights gleaned from animal work and suggest promising directions for future studies of PTSD neuroepigenetics in living humans that combine peripheral epigenetic measures with measures of central nervous system activity, structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace S Kim
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Medical Scholars Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Caroline M Nievergelt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Monica Uddin
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.
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31
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Mellon SH, Gautam A, Hammamieh R, Jett M, Wolkowitz OM. Metabolism, Metabolomics, and Inflammation in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:866-875. [PMID: 29628193 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined by classic psychological manifestations, although among the characteristics are significantly increased rates of serious somatic comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, immune dysfunction, and metabolic syndrome. In this review, we assess the evidence for disturbances that may contribute to somatic pathology in inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and circulating metabolites (implicating mitochondrial dysfunction) in individuals with PTSD and in animal models simulating features of PTSD. The clinical and preclinical data highlight probable interrelated features of PTSD pathophysiology, including a proinflammatory milieu, metabolomic changes (implicating mitochondrial and other processes), and metabolic dysregulation. These data suggest that PTSD may be a systemic illness, or that it at least has systemic manifestations, and the behavioral manifestations are those most easily discerned. Whether somatic pathology precedes the development of PTSD (and thus may be a risk factor) or follows the development of PTSD (as a result of either shared pathophysiologies or lifestyle adaptations), comorbid PTSD and somatic illness is a potent combination placing affected individuals at increased physical as well as mental health risk. We conclude with directions for future research and novel treatment approaches based on these abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synthia H Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Integrative Systems Biology, United States Army Medical Research and Material Command, United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Integrative Systems Biology, United States Army Medical Research and Material Command, United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Marti Jett
- Integrative Systems Biology, United States Army Medical Research and Material Command, United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland.
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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32
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Foote FO, Benson H, Berger A, Berman B, DeLeo J, Deuster PA, Lary DJ, Silverman MN, Sternberg EM. Advanced Metrics for Assessing Holistic Care: The "Epidaurus 2" Project. Glob Adv Health Med 2018; 7:2164957X18755981. [PMID: 29497586 PMCID: PMC5824899 DOI: 10.1177/2164957x18755981] [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: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the challenge of military traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder, the US military developed a wide range of holistic care modalities at the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, from 2001 to 2017, guided by civilian expert consultation via the Epidaurus Project. These projects spanned a range from healing buildings to wellness initiatives and healing through nature, spirituality, and the arts. The next challenge was to develop whole-body metrics to guide the use of these therapies in clinical care. Under the "Epidaurus 2" Project, a national search produced 5 advanced metrics for measuring whole-body therapeutic effects: genomics, integrated stress biomarkers, language analysis, machine learning, and "Star Glyphs." This article describes the metrics, their current use in guiding holistic care at Walter Reed, and their potential for operationalizing personalized care, patient self-management, and the improvement of public health. Development of these metrics allows the scientific integration of holistic therapies with organ-system-based care, expanding the powers of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Herbert Benson
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ann Berger
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Brian Berman
- The Institute for Integrative Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Integrative Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James DeLeo
- The NIH Clinical Center Department of Clinical Research Informatics, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - David J Lary
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Marni N. Silverman
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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33
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Lisieski MJ, Eagle AL, Conti AC, Liberzon I, Perrine SA. Single-Prolonged Stress: A Review of Two Decades of Progress in a Rodent Model of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:196. [PMID: 29867615 PMCID: PMC5962709 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common, costly, and often debilitating psychiatric condition. However, the biological mechanisms underlying this disease are still largely unknown or poorly understood. Considerable evidence indicates that PTSD results from dysfunction in highly-conserved brain systems involved in stress, anxiety, fear, and reward. Pre-clinical models of traumatic stress exposure are critical in defining the neurobiological mechanisms of PTSD, which will ultimately aid in the development of new treatments for PTSD. Single prolonged stress (SPS) is a pre-clinical model that displays behavioral, molecular, and physiological alterations that recapitulate many of the same alterations observed in PTSD, illustrating its validity and giving it utility as a model for investigating post-traumatic adaptations and pre-trauma risk and protective factors. In this manuscript, we review the present state of research using the SPS model, with the goals of (1) describing the utility of the SPS model as a tool for investigating post-trauma adaptations, (2) relating findings using the SPS model to findings in patients with PTSD, and (3) indicating research gaps and strategies to address them in order to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Lisieski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Andrew L Eagle
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Alana C Conti
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Israel Liberzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Mental Health Service, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Shane A Perrine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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34
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Shimamoto A, Rappeneau V. Sex-dependent mental illnesses and mitochondria. Schizophr Res 2017; 187:38-46. [PMID: 28279571 PMCID: PMC5581986 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of some mental illnesses, including major depression, anxiety-, trauma-, and stress-related disorders, some substance use disorders, and later onset of schizophrenia, is higher in women than men. While the higher prevalence in women could simply be explained by socioeconomic determinants, such as income, social status, or cultural background, extensive studies show sex differences in biological, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacological factors contribute to females' vulnerability to these mental illnesses. In this review, we focus on estrogens, chronic stress, and neurotoxicity from behavioral, pharmacological, biological, and molecular perspectives to delineate the sex differences in these mental illnesses. Particularly, we investigate a possible role of mitochondrial function, including biosynthesis, bioenergetics, and signaling, on mediating the sex differences in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Shimamoto
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN 37028-3599, United States.
| | - Virginie Rappeneau
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN 37028-3599, United States
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Abstract
The National PTSD Brain Bank (NPBB) is a brain tissue biorepository established to support research on the causes, progression, and treatment of PTSD. It is a six-part consortium led by VA's National Center for PTSD with participating sites at VA medical centers in Boston, MA; Durham, NC; Miami, FL; West Haven, CT; and White River Junction, VT along with the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. It is also well integrated with VA's Boston-based brain banks that focus on Alzheimer's disease, ALS, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and other neurological disorders. This article describes the organization and operations of NPBB with specific attention to: tissue acquisition, tissue processing, diagnostic assessment, maintenance of a confidential data biorepository, adherence to ethical standards, governance, accomplishments to date, and future challenges. Established in 2014, NPBB has already acquired and distributed brain tissue to support research on how PTSD affects brain structure and function.
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36
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Hong C, Schüffler A, Kauhl U, Cao J, Wu CF, Opatz T, Thines E, Efferth T. Identification of NF-κB as Determinant of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Its Inhibition by the Chinese Herbal Remedy Free and Easy Wanderer. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:181. [PMID: 28428751 PMCID: PMC5382210 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder developing after exposure to traumatic events. Although psychotherapy reveals some therapeutic effectiveness, clinically sustainable cure is still uncertain. Some Chinese herbal formulae are reported to work well clinically against mental diseases in Asian countries, but the safety and their mode of action are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of Chinese remedy free and easy wanderer (FAEW) on PTSD. We used a reverse pharmacology approach combining clinical data to search for mechanisms of PTSD with subsequent in vitro verification and bioinformatics techniques as follows: (1) by analyzing microarray-based transcriptome-wide mRNA expression profiling of PTSD patients; (2) by investigating the effect of FAEW and the antidepressant control drug fluoxetine on the transcription factor NF-κB using reporter cell assays and western blotting; (3) by performing molecular docking and literature data mining based on phytochemical constituents of FAEW. The results suggest an involvement of inflammatory processes mediated through NF-κB in the progression of PTSD. FAEW was non-cytotoxic in vitro and inhibited NF-κB activity and p65 protein expression. FAEW's anti-inflammatory compounds, i.e., paeoniflorin, isoliquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside and ononin were evaluated for binding to IκK and p65-RelA in a molecular docking approach. Paeoniflorin, albiflorin, baicalin, isoliquiritin and liquiritin have been reported to relieve depression in vivo or in clinical trials, which might be the active ingredients for FAEW against PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Hong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainz, Germany
| | - Anja Schüffler
- Institut für Biotechnologie und Wirkstoff Forschung gGmbHKaiserslautern, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainz, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kauhl
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainz, Germany
| | - Jingming Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainz, Germany
| | - Ching-Fen Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainz, Germany
| | - Till Opatz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainz, Germany
| | - Eckhard Thines
- Institut für Biotechnologie und Wirkstoff Forschung gGmbHKaiserslautern, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainz, Germany
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37
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Altimiras F, Uszczynska-Ratajczak B, Camara F, Vlasova A, Palumbo E, Newhouse S, Deacon RMJ, Farias LAE, Hurley MJ, Loyola DE, Vásquez RA, Dobson R, Guigó R, Cogram P. Brain Transcriptome Sequencing of a Natural Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:64. [PMID: 28373841 PMCID: PMC5357652 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Altimiras
- Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, Universidad Adolfo IbañezSantiago, Chile; Telefonica Research and DevelopmentSantiago, Chile
| | - Barbara Uszczynska-Ratajczak
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Camara
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Vlasova
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelona, Spain
| | - Emilio Palumbo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelona, Spain
| | - Stephen Newhouse
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London London, UK
| | - Robert M J Deacon
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, National Scientific and Technical Research CouncilBuenos Aires, Argentina; GeN.DDI LtdLondon, UK
| | - Leandro A E Farias
- Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez Santiago, Chile
| | - Michael J Hurley
- Division of Brain Sciences, Centre for Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Imperial College London, UK
| | - David E Loyola
- National Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A Vásquez
- Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Richard Dobson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London London, UK
| | - Roderic Guigó
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyBarcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Cogram
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, National Scientific and Technical Research CouncilBuenos Aires, Argentina; GeN.DDI LtdLondon, UK
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38
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Du J, Zhu M, Bao H, Li B, Dong Y, Xiao C, Zhang GY, Henter I, Rudorfer M, Vitiello B. The Role of Nutrients in Protecting Mitochondrial Function and Neurotransmitter Signaling: Implications for the Treatment of Depression, PTSD, and Suicidal Behaviors. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 56:2560-2578. [PMID: 25365455 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2013.876960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have linked severe stress to the development of major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal behaviors. Furthermore, recent preclinical studies from our laboratory and others have demonstrated that in rodents, chronic stress and the stress hormone cortisol cause oxidative damage to mitochondrial function and membrane lipids in the brain. Mitochondria play a key role in synaptic neurotransmitter signaling by providing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mediating lipid and protein synthesis, buffering intracellular calcium, and regulating apoptotic and resilience pathways. Membrane lipids are similarly essential to central nervous system (CNS) function because cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and sphingolipids form a lipid raft region, a special lipid region on the membrane that mediates neurotransmitter signaling through G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channels. Low serum cholesterol levels, low antioxidant capacity, and abnormal early morning cortisol levels are biomarkers consistently associated with both depression and suicidal behaviors. In this review, we summarize the manner in which nutrients can protect against oxidative damage to mitochondria and lipids in the neuronal circuits associated with cognitive and affective behaviors. These nutrients include ω3 fatty acids, antioxidants (vitamin C and zinc), members of the vitamin B family (Vitamin B12 and folic acid), and magnesium. Accumulating data have shown that these nutrients can enhance neurocognitive function, and may have therapeutic benefits for depression and suicidal behaviors. A growing body of studies suggests the intriguing possibility that regular consumption of these nutrients may help prevent the onset of mood disorders and suicidal behaviors in vulnerable individuals, or significantly augment the therapeutic effect of available antidepressants. These findings have important implications for the health of both military and civilian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Du
- a School of Medicine, Yunnan University , Kunming , Yunnan , China.,c Laboratory of Molecular Pathophysiology, Intramural Research Program, NIMH, NIH , Bethesda , Maryland , USA
| | - Ming Zhu
- a School of Medicine, Yunnan University , Kunming , Yunnan , China
| | - Hongkun Bao
- a School of Medicine, Yunnan University , Kunming , Yunnan , China
| | - Bai Li
- a School of Medicine, Yunnan University , Kunming , Yunnan , China
| | - Yilong Dong
- a School of Medicine, Yunnan University , Kunming , Yunnan , China
| | - Chunjie Xiao
- a School of Medicine, Yunnan University , Kunming , Yunnan , China
| | - Grace Y Zhang
- c Laboratory of Molecular Pathophysiology, Intramural Research Program, NIMH, NIH , Bethesda , Maryland , USA
| | - Ioline Henter
- d Molecular Imaging Branch, Intramural Research Program, NIMH, NIH , Bethesda , Maryland , USA
| | - Matthew Rudorfer
- b Division of Service and Intervention Research, NIMH, NIH , Rockville , Maryland , USA
| | - Benedetto Vitiello
- b Division of Service and Intervention Research, NIMH, NIH , Rockville , Maryland , USA
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de Lange GM. Understanding the cellular and molecular alterations in PTSD brains: The necessity of post-mortem brain tissue. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2017; 8:1341824. [PMID: 28680541 PMCID: PMC5492080 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1341824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The personal, social and economic burden of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is high and therapeutic approaches are only partially effective. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the cellular and molecular alterations in PTSD brains in order to design more effective treatment strategies. Although brain imaging strategies have considerably improved our understanding of PTSD, these strategies cannot identify molecular and cellular changes. Post-mortem examination of the brain is a crucial strategy to advance our understanding of the underlying neuropathology, neurochemistry and molecular pathways of PTSD. Unfortunately, there is a worldwide serious shortage of human psychiatric brain tissue available for post-mortem research. Therefore, the Netherlands Brain Bank launched a prospective donor programme to recruit brain donors with psychiatric diseases in 2012: Netherlands Brain Bank for Psychiatry (NBB-Psy). NBB-Psy aims to establish a resource of brain tissue of seven psychiatric disorders: post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Participants of several large and clinically characterized research cohorts of psychiatric patients, including relatives and controls, were asked prospectively to register as brain donors. Registered donors complete medical questionnaires annually. The number of registered donors with a psychiatric disorder at the NBB has risen from 312 (most of which were patients with major depressive disorder) in the year 2010 to 1187 in 2017, of which 146 are PTSD patients. The NBB guarantees worldwide open access to biomaterials and data. Any researcher affiliated with a research institute can apply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geertje M de Lange
- NBB-Psy, Netherlands Brain Bank, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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40
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Mood, stress and longevity: convergence on ANK3. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1037-49. [PMID: 27217151 PMCID: PMC9798616 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Antidepressants have been shown to improve longevity in C. elegans. It is plausible that orthologs of genes involved in mood regulation and stress response are involved in such an effect. We sought to understand the underlying biology. First, we analyzed the transcriptome from worms treated with the antidepressant mianserin, previously identified in a large-scale unbiased drug screen as promoting increased lifespan in worms. We identified the most robust treatment-related changes in gene expression, and identified the corresponding human orthologs. Our analysis uncovered a series of genes and biological pathways that may be at the interface between antidepressant effects and longevity, notably pathways involved in drug metabolism/degradation (nicotine and melatonin). Second, we examined which of these genes overlap with genes which may be involved in depressive symptoms in an aging non-psychiatric human population (n=3577), discovered using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach in a design with extremes of distribution of phenotype. Third, we used a convergent functional genomics (CFG) approach to prioritize these genes for relevance to mood disorders and stress. The top gene identified was ANK3. To validate our findings, we conducted genetic and gene-expression studies, in C. elegans and in humans. We studied C. elegans inactivating mutants for ANK3/unc-44, and show that they survive longer than wild-type, particularly in older worms, independently of mianserin treatment. We also show that some ANK3/unc-44 expression is necessary for the effects of mianserin on prolonging lifespan and survival in the face of oxidative stress, particularly in younger worms. Wild-type ANK3/unc-44 increases in expression with age in C. elegans, and is maintained at lower youthful levels by mianserin treatment. These lower levels may be optimal in terms of longevity, offering a favorable balance between sufficient oxidative stress resistance in younger worms and survival effects in older worms. Thus, ANK3/unc-44 may represent an example of antagonistic pleiotropy, in which low-expression level in young animals are beneficial, but the age-associated increase becomes detrimental. Inactivating mutations in ANK3/unc-44 reverse this effect and cause detrimental effects in young animals (sensitivity to oxidative stress) and beneficial effect in old animals (increased survival). In humans, we studied if the most significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for depressive symptoms in ANK3 from our GWAS has a relationship to lifespan, and show a trend towards longer lifespan in individuals with the risk allele for depressive symptoms in men (odds ratio (OR) 1.41, P=0.031) but not in women (OR 1.08, P=0.33). We also examined whether ANK3, by itself or in a panel with other top CFG-prioritized genes, acts as a blood gene-expression biomarker for biological age, in two independent cohorts, one of live psychiatric patients (n=737), and one of suicide completers from the coroner's office (n=45). We show significantly lower levels of ANK3 expression in chronologically younger individuals than in middle age individuals, with a diminution of that effect in suicide completers, who presumably have been exposed to more severe and acute negative mood and stress. Of note, ANK3 was previously reported to be overexpressed in fibroblasts from patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a form of accelerated aging. Taken together, these studies uncover ANK3 and other genes in our dataset as biological links between mood, stress and longevity/aging, that may be biomarkers as well as targets for preventive or therapeutic interventions. Drug repurposing bioinformatics analyses identified the relatively innocuous omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), piracetam, quercetin, vitamin D and resveratrol as potential longevity promoting compounds, along with a series of existing drugs, such as estrogen-like compounds, antidiabetics and sirolimus/rapamycin. Intriguingly, some of our top candidate genes for mood and stress-modulated longevity were changed in expression in opposite direction in previous studies in the Alzheimer disease. Additionally, a whole series of others were changed in expression in opposite direction in our previous studies on suicide, suggesting the possibility of a "life switch" actively controlled by mood and stress.
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Demir S, Bulut M, Atli A, Kaplan İ, Kaya MC, Bez Y, Özdemir PG, Sır A. Decreased Prolidase Activity in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Psychiatry Investig 2016; 13:420-6. [PMID: 27482243 PMCID: PMC4965652 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2016.13.4.420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many neurochemical systems have been implicated in the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The prolidase enzyme is a cytosolic exopeptidase that detaches proline or hydroxyproline from the carboxyl terminal position of dipeptides. Prolidase has important biological effects, and to date, its role in the etiology of PTSD has not been studied. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate prolidase activity in patients with PTSD. METHODS The study group consisted of patients who were diagnosed with PTSD after the earthquake that occurred in the province of Van in Turkey in 2011 (n=25); the first control group consisted of patients who experienced the earthquake but did not show PTSD symptoms (n=26) and the second control group consisted of patients who have never been exposed to a traumatic event (n=25). Prolidase activities in the patients and the control groups were determined by the ELISA method using commercial kits. RESULTS Prolidase activity in the patient group was significantly lower when compared to the control groups. Prolidase activity was also significantly lower in the traumatized healthy subjects compared to the other healthy group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION The findings of the present study suggest that the decrease in prolidase activity may have neuroprotective effects in patients with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Süleyman Demir
- Department of Psychiatry, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Bulut
- Department of Psychiatry, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Atli
- Department of Psychiatry, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Kaplan
- Department of Biochemistry, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | | | - Yasin Bez
- Department of Psychiatry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Aytekin Sır
- Department of Psychiatry, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
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42
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Atli A, Bulut M, Bez Y, Kaplan İ, Özdemir PG, Uysal C, Selçuk H, Sir A. Altered lipid peroxidation markers are related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and not trauma itself in earthquake survivors. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2016; 266:329-36. [PMID: 26324882 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-015-0638-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The traumatic life events, including earthquakes, war, and interpersonal conflicts, cause a cascade of psychological and biological changes known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a reliable marker of lipid peroxidation, and paraoxonase is a known antioxidant enzyme. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between earthquake trauma, PTSD effects on oxidative stress and the levels of serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme activity, and levels of serum MDA. The study was carried out on three groups called: the PTSD group, the traumatized with earthquake exercise group, and healthy control group, which contained 32, 31, and 38 individuals, respectively. Serum MDA levels and PON1 enzyme activities from all participants were measured, and the results were compared across all groups. There were no significant differences between the PTSD patients and non-PTSD earthquake survivors in terms of the study variables. The mean PON1 enzyme activity from PTSD patients was significantly lower, while the mean MDA level was significantly higher than that of the healthy control group (p < 0.01 for both measurements). Similarly, earthquake survivors who did not develop PTSD showed higher MDA levels and lower PON1 activity when compared to healthy controls. However, the differences between these groups did not reach a statistically significant level. Increased MDA level and decreased PON1 activity measured in PTSD patients after earthquake and may suggest increased oxidative stress in these patients. The nonsignificant trends that are observed in lipid peroxidation markers of earthquake survivors may indicate higher impact of PTSD development on these markers than trauma itself. For example, PTSD diagnosis seems to add to the effect of trauma on serum MDA levels and PON1 enzyme activity. Thus, serum MDA levels and PON1 enzyme activity may serve as biochemical markers of PTSD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Atli
- Department of Psychiatry, Dicle University, 21280, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
| | - Mahmut Bulut
- Department of Psychiatry, Dicle University, 21280, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Yasin Bez
- Department of Psychiatry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Kaplan
- Department of Biochemistry, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | | | - Cem Uysal
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Hilal Selçuk
- Department of Psychiatry, Selhaddin Eyyubi State Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Aytekin Sir
- Department of Psychiatry, Dicle University, 21280, Diyarbakir, Turkey
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Schiavone S, Trabace L. Pharmacological targeting of redox regulation systems as new therapeutic approach for psychiatric disorders: A literature overview. Pharmacol Res 2016; 107:195-204. [PMID: 26995306 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Redox dysregulation occurs following a disequilibrium between reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing and degrading systems, i.e. mitochondria, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) on one hand and the principal antioxidant system, the glutathione, on the other hand. Increasing recent evidence points towards a pathogenetic role of an altered redox state in the development of several mental disorders, such as anxiety, bipolar disorders, depression, psychosis, autism and post-traumaticstress disorders (PTSD). In this regard, pharmacological targeting of the redox state regulating systems in the brain has been proposed as an innovative and promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of these mental diseases. This review will summarize current knowledge obtained from both pre-clinical and clinical studies in order to descant "lights and shadows" of targeting pharmacologically both the producing and degrading reactive oxygen species (ROS) systems in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20 71122 Foggia, Italy.
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Bersani FS, Wolkowitz OM, Lindqvist D, Yehuda R, Flory J, Bierer LM, Makotine I, Abu-Amara D, Coy M, Reus VI, Epel ES, Marmar C, Mellon SH. Global arginine bioavailability, a marker of nitric oxide synthetic capacity, is decreased in PTSD and correlated with symptom severity and markers of inflammation. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 52:153-160. [PMID: 26515034 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2015.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Revised: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychiatric, physical and biological aspects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be associated with dysfunctions in several cellular processes including nitric oxide (NO) production. NO is synthesized from arginine in a reaction carried out by NO synthase (NOS) enzymes. The recently introduced "global arginine bioavailability ratio" (GABR; ratio of arginine to [ornithine+citrulline]) has been proposed as a reliable approximation of NO synthetic capacity in vivo. The objectives of the present study were to test the hypotheses that (i) subjects with combat-related PTSD have lower GABR scores than combat controls, (ii) GABR score is inversely associated with the severity of psychopathological measures, (iii) GABR score is inversely associated with markers of inflammation. METHODS Metabolic profiling for plasma samples (i.e. arginine, citrulline and ornithine) and inflammation markers (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interferon [IFN]-γ and C-reactive protein [CRP]) were assessed in 56 combat-exposed males with PTSD and 65 combat-exposed males without PTSD. We assessed severity of PTSD (Clinician Administered PTSD Scale [CAPS]) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]) as well as history of early life trauma (Early Trauma Inventory [ETI]) and affectivity (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule [PANAS]). RESULTS The GABR value was (i) significantly lower in PTSD subjects compared to controls (p=0.001), (ii) significantly inversely correlated with markers of inflammation including IL6 (p=0.04) and TNFα (p=0.02), and (iii) significantly inversely correlated with CAPS current (p=0.001) and lifetime (p<0.001) subscales, ETI (p=0.045) and PANAS negative (p=0.006). Adding antidepressant use or MDD diagnosis as covariates led to similar results. Adding age and BMI as covariates also led to similar results, with the exception of IL6 and ETI losing their significant association with GABR. DISCUSSION This study provides the first evidence that global arginine bioavailability, a marker of NO synthetic capacity in vivo, is lower in veterans with PTSD and is negatively associated with some markers of inflammation as well as with measures of PTSD symptom severity, negative affectivity and childhood adverse experiences. These findings add to the accumulating evidence that specific cellular dysfunction may be associated with the symptomatology of PTSD and may help to explain the higher burden of cardio-metabolic disturbances seen in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Janine Flory
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Linda M Bierer
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Iouri Makotine
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Center for Posttraumatic Stress and TBI, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michelle Coy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elissa S Epel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Center for Health and Community, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Charles Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Center for Posttraumatic Stress and TBI, New York, NY, United States
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Bersani FS, Morley C, Lindqvist D, Epel ES, Picard M, Yehuda R, Flory J, Bierer LM, Makotkine I, Abu-Amara D, Coy M, Reus VI, Lin J, Blackburn EH, Marmar C, Wolkowitz OM, Mellon SH. Mitochondrial DNA copy number is reduced in male combat veterans with PTSD. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 64:10-7. [PMID: 26120081 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mitochondrial abnormalities may be involved in PTSD, although few studies have examined this. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) in blood cells is an emerging systemic index of mitochondrial biogenesis and function. The present study assessed mtDNAcn in male combat-exposed veterans with PTSD compared to those without PTSD as well as its correlation with clinical scales. METHODS mtDNAcn was assessed with a TaqMan multiplex assay in granulocytes of 43 male combat veterans with (n=43) or without (n=44) PTSD. Twenty of the PTSD subjects had co-morbid major depressive disorder (MDD). The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Early Trauma Inventory (ETI) and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) were used for the clinical assessments. All analyses were corrected for age and BMI. RESULTS mtDNAcn was significantly lower in subjects with PTSD (p<0.05). Within the PTSD group, those with moderate PTSD symptom severity had relatively higher mtDNAcn than those with mild or severe symptoms (p<0.01). Within the PTSD group, mtDNAcn was positively correlated with PANAS positive subscale ratings (p<0.01) but was not significantly correlated with PANAS negative subscale, ETI or BDI-II ratings. DISCUSSION This study provides the first evidence of: (i) a significant decrease of mtDNAcn in combat PTSD, (ii) a possible "inverted-U" shaped relationship between PTSD symptom severity and mtDNAcn within PTSD subjects, and (iii) a direct correlation of mtDNAcn with positive affectivity within PTSD subjects. Altered mtDNAcn in PTSD may reflect impaired energy metabolism, which might represent a novel aspect of its pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claire Morley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elissa S Epel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Center for Health and Community, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Martin Picard
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, MSSM/James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janine Flory
- Department of Psychiatry, MSSM/James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linda M Bierer
- Department of Psychiatry, MSSM/James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Iouri Makotkine
- Department of Psychiatry, MSSM/James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Department of Psychiatry, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Coy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Blackburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Charles Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, New York, NY, USA
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Eve DJ, Steele MR, Sanberg PR, Borlongan CV. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder associated with traumatic brain injury. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2016; 12:2689-2705. [PMID: 27799776 PMCID: PMC5077240 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s110126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) describes the presence of physical damage to the brain as a consequence of an insult and frequently possesses psychological and neurological symptoms depending on the severity of the injury. The recent increased military presence of US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan has coincided with greater use of improvised exploding devices, resulting in many returning soldiers suffering from some degree of TBI. A biphasic response is observed which is first directly injury-related, and second due to hypoxia, increased oxidative stress, and inflammation. A proportion of the returning soldiers also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and in some cases, this may be a consequence of TBI. Effective treatments are still being identified, and a possible therapeutic candidate is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Some clinical trials have been performed which suggest benefits with regard to survival and disease severity of TBI and/or PTSD, while several other studies do not see any improvement compared to a possibly poorly controlled sham. HBOT has been shown to reduce apoptosis, upregulate growth factors, promote antioxidant levels, and inhibit inflammatory cytokines in animal models, and hence, it is likely that HBOT could be advantageous in treating at least the secondary phase of TBI and PTSD. There is some evidence of a putative prophylactic or preconditioning benefit of HBOT exposure in animal models of brain injury, and the optimal time frame for treatment is yet to be determined. HBOT has potential side effects such as acute cerebral toxicity and more reactive oxygen species with long-term use, and therefore, optimizing exposure duration to maximize the reward and decrease the detrimental effects of HBOT is necessary. This review provides a summary of the current understanding of HBOT as well as suggests future directions including prophylactic use and chronic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Eve
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine
| | - Martin R Steele
- Veterans Reintegration Steering Committee, Veterans Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Paul R Sanberg
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine
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Mitochondrial functions modulate neuroendocrine, metabolic, inflammatory, and transcriptional responses to acute psychological stress. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E6614-23. [PMID: 26627253 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1515733112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The experience of psychological stress triggers neuroendocrine, inflammatory, metabolic, and transcriptional perturbations that ultimately predispose to disease. However, the subcellular determinants of this integrated, multisystemic stress response have not been defined. Central to stress adaptation is cellular energetics, involving mitochondrial energy production and oxidative stress. We therefore hypothesized that abnormal mitochondrial functions would differentially modulate the organism's multisystemic response to psychological stress. By mutating or deleting mitochondrial genes encoded in the mtDNA [NADH dehydrogenase 6 (ND6) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)] or nuclear DNA [adenine nucleotide translocator 1 (ANT1) and nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT)], we selectively impaired mitochondrial respiratory chain function, energy exchange, and mitochondrial redox balance in mice. The resulting impact on physiological reactivity and recovery from restraint stress were then characterized. We show that mitochondrial dysfunctions altered the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, sympathetic adrenal-medullary activation and catecholamine levels, the inflammatory cytokine IL-6, circulating metabolites, and hippocampal gene expression responses to stress. Each mitochondrial defect generated a distinct whole-body stress-response signature. These results demonstrate the role of mitochondrial energetics and redox balance as modulators of key pathophysiological perturbations previously linked to disease. This work establishes mitochondria as stress-response modulators, with implications for understanding the mechanisms of stress pathophysiology and mitochondrial diseases.
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Young KA, Thompson PM, Cruz DA, Williamson DE, Selemon LD. BA11 FKBP5 expression levels correlate with dendritic spine density in postmortem PTSD and controls. Neurobiol Stress 2015; 2:67-72. [PMID: 26844242 PMCID: PMC4721476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants of the immunophilin FKBP5 have been implicated in susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other stress-related disorders. We examined the relationship between mushroom, stubby, thin and filopodial spine densities measured with Golgi staining and FKBP5 gene expression in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (BA11) in individuals diagnosed with PTSD and normal controls (n = 8/8). ANCOVA revealed PTSD cases had a significantly elevated density of stubby spines (29%, P < 0.037) and a trend for a reduction in mushroom spine density (25%, p < 0.082). Levels of FKBP5 mRNA were marginally elevated in the PTSD cases (z = 1.94, p = 0.053) and levels correlated inversely with mushroom (Spearman's rho = −0.83, p < 0.001) and overall spine density (rho = −0.75, p < 0.002) and directly with stubby spine density (rho = 0.55, p < 0.027). These data suggest that FKBP5 may participate in a cellular pathway modulating neuronal spine density changes in the brain, and that this pathway may be dysregulated in PTSD. The present study is one of the first human post-mortem PTSD studies to date. Extreme stress has robust repercussions on glucocorticoids and dendritic spine morphology in animal models. FKBP5, involved in glucocorticoid signaling, was inversely associated with mushroom spine density in frontal cortex. These findings are consistent with alterations in glucocorticoid signaling in PTSD affecting synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Young
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Waco, TX, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Peter M Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry and Southwest Brain Bank, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Dianne A Cruz
- Department of Psychiatry and Southwest Brain Bank, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Douglas E Williamson
- Department of Psychiatry and Southwest Brain Bank, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lynn D Selemon
- Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Zhang L, Li H, Hu X, Benedek DM, Fullerton CS, Forsten RD, Naifeh JA, Li X, Wu H, Benevides KN, Le T, Smerin S, Russell DW, Ursano RJ. Mitochondria-focused gene expression profile reveals common pathways and CPT1B dysregulation in both rodent stress model and human subjects with PTSD. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5:e580. [PMID: 26080315 PMCID: PMC4490278 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a trauma-related mental disorder, is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain. However, the biologic approach to identifying the mitochondria-focused genes underlying the pathogenesis of PTSD is still in its infancy. Previous research, using a human mitochondria-focused cDNA microarray (hMitChip3) found dysregulated mitochondria-focused genes present in postmortem brains of PTSD patients, indicating that those genes might be PTSD-related biomarkers. To further test this idea, this research examines profiles of mitochondria-focused gene expression in the stressed-rodent model (inescapable tail shock in rats), which shows characteristics of PTSD-like behaviors and also in the blood of subjects with PTSD. This study found that 34 mitochondria-focused genes being upregulated in stressed-rat amygdala. Ten common pathways, including fatty acid metabolism and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) pathways were dysregulated in the amygdala of the stressed rats. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT1B), an enzyme in the fatty acid metabolism and PPAR pathways, was significantly over-expressed in the amygdala (P < 0.007) and in the blood (P < 0.01) of stressed rats compared with non-stressed controls. In human subjects with (n = 28) or without PTSD (n = 31), significant over-expression of CPT1B in PTSD was also observed in the two common dysregulated pathways: fatty acid metabolism (P = 0.0027, false discovery rate (FDR) = 0.043) and PPAR (P = 0.006, FDR = 0.08). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction validated the microarray findings and the CPT1B result. These findings indicate that blood can be used as a specimen in the search for PTSD biomarkers in fatty acid metabolism and PPAR pathways, and, in addition, that CPT1B may contribute to the pathology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhang
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA,Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. E-mail:
| | - H Li
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - X Hu
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - D M Benedek
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - C S Fullerton
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R D Forsten
- U.S. Army Pacific Command, Hawaiian Islands, HI, USA
| | - J A Naifeh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - X Li
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - H Wu
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - K N Benevides
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - T Le
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - S Smerin
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - D W Russell
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R J Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Abstract
The physiological consequences of acute and chronic stress on a range of organ systems have been well documented after the pioneering work of Hans Selye more than 70 years ago. More recently, an association between exposure to stressful life events and the development of later-life cognitive dysfunction has been proposed. Several plausible neurohormonal pathways and genetic mechanisms exist to support such an association. However, many logistical and methodological barriers must be overcome before a defined causal linkage can be firmly established. Here the authors review recent studies of the long-term cognitive consequences of exposures to cumulative ordinary life stressors as well as extraordinary traumatic events leading to posttraumatic stress disorder. Suggestive effects have been demonstrated for the role of life stress in general, and posttraumatic stress disorder in particular, on a range of negative cognitive outcomes, including worse than normal changes with aging, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. However, given the magnitude of the issue, well-controlled studies are relatively few in number, and the effects they have revealed are modest in size. Moreover, the effects have typically only been demonstrated on a selective subset of measures and outcomes. Potentially confounding factors abound and complicate causal relationships despite efforts to contain them. More well-controlled, carefully executed longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the apparent association between stress and dementia, clarify causal relationships, develop reliable antemortem markers, and delineate distinct patterns of risk in subsets of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Greenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kaloyan Tanev
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marie-France Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger K Pitman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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