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Micale V, Di Bartolomeo M, Di Martino S, Stark T, Dell'Osso B, Drago F, D'Addario C. Are the epigenetic changes predictive of therapeutic efficacy for psychiatric disorders? A translational approach towards novel drug targets. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108279. [PMID: 36103902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of mental disorders is not fully understood and accumulating evidence support that clinical symptomatology cannot be assigned to a single gene mutation, but it involves several genetic factors. More specifically, a tight association between genes and environmental risk factors, which could be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, may play a role in the development of mental disorders. Several data suggest that epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modification and interference of microRNA (miRNA) or long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) may modify the severity of the disease and the outcome of the therapy. Indeed, the study of these mechanisms may help to identify patients particularly vulnerable to mental disorders and may have potential utility as biomarkers to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. This article summarizes the most relevant preclinical and human data showing how epigenetic modifications can be central to the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressant and/or antipsychotic agents, as possible predictor of drugs response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Scientific Core Unit Neuroimaging, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'Luigi Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy, Department of Mental Health, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy; "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan Medical School, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Müller D, Grevet EH, Figueira da Silva NA, Bandeira CE, Barbosa E, Vitola ES, Charão MF, Linden R, Rohde LA, Ramos JKN, da Silva BS, Rovaris DL, Bau CHD. Global DNA methylation changes in adults with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and its comorbidity with bipolar disorder: links with polygenic scores. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2485-91. [PMID: 35256746 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01493-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the etiology of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this sense, the study of epigenetic mechanisms could contribute to the understanding of the disorder's neurobiology. Global DNA methylation (GMe) evaluated through 5-methylcytosine levels could be a promising epigenetic biomarker to capture long-lasting biological effects in response to environmental and hormonal changes. We conducted the first assessment of GMe levels in subjects with ADHD (n = 394) and its main comorbidities in comparison to populational controls (n = 390). Furthermore, given the high genetic contribution to ADHD (heritability of 80%), polygenic risk scores (PRS) were calculated to verify the genetic contribution to GMe levels in ADHD and the comorbidities associated with GMe levels. The GMe levels observed in patients were lower than controls (P = 1.1e-8), with women being significantly less globally methylated than men (P = 0.002). Regarding comorbidities, the presence of bipolar disorder (BD) among patients with ADHD was associated with higher methylation levels compared to patients with ADHD without BD (P = 0.031). The results did not change when pharmacological treatment was accounted for in the analyses. The ADHD and BD most predictive PRSs were negatively (P = 0.0064) and positively (P = 0.0042) correlated with GMe, respectively. This study is the first to report an association between GMe, ADHD, and its comorbidity with BD and associations between PRSs for specific psychiatric disorders and GMe. Our findings add to previous evidence that GMe may be a relevant piece in the psychiatric disorders' etiological landscape.
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Reszka E, Jabłońska E, Lesicka M, Wieczorek E, Kapelski P, Szczepankiewicz A, Pawlak J, Dmitrzak-Węglarz M. An altered global DNA methylation status in women with depression. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:283-289. [PMID: 33730603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sparse studies have shown that specific biomarkers of a global DNA methylation status may be related to various mental diseases and states, including: bipolar disorder (BD), anxiety and major depression disorder (MDD). The objective of this study was to analyze potential variation of the above mentioned global methylation status in women with depression. 38 women with a current and clinically confirmed depressive episode suffering from BD type I, type II or MDD and 71 women from the general population and at similar age were recruited for the study. Alu and LINE-1 methylation was assayed with the quantitative methylation-specific PCR technique with TaqMan probes, while the 5-mC and 5-hmC level was determined using the ELISA-based method. Significantly higher levels of 5-mC, Alu and LINE-1 methylation were observed in the women with depression as compared to the controls; while the 5-hmC level revealed to be significantly lower. The BD type I patients presented the highest level of 5-mC of all the women with a depressive episode. 5-mC level in the patients was positively and significantly correlated with the severity of the symptoms of depression. Relationships between Alu or LINE-1 methylation and 5-mC level were statistically significant only in the case of the control women. Alu and LINE-1 methylation do not constitute suitable biomarkers of global DNA methylation in the investigated patients. These findings require confirmation in case-control and prospective epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Reszka
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Ewa Jabłońska
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Lesicka
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Wieczorek
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paweł Kapelski
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szczepankiewicz
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Pawlak
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Dmitrzak-Węglarz
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Müller D, Grevet EH, da Silva BS, Charão MF, Rovaris DL, Bau CHD. The neuroendocrine modulation of global DNA methylation in neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:66-9. [PMID: 33099577 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00924-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing body of knowledge on the influence of differential DNA methylation of specific genomic regions in psychiatric disorders. However, fewer studies have addressed global DNA methylation (GMe) levels. GMe is an estimative of biological functioning that is regulated by pervasive mechanisms able to capture the big picture of metabolic and environmental influences upon gene expression. In the present perspective article, we highlighted evidence for the relationships between cortisol and sex hormones and GMe in psychiatric disorders. We argue that the far-reaching effects of cortisol and sexual hormones on GMe may lie on the pathways linking stress and mental health. Further research on these endocrine-epigenetic links may help to explain the role of environmental stress as well as sex differences in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders.
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Salagre E, Vizuete A, Leite M, Brownstein D, McGuinness A, Jacka F, Dodd S, Stubbs B, Köhler C, Vieta E, Carvalho A, Berk M, Fernandes B. Homocysteine as a peripheral biomarker in bipolar disorder: A meta-analysis. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 43:81-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.02.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractBackground:Bipolar disorder (BD) is a psychiatric disorder with an uncertain aetiology. Recently, special attention has been given to homocysteine (Hcy), as it has been suggested that alterations in 1-carbon metabolism might be implicated in diverse psychiatric disorders. However, there is uncertainty regarding possible alterations in peripheral Hcy levels in BD.Methods:This study comprises a meta-analysis comparing serum and plasma Hcy levels in persons with BD and healthy controls. We conducted a systematic search for all eligible English and non-English peer-reviewed articles.Results:Nine cross-sectional studies were included in the meta-analyses, providing data on 1547 participants. Random-effects meta-analysis showed that serum and plasma levels of Hcy were increased in subjects with BD in either mania or euthymia when compared to healthy controls, with a large effect size in the mania group (g= 0.98, 95% CI: 0.8–1.17,P< 0.001,n= 495) and a small effect in the euthymia group (g= 0.3, 95% CI: 0.11–0.48,P= 0.002,n= 1052).Conclusions:Our meta-analysis provides evidence that Hcy levels are elevated in persons with BD during mania and euthymia. Peripheral Hcy could be considered as a potential biomarker in BD, both of trait (since it is increased in euthymia), and also of state (since its increase is more accentuated in mania). Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the relationship between bipolar disorder and Hcy, as well as the usefulness of peripheral Hcy as both a trait and state biomarker in BD.
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Abstract
There is increasing evidence that changes in epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression are involved in the pathogenesis of mood disorders. Such evidence stems from studies conducted on postmortem brain tissues and peripheral cells or tissues of patients with mood disorders. This article describes and discusses the epigenetic changes in the mood disorders (major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder) found to date. The article also describes and discusses preclinical drug trials of epigenetic drugs for treating mood disorders. In addition, nonrandomized and randomized controlled trials of nutritional drugs with effects on epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression in patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are discussed. Trials of epigenetic drugs and nutritional drugs with epigenetic effects are showing promising results for the treatment of mood disorders. Thus, epigenetic drugs and nutritional drugs with epigenetic effects could be useful in the treatment of patients with these disorders.
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Abstract
DNA methylation has been an important area of research in the study of molecular mechanism to psychiatric disorders. Recent evidence has suggested that abnormalities in global methylation, methylation of genes, and pathways could play a role in the etiology of many forms of mental illness. In this article, we review the mechanisms of DNA methylation, including the genetic and environmental factors affecting methylation changes. We report and discuss major findings regarding DNA methylation in psychiatric patients, both within the context of global methylation studies and gene-specific methylation studies. Finally, we discuss issues surrounding data quality improvement, the limitations of current methylation analysis methods, and the possibility of using DNA methylation-based treatment for psychiatric disorders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Liu
- University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States; School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Chuan Jiao
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kangli Wang
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ning Yuan
- Hunan Brain Hospital, Changsha, China
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Ceylan D, Scola G, Tunca Z, Isaacs-Trepanier C, Can G, Andreazza AC, Young LT, Özerdem A. DNA redox modulations and global DNA methylation in bipolar disorder: Effects of sex, smoking and illness state. Psychiatry Res 2018; 261:589-96. [PMID: 29407727 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
DNA redox modulations and methylation have been associated with bipolar disorder (BD) pathophysiology. We aimed to investigate DNA redox modulation and global DNA methylation and demethylation levels in patients with BD during euthymia, mania or depression in comparison to non-psychiatric controls. The roles of sex and smoking as susceptibility factors for DNA redox modulations and global DNA methylation and demethylation were also explored. Levels of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were assessed in DNA samples of 75 patients with DSM-IV BD type I (37 euthymic, 18 manic, 20 depressive) in comparison to 60 non-psychiatric controls. Levels of 5-mC and 5-hmC were assessed using Dot Blot as a screening process, and verified using ELISA. Levels of 8-OHdG were assessed using ELISA. The levels of 8-OHdG significantly differed among non-psychiatric control, euthymia, mania and depression groups [F (3,110) = 2.771, p = 0.046], whereas there were no alterations in the levels of 5-hmC and 5-mC. Linear regression analyses revealed the significant effects of smoking (p = 0.031) and sex (p = 0.012) as well as state of illness on the levels of 8-OHdG (p = 0.025) in patients with BD. Our results suggest that levels of 8-OHdG may be affected by sex, illness states and smoking in BD.
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Zhou SJ, Zhang LG, Chen HM, Li JY, Li R, Zhang XM, Wang N, Soares JC, Cassidy RM, Zheng Y, Ning Y, Wang SL, Chen JX, Zhang XY. Prevalence and clinical-demographic correlates of hyperhomocysteinemia in inpatients with bipolar disorder in a Han Chinese population. Psychiatry Res 2018; 259:364-369. [PMID: 29120844 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have reported that hyperhomocystinemia (HHcy) is highly prevalent in patients with bipolar disorder (BD), placing them at greater risk of cardiovascular disease and possibly serving as a disease biomarker. However, the correlation of HHcy with demographic or clinical parameters is not well known. In this study, we examined the prevalence of HHcy and its association with these parameters in a sample of Chinese BD patients. Fasting plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels were determined in 198 BD inpatients and 84 healthy controls. HHcy was defined when Hcy concentration exceeded 15.0µmol/L. Affective symptomatology was assessed by the Young Mania Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Clinical Global Impressions severity scale. Compared to healthy controls, BD patients had a significantly higher prevalence (34.85% vs. 19.05%) of HHcy and a higher absolute level of homocysteine. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that BD patients with HHcy were more likely to be male, have elevated BMI, more frequent treatment on lithium but less on valproate. These results suggest that Chinese inpatients with bipolar disorder have a higher rate of HHcy than the general population, and those at greatest risk are male, have an elevated BMI, and take more lithium but less valproate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Jiang Zhou
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Li-Gang Zhang
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Hong-Mei Chen
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Ju-Yan Li
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Ran Li
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Xi-Mei Zhang
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Jair C Soares
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan M Cassidy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yingjun Zheng
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Ning
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shao-Li Wang
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100096, China.
| | - Jing-Xu Chen
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100096, China.
| | - Xiang-Yang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
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Pisanu C, Katsila T, Patrinos GP, Squassina A. Recent trends on the role of epigenomics, metabolomics and noncoding RNAs in rationalizing mood stabilizing treatment. Pharmacogenomics 2018; 19:129-143. [DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2017-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mood stabilizers are the cornerstone in treatment of mood disorders, but their use is characterized by high interindividual variability. This feature has stimulated intensive research to identify predictive biomarkers of response and disentangle the molecular bases of their clinical efficacy. Nevertheless, findings from studies conducted so far have only explained a small proportion of the observed variability, suggesting that factors other than DNA variants could be involved. A growing body of research has been focusing on the role of epigenetics and metabolomics in response to mood stabilizers, especially lithium salts. Studies from these approaches have provided new insights into the molecular networks and processes involved in the mechanism of action of mood stabilizers, promoting a systems-level multiomics synergy. In this article, we reviewed the literature investigating the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms, noncoding RNAs and metabolomic modifications in bipolar disorder and the mechanism of action and clinical efficacy of mood stabilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pisanu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Theodora Katsila
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Greece
| | - George P Patrinos
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Greece
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alessio Squassina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Fries GR, Li Q, McAlpin B, Rein T, Walss-Bass C, Soares JC, Quevedo J. The role of DNA methylation in the pathophysiology and treatment of bipolar disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:474-488. [PMID: 27328785 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a multifactorial illness thought to result from an interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental stimuli. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, can modulate gene expression in response to the environment, and therefore might account for part of the heritability reported for BD. This paper aims to review evidence of the potential role of DNA methylation in the pathophysiology and treatment of BD. In summary, several studies suggest that alterations in DNA methylation may play an important role in the dysregulation of gene expression in BD, and some actually suggest their potential use as biomarkers to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of response to treatment. This is also supported by reports of alterations in the levels of DNA methyltransferases in patients and in the mechanism of action of classical mood stabilizers. In this sense, targeting specific alterations in DNA methylation represents exciting new treatment possibilities for BD, and the 'plastic' characteristic of DNA methylation accounts for a promising possibility of restoring environment-induced modifications in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel R Fries
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 1941 East Rd, 77054, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Qiongzhen Li
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 1941 East Rd, 77054, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Blake McAlpin
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 1941 East Rd, 77054, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Theo Rein
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstraße 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Consuelo Walss-Bass
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 1941 East Rd, 77054, Houston, TX, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jair C Soares
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joao Quevedo
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 1941 East Rd, 77054, Houston, TX, USA; Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Laboratory of Neurosciences, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
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12
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Teroganova N, Girshkin L, Suter CM, Green MJ. DNA methylation in peripheral tissue of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: a systematic review. BMC Genet 2016; 17:27. [PMID: 26809779 PMCID: PMC4727379 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-016-0332-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of epigenetic processes in the development of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and recent reviews have focused on findings in post-mortem brain tissue. A systematic review was conducted to synthesise and evaluate the quality of available evidence for epigenetic modifications (specifically DNA methylation) in peripheral blood and saliva samples of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients in comparison to healthy controls. METHODS Original research articles using humans were identified using electronic databases. There were 33 included studies for which data were extracted and graded in duplicate on 22 items of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement, to assess methodological precision and quality of reporting. RESULTS There were 15 genome-wide and 18 exclusive candidate gene loci investigations for DNA methylation studies. A number of common genes were identified as differentially methylated in schizophrenia/bipolar disorder, which were related to reelin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, dopamine (including the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene), serotonin and glutamate, despite inconsistent findings of hyper-, hypo-, or lack of methylation at these and other loci. The mean STROBE score of 59% suggested moderate quality of available evidence; however, wide methodological variability contributed to a lack of consistency in the way methylation levels were quantified, such that meta-analysis of the results was not possible. CONCLUSIONS Moderate quality of available evidence shows some convergence of differential methylation at some common genetic loci in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, despite wide variation in methodology and reporting across studies. Improvement in the clarity of reporting clinical and other potential confounds would be useful in future studies of epigenetic processes in the context of exposure to environmental and other risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Teroganova
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Leah Girshkin
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Catherine M Suter
- Molecular Structural and Computational Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Melissa J Green
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
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Backlund L, Wei YB, Martinsson L, Melas PA, Liu JJ, Mu N, Östenson CG, Ekström TJ, Schalling M, Lavebratt C. Mood Stabilizers and the Influence on Global Leukocyte DNA Methylation in Bipolar Disorder. Mol Neuropsychiatry 2015; 1:76-81. [PMID: 27602359 DOI: 10.1159/000430867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the relationship between treatments for bipolar disorder (BD), their therapeutic responses and the DNA methylation status. We investigated whether global DNA methylation levels differ between healthy controls and bipolar patients under different treatments. Global DNA methylation was measured in leukocyte DNA from bipolar patients under lithium monotherapy (n = 29) or combination therapy (n = 32) and from healthy controls (n = 26). Lithium response was assessed using the Alda scale. Lithium in monotherapy was associated with hypomethylation (F = 4.63, p = 0.036). Lithium + valproate showed a hypermethylated pattern compared to lithium alone (F = 7.27, p = 0.011). Lithium response was not associated with DNA methylation levels. These data suggest that the choice of treatment in BD may lead to different levels of global DNA methylation. However, further research is needed to understand its clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Backlund
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Psychiatric Research and Education, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ya Bin Wei
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lina Martinsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philippe A Melas
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jia Jia Liu
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; School of Nursing, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ninni Mu
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claes-Göran Östenson
- Endocrine and Diabetes Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas J Ekström
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Schalling
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Lavebratt
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ghanizadeh A, Singh AB, Berk M, Torabi-Nami M. Homocysteine as a potential biomarker in bipolar disorders: a critical review and suggestions for improved studies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:927-39. [PMID: 25882812 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1019866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Homocysteine levels have been associated with major depression, but associations with bipolar disorder remain less clear. Some data suggest homocysteine levels have potential as a biomarker of treatment response; however the literature is mixed. AREAS COVERED Oxidized forms of homocysteine can be potentially neurotoxic leading to glutamate toxicity, apoptotic transformation and neurodegenerative processes. High homocysteine may be a risk biomarker for bipolar disorders, but the empirical base remains too weak for firm conclusions. This review discusses the current literature for homocysteine levels as a biomarker. EXPERT OPINION It is premature to foreclose the utility of homocysteine levels as a biomarker for bipolar disorder due the methodological inadequacies in the existing literature. These methodological design issues include lack of control for the confounding variables of concurrent medication, phase of bipolar disorder, gender, age, nutritional status, thyroid, liver and renal function, smoking or lean body mass. Well-powered association studies with confounder control could help shed more light on the important clinical question of homocysteine's utility as a biomarker in bipolar disorder. Future experiments are needed to examine the outcome of interventions modulating homocysteine for treating bipolar disorder. Only prospective randomized control trials will provide definitive evidence of the utility of homocysteine as a biomarker or therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ghanizadeh
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry , Shiraz , Iran +00987116273070 ;
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Mandaviya PR, Stolk L, Heil SG. Homocysteine and DNA methylation: a review of animal and human literature. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 113:243-52. [PMID: 25456744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Homocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur-containing non-protein forming amino acid, which is synthesized from methionine as an important intermediate in the one-carbon pathway. High concentrations of Hcy in a condition called hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are an independent risk factor for several disorders including cardiovascular diseases and osteoporotic fractures. Since Hcy is produced as a byproduct of the methyltransferase reaction, alteration in DNA methylation is studied as one of the underlying mechanisms of HHcy-associated disorders. In animal models, elevated Hcy concentrations are induced either by diet (high methionine, low B-vitamins, or both), gene knockouts (Mthfr, Cbs, Mtrr or Mtr) or combination of both to investigate their effects on DNA methylation or its markers. In humans, most of the literature involves case-control studies concerning patients. The focus of this review is to study existing literature on HHcy and its role in relation to DNA methylation. Apart from this, a few studies investigated the effect of Hcy-lowering trials on restoring DNA methylation patterns, by giving a folic acid or B-vitamin supplemented diet. These studies which were conducted in animal models as well as humans were included in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja R Mandaviya
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lisette Stolk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sandra G Heil
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Moustafa AA, Hewedi DH, Eissa AM, Frydecka D, Misiak B. Homocysteine levels in schizophrenia and affective disorders-focus on cognition. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:343. [PMID: 25339876 PMCID: PMC4186289 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although homocysteine (Hcy) has been widely implicated in the etiology of various physical health impairments, especially cardiovascular diseases, overwhelming evidence indicates that Hcy is also involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and affective disorders. There are several mechanisms linking Hcy to biological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders. It has been found that Hcy interacts with NMDA receptors, initiates oxidative stress, induces apoptosis, triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and leads to vascular damage. Elevated Hcy levels might also contribute to cognitive impairment that is widely observed among patients with affective disorders and schizophrenia. Supplementation of vitamins B and folic acid has been proved to be effective in lowering Hcy levels. There are also studies showing that this supplementation strategy might be beneficial for schizophrenia patients with respect to alleviating negative symptoms. However, there are no studies addressing the influence of add-on therapies with folate and vitamins B on cognitive performance of patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders. In this article, we provide an overview of Hcy metabolism in psychiatric disorders focusing on cognitive correlates and indicating future directions and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Moustafa
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology and Marcs Institute for Brain and Behaviour, University of Western Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Doaa H Hewedi
- Psychogeriatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Ain Shams University Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abeer M Eissa
- Psychogeriatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Ain Shams University Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Błażej Misiak
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw, Poland ; Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw, Poland
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Pishva E, Kenis G, van den Hove D, Lesch KP, Boks MPM, van Os J, Rutten BPF. The epigenome and postnatal environmental influences in psychotic disorders. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2014; 49:337-48. [PMID: 24549836 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-014-0831-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar spectrum disorders are the product of both heritable and non-heritable factors, the impact of which converges at different biological levels. Recent evidence from molecular approaches has provided new insights about how environmental exposures cause persistent alterations in the regulation of gene expression, particularly by so-called epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of findings of epigenetic studies in psychotic disorders, summarizing findings of human and animal studies on epigenetic alterations due to postnatal environmental exposures associated with psychotic disorders. METHODS Electronic and manual literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PSYCHINFO, using a range of search terms around epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modifications, psychoses, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and environmental risks associated with psychotic disorders as observed in human and experimental animal studies, complemented by review articles and cross-references. RESULTS Despite several promising findings of differential epigenetic profiles in individuals with psychotic disorders in the studies published to date, the knowledge of the role of epigenetic processes in psychotic disorder remains very limited, and should be interpreted cautiously given various challenges in this rapidly evolving field of research. CONCLUSIONS Integration of epigenetic findings into biopsychosocial models of the etiology of psychotic disorders eventually may yield important insights into the biological underpinnings of the onset and course of psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pishva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence has supported a role of DNA methylation in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. The purpose of the current study is to examine 5-methylcytosine (5-mc) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmc) levels in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) at different disease states. METHODS Forty-nine patients with MDD and 25 healthy control subjects were included. The severity in the disease was assessed by using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression (HAM-D) (HAM-D ≥19 for severe MDD and HAM-D ≤7 for remitted MDD). The 5-mc and 5-hmc levels in leukocyte DNA were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based method. RESULTS We found a significant decrease in 5-hmc and trends of decreasing 5-mc levels in patients with severe MDD compared to healthy controls (P=0.059 for 5-mc and P=0.013 for 5-hmc). The decrease in the level exists only in the older age group (P=0.035 for 5-mc and P=0.002 for 5-hmc) but not in the younger age group (P=0.077 for 5-mc and P=0.620 for 5-hmc). In addition, the 5-mc level was found to be inversely correlated with disease severity (P=0.011). CONCLUSION Our results support a decrease in global DNA methylation associated with age in patients with severe depression. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of the methylation level as a disease marker of depression and whether antidepressant treatment changes the methylation profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Tao Tseng
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ; Department of Psychiatry, Tsyr-Huey Mental Hospital, Kaohsiung Jen-Ai's Home, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ; Center for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Fa Hung
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - For-Wey Lung
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ; Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Sheng Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mian-Yoon Chong
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Sazci A, Ozel MD, Ergul E, Onder ME. Association of nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase (NNMT) gene rs694539 variant with bipolar disorder. Gene 2013; 532:272-5. [PMID: 24004542 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.08.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Here we report the association of the rs694539 variant of nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase gene with bipolar disorder in a case-control study of 95 bipolar disorder patients and 201 healthy controls (χ(2)=13.382, P=0.001). With the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method we developed we were able to show the association for the first time. This new finding may provide evidence to understand the mechanism of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sazci
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kocaeli, 41380 Kocaeli, Turkey.
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Soeiro-de-Souza MG, Andreazza AC, Carvalho AF, Machado-Vieira R, Young LT, Moreno RA. Number of manic episodes is associated with elevated DNA oxidation in bipolar I disorder. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 16:1505-12. [PMID: 23449001 DOI: 10.1017/S1461145713000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a major public health problem characterized by progressive functional impairment. A number of clinical variables have been associated with progression of the disease, most notably number of affective episodes and presence of psychotic symptoms, both of which correlate with greater cognitive impairment, lower response rates for lithium, and possibly lower levels of neurotrophic factors. Oxidative damage to cytosine and guanosine (8-OHdG) has been described as a modulator of DNA methylation, but the extent of DNA oxidative damage involvement in BD remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of DNA oxidative damage to 8-OHdG and 5-methylcytosine (5-HMec), as well as global methylation (5-Mec), in BD patients and healthy controls. Potential association with clinical variables was also investigated. DNA levels of 8-OHdG, 5-HMec and 5-Mec were measured in 50 BD type I patients and 50 healthy controls. DNA 8-OHdG levels were higher in BD patients compared to healthy controls and found to be positively influenced by number of previous manic episodes. BD subjects had lower levels of 5-HMec compared to controls, whereas this measure was not influenced by the clinical features of BD. Number of manic episodes was correlated with higher levels of 8-OHdG, but not of 5-Mec or 5-HMec. Lower demethylation activity (5-HMec) but no difference in global 5-Mec levels was observed in BD. This finding suggests that oxidative damage to 8-OHdG might be a potential marker of disease progression, although further prospective cross-sectional studies to confirm neuroprogression in BD are warranted.
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Mamdani F, Martin MV, Lencz T, Rollins B, Robinson DG, Moon EA, Malhotra AK, Vawter MP. Coding and noncoding gene expression biomarkers in mood disorders and schizophrenia. Dis Markers 2013; 35:11-21. [PMID: 24167345 DOI: 10.1155/2013/748095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mood disorders and schizophrenia are common and complex disorders with consistent evidence of genetic and environmental influences on predisposition. It is generally believed that the consequences of disease, gene expression, and allelic heterogeneity may be partly the explanation for the variability observed in treatment response. Correspondingly, while effective treatments are available for some patients, approximately half of the patients fail to respond to current neuropsychiatric treatments. A number of peripheral gene expression studies have been conducted to understand these brain-based disorders and mechanisms of treatment response with the aim of identifying suitable biomarkers and perhaps subgroups of patients based upon molecular fingerprint. In this review, we summarize the results from blood-derived gene expression studies implemented with the aim of discovering biomarkers for treatment response and classification of disorders. We include data from a biomarker study conducted in first-episode subjects with schizophrenia, where the results provide insight into possible individual biological differences that predict antipsychotic response. It is concluded that, while peripheral studies of expression are generating valuable results in pathways involving immune regulation and response, larger studies are required which hopefully will lead to robust biomarkers for treatment response and perhaps underlying variations relevant to these complex disorders.
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Abstract
Genetic studies have attempted to elucidate causal mechanisms for the development of complex disease, but genome-wide associations have been largely unsuccessful in establishing these links. As an alternative link between genes and disease, recent efforts have focused on mechanisms that alter the function of genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Known as epigenetic mechanisms, these include DNA methylation, chromatin conformational changes through histone modifications, ncRNAs and, most recently, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Although DNA methylation is involved in normal development, aging and gene regulation, altered methylation patterns have been associated with disease. It is generally believed that early life constitutes a period during which there is increased sensitivity to the regulatory effects of epigenetic mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to outline the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to genomic function, particularly in the development of complex behavioral phenotypes, focusing on the sensitive periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Nagy
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital University Institute, 6875 Lasalle boul, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Lester BM, Tronick E, Nestler E, Abel T, Kosofsky B, Kuzawa CW, Marsit CJ, Maze I, Meaney MJ, Monteggia LM, Reul JMHM, Skuse DH, Sweatt JD, Wood MA. Behavioral epigenetics. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2011; 1226:14-33. [PMID: 21615751 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06037.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sponsored by the New York Academy of Sciences, the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the University of Massachusetts Boston, "Behavioral Epigenetics" was held on October 29-30, 2010 at the University of Massachusetts Boston Campus Center, Boston, Massachusetts. This meeting featured speakers and panel discussions exploring the emerging field of behavioral epigenetics, from basic biochemical and cellular mechanisms to the epigenetic modulation of normative development, developmental disorders, and psychopathology. This report provides an overview of the research presented by leading scientists and lively discussion about the future of investigation at the behavioral epigenetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry M Lester
- Department of Psychiatry, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, USA.
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Abstract
Bipolar disease (BPD) is a complex major psychiatric disorder that affects between 1% and 2% of the population and exhibits ?85% heritability. This has made BPD an appealing target for genetic studies yet, despite numerous attempts, the genetic basis of this disease remains elusive. Recently, it has come to light that epigenetic factors may also influence the development of BPD. These factors act via stable but reversible modifications of DNA and chromatin structure. In this chapter, we revisit the epidemiological, clinical, and molecular findings in BPD and reanalyze them from the perspective of inherited and acquired epigenetic misregulation. Epigenetic research has great potential to enhance our understanding of the molecular basis of BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarang Khare
- The Krembil Family Epigenetics Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada,
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