| 1. |
- Comasco, Erika, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Genetic and Functional Study of L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 in Schizophrenia
- 2017
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Ingår i: Neuropsychobiology. - Basel : S. Karger. - 0302-282X .- 1423-0224. ; 74:2, s. 96-103
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Schizophrenia involves neural catecholaminergic dysregulation. Tyrosine is the precursor of catecholamines, and its major transporter, according to studies on fibroblasts, in the brain is the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1). The present study assessed haplotype tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the SLC7A5/LAT1 gene in 315 patients with psychosis within the schizophrenia spectrum and 233 healthy controls to investigate genetic vulnerability to the disorder as well as genetic relationships to homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), the major catecholamine metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Moreover, the involvement of the different isoforms of the system L in tyrosine uptake and LAT1 tyrosine kinetics were studied in fibroblast cell lines of 10 patients with schizophrenia and 10 healthy controls. The results provide suggestive evidence of individual vulnerability to schizophrenia related to the LAT1 SNP rs9936204 genotype. A number of SNPs were nominally associated with CSF HVA and MHPG concentrations but did not survive correction for multiple testing. The LAT1 isoform was confirmed as the major tyrosine transporter in patients with schizophrenia. However, the kinetic parameters (maximal transport capacity, affinity of the binding sites, and diffusion constant of tyrosine transport through the LAT1 isoform) did not differ between patients with schizophrenia and controls. The present genetic findings call for independent replication in larger samples, while the functional study seems to exclude a role of LAT1 in the aberrant transport of tyrosine in fibroblasts of patients with schizophrenia.
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| 2. |
- af Klinteberg, Britt, et al.
(författare)
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On the psychobiology of impulsivity
- 2004
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Ingår i: On the psychobiology of personality. - : Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam. - 0080442099 ; , s. 455-478
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)
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| 3. |
- Gokturk, Camilla, et al.
(författare)
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Serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) and monoamine oxidase (MAOA) promoter polymorphisms in women with severe alcoholism
- 2008
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Ingår i: Archives of Women's Mental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-1816 .- 1435-1102. ; 11:5-6, s. 347-355
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The serotonin system is known to play a pivotal role for mood, behaviour and psychic illness as e.g. alcoholism. Alcoholism in both males and females has been associated with polymorphisms in genes encoding for proteins of importance for central serotonergic function. Genotyping of two functional polymorphisms in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter and monoamine oxidase-A, respectively, (5-HTT-LPR and MAOA-VNTR), was performed in a group of women with severe alcohol addiction. A large sample of adolescent females from a normal population was used as controls. A significantly higher frequency of the LL 5-HTT genotype (high activity) was found in female addicts without a known co-morbid psychiatric disorder than in the controls. Genotype of the MAOA-VNTR polymorphism did not differ significantly between addicts and controls. However, within the group of alcoholics, when the patients with known co-morbid psychiatric disorders were excluded, aggressive anti-social behaviour was significantly linked to the presence of the high activity MAOA allele. The pattern of associations between genotypes of 5-HTT-LPR and MAOA-VNTR in women with severe alcoholism differs from most corresponding studies on males.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Oreland, Sadia, et al.
(författare)
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Does the transcription factor AP-2beta have an impact on the genetic and early environmental influence on ethanol consumption?
- 2010
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Ingår i: Journal of neural transmission. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0300-9564 .- 1435-1463. ; 117:9, s. 1077-1081
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Genes involved in alcoholism have consensus sites for the transcription factor activator protein (TFAP) 2beta. In the present study, we investigated TFAP-2beta protein levels in the ethanol-preferring alko, alcohol (AA) and the ethanol-avoiding alko, non-alcohol (ANA) rat lines. Furthermore, basal and ethanol-induced TFAP-2beta levels were examined in Wistar rats exposed to different early postnatal environments that are known to affect later ethanol consumption. Taken together, we found differences in brainstem TFAP-2beta protein between the AA and ANA rats.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Oreland, Sadia, et al.
(författare)
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Ethanol-induced effects on the dopamine and serotonin systems in adult Wistar rats are dependent on early-life experiences
- 2011
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Ingår i: Brain Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-8993 .- 1872-6240. ; 1405, s. 57-68
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Some individuals control their ethanol consumption throughout life, but others escalate their intake to levels that increase the risk for addiction. The early environment influences the individual response to ethanol and affects the underlying physiological processes that lead to a transition from a voluntary to a compulsive use of ethanol. However, the neurobiological substrates for these processes are not understood. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that early environmental experiences affect the neurobiological effects that are induced by voluntary ethanol consumption. Rat pups were subjected to three different rearing environments: conventional animal facility rearing or separation from dam and littermates for either 15 or 360 min. In adulthood, the rats were exposed to a two-bottle free choice between ethanol and water for seven weeks. Tissue levels of dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and their metabolites were measured in brain areas that have been implicated in reward and addiction processes. Differences in ethanol-induced effects were noted in 5-HT-related measurements in the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area and in dopamine-related measurements in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). These results provided evidence of an early environmental impact on interactive neuronal circuits between the DRN and reward pathways. The amygdala, a key area in addiction processes, was particularly sensitive to early-life conditions. The animals that experienced the longest separation differed from the others; they had low basal 5-HT levels and responded with an increase in 5-HT after ethanol. These altered responses to initial ethanol consumption as a result of early environmental factors may affect the transition from habitual to compulsive drinking and contribute to individual vulnerability or resilience to addiction.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Oreland, Sadia, et al.
(författare)
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Two repeated maternal separation procedures differentially affect brain 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter and receptors in young and adult male and female rats
- 2009
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Ingår i: Brain Research. - : Elsevier. - 0006-8993 .- 1872-6240. ; 1305:Suppl. 1, s. S37-S49
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Early environment is a known determinant for individual differences in vulnerability for adult psychopathology, e.g. ethanol addiction. One underlying mechanism could be dysfunction in serotonergic neurotransmission. This study focused on the methodological considerations regarding an animal model for studying effects of early environment, maternal separation (MS), using two different paradigms. Age- and sex-specific effects on brain stem 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) transporter and receptors were examined. Male and female rat pups were assigned to either litter-wise MS for 15 or 360 minutes (MS15l or MS360l) or individual MS for 15 or 360 minutes (MS15i or MS360i) daily during postnatal days 1-21. Normal animal facility reared rats were used as controls. Analyses were performed in young and adult rats. As compared to the other males, MS15l males had lower 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptor mRNA expression at both ages, lower 5-HT2A receptor mRNA when young and lower 5-HTT mRNA expression when adult. In contrast, adult MS15l females had higher 5-HT2C receptor mRNA expression than the other females. The strong impact of MS15l on 5-HT-related genes was either transient or persistent depending on sex and fewer effects on gene expression were observed in females than in males. This study shows the importance of tactile contact for the consequences of short, but not long MS, as evidenced by major differences between MS15l and MS15i. The results suggest that MS15i is less suitable than MS15l to simulate a protective environment in studies of for instance ethanol addiction processes.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- af Klinteberg, Britt, et al.
(författare)
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Serotonin, personality and smoking
- 2000
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Ingår i: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY. - 0020-7594. ; 35:3-4, s. 22-22
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)
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| 17. |
- Agnafors, Sara, et al.
(författare)
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A Biopsychosocial Approach to Risk and Resilience on Behavior in Children Followed from Birth to Age 12
- 2017
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Ingår i: Child Psychiatry and Human Development. - : SPRINGER. - 0009-398X .- 1573-3327. ; 48:4, s. 584-596
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An increasing prevalence of mental health problems calls for more knowledge into factors associated with resilience. The present study used multiple statistical methodologies to examine a biopsychosocial model of risk and resilience on preadolescence behavior. Data from 889 children and mothers from a birth cohort were used. An adversity score was created by combining maternal symptoms of depression, psychosocial risk and childrens experiences of life events. The proposed resilience factors investigated were candidate genetic polymorphisms, child temperament, social functioning, and maternal sense of coherence. The l/ l genotype of the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region was associated with lower internalizing scores, but not mainly related to the level of adversity. An easy temperament was associated with resilience for children exposed to high adversity. Social functioning was found to be promotive independent of the risk level. The results support a multiple-level model of resilience indicating effects, though small, of both biological and psychosocial factors.
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| 18. |
- Agnafors, Sara, et al.
(författare)
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A biopsychosocial approach to risk and resilience on behavior in children followed from birth to age twelve
- 2016
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- An increasing prevalence of mental health problems calls for more knowledge into factors associated with resilience in the context of child behavior. Biological factors are seldom considered in psychosocial models of resilience. The present study used multiple statistical methodologies to examine a biopsychosocial model of risk and resilience on behavior at preadolescence. Data from 889 children and their mothers were used. A cumulative adversity score was created by combining maternal symptoms of depression, psychosocial risk and children’s experiences of life events. The proposed resilience factors investigated were candidate genetic polymorphisms, child temperament and social functioning, and maternal sense of coherence. Results show that the l/l genotype of the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) was associated with lower internalizing scores, especially for children exposed to low adversity. An easy temperament was associated with resilient outcomes for children exposed to high adversity. Child social functioning was found to be more of a general resource variable buffering risk in both high and low adversity groups. The results support a multiple level model of resilience indicating effects, though small, of both biological and psychosocial factors. The present findings call for both preventive actions and further studies on biopsychosocial models in resilience research.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Agnafors, Sara, et al.
(författare)
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Early predictors of behavioural problems in pre-schoolers : a longitudinal study of constitutional and environmental main and interaction effects
- 2016
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Ingår i: BMC Pediatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2431 .- 1471-2431. ; 16
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The early environment is important for child development and wellbeing. Gene-by-environment studies investigating the impact of the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphisms by life events on mental health and behaviour problems have been inconclusive. Methodological differences regarding sample sizes, study population, definitions of adversities and measures of mental health problems obstacle their comparability. Furthermore, very few studies included children. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between a broad range of risk factors covering pregnancy and birth, genetic polymorphism, experience of multiple life events and psychosocial environment, and child behaviour at age 3, using a comparably large, representative, population-based sample. Methods: A total of 1,106 children, and their mothers, were followed from pregnancy to age 3. Information on pregnancy and birth-related factors was retrieved from the Medical Birth Register. Questionnaires on depressive symptoms, child behaviour and child experiences of life events were filled in by the mothers. Child saliva samples were used for genotyping the 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the association between psychological scales and genetic polymorphisms. Results: Symptoms of postpartum depression increased the risk of both internalizing and externalizing problems. Experience of multiple life events was also a predictor of behavioural problems across the scales. No gene-by-environment or gene-by-gene-by-environment interactions were found. Children of immigrants had an increased risk of internalizing problems and parental unemployment was significantly associated with both internalizing and externalizing type of problems. Conclusion: This study shows the importance of the psychosocial environment for psychosocial health in preschool children, and adds to the literature of null-findings of gene-by-environment effects of 5-HTTLPR and BDNF in children.
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| 21. |
- Agnafors, Sara, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of gene, environment and maternal depressive symptoms on pre-adolescence behavior problems : a longitudinal study
- 2013
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Ingår i: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1753-2000. ; 7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND:Depression is a common and disabling condition with a high relapse frequency. Maternal mental health problems and experience of traumatic life events are known to increase the risk of behavior problems in children. Recently, genetic factors, in particular gene-by-environment interaction models, have been implicated to explain depressive etiology. However, results are inconclusive.METHODS:Study participants were members of the SESBiC-study. A total of 889 mothers and their children were followed during the child's age of 3 months to 12 years. Information on maternal depressive symptoms was gathered postpartum and at a 12 year follow-up. Mothers reported on child behavior and traumatic life events experienced by the child at age 12. Saliva samples were obtained from children for analysis of 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms.RESULTS:Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between maternal symptoms of depression and anxiety, and internalizing problems in 12-year-old children (OR 5.72, 95% CI 3.30-9.91). Furthermore, carriers of two short alleles (s/s) of the 5-HTTLPR showed a more than 4-fold increased risk of internalizing problems at age 12 compared to l/l carriers (OR 4.73, 95% CI 2.14-10.48). No gene-by-environment interaction was found and neither depressive symptoms postpartum or traumatic experiences during childhood stayed significant in the final model.CONCLUSIONS:Concurrent maternal symptoms of depression and anxiety are significant risk factors for behavior problems in children, which need to be taken into account in clinical practice. Furthermore, we found a main effect of 5-HTTLPR on internalizing symptoms in 12-year-old children, a finding that needs to be confirmed in future studies.
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| 22. |
- Akkermann, Kirsti, et al.
(författare)
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Association of 5-HTT gene polymorphism, platelet MAO activity, and drive for thinness in a population-based sample of adolescent girls
- 2008
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Ingår i: International Journal of Eating Disorders. - : Wiley. - 0276-3478 .- 1098-108X. ; 41:5, s. 399-404
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Several lines of evidence suggest that alterations in serotonergic activity contribute to the pathophysiology of abnormal eating behaviors. Since platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and the 5-HT transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) have been associated with eating disorders, the knowledge from a population-based sample may provide useful information which changes in 5-HT function observed in eating disorders represent trait vs. state effects. METHOD: The sample was based on both cohorts of the Estonian Children Personality, Behavior and Health Study (ECPBHS). The current study was conducted during the second follow-up where altogether 82% from the original sample was recruited. EDI-2 subscales--Drive for Thinness and Bulimia--were used to determine eating attitudes and behaviors. Platelet MAO activity was measured and the participants were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR. RESULTS: Allelic variation of 5-HTTLPR or platelet MAO activity were not independently associated with drive for thinness or binge eating, but girls homozygous for the 5-HTTLPR long allele and with high platelet MAO activity, both considered indicators of a higher capacity 5-HT system, exhibited higher scores of drive for thinness. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that drive for thinness is the highest in girls with the presence of two markers of higher serotonergic capacity.
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| 23. |
- Akkermann, Kirsti, et al.
(författare)
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Serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism affects the severity of binge eating in general population
- 2010
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Ingår i: Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. - : Elsevier BV. - 0278-5846 .- 1878-4216. ; 34:1, s. 111-114
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The s-allele of the 5-HTTLPR has been suggested to lead to the development of less efficient and less flexible 5-HT system and has been associated to different forms of psychopathology. It has also been shown that alterations in serotonergic activity contribute to the pathophysiology of binge eating but it is not clear which changes in 5-HT function observed in eating disorder patients represent trait vs state effect. We investigated the association between the 5-HTTLPR and binge eating in a population-representative sample of women, and tested whether the 5-HTTLPR genotype influences the severity of binge eating. Methods: The sample was based on women participating in the third wave of the Estonian Children Personality, Behaviour and Health Study. EDI-2 subscales - drive for thinness and bulimia - were used to assess eating behaviour and attitudes. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to measure impulsivity and anxiety. Participants were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR. Results: There was no 5-HTTLPR genotype effect on binge eating even after the covarying effect of impulsivity and anxiety was controlled for. However, women prone to binge eating and carrying the s-allele showed significantly higher levels of bulimia scores, and among them, women with s/s genotype had also higher levels of state anxiety and tendency for higher impulsivity. Conclusions: While the 5-HTTLPR genotype does not predict symptoms of eating disorder in general population, the s-allele, and especially the s/s genotype increases the risk for affective instability and symptom severity.
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| 24. |
- Akkermann, Kirsti, et al.
(författare)
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The impact of adverse life events and the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism on the development of eating disorder symptoms
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Psychiatric Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-3956 .- 1879-1379. ; 46:1, s. 38-43
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Adverse life events have been shown to predict weight fluctuations and dietary restraint, as well as eating disorders during adolescence or early adulthood. Since the s-allele carriers of the 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) are biologically more reactive to stress related stimuli, we aimed to explore whether the eating disturbances are predicted by environmental stressors and moderated by the 5-HTTLPR genotype. The sample was based on the younger cohort of the Estonian Children Personality, Behaviour and Health Study and included those participating in its second and third wave. The history of stressful life events was self-reported at age 15. Data on eating behaviour and attitudes, anxiety, impulsivity and depressiveness were collected at age 18. The effect of the adverse life events on binge eating and on drive for thinness was found to be moderated by the 5-HTTLPR. Adolescent girls who at age 15 had reported a history of frequent adverse life events had elevated scores in EDI-2 Bulimia subscale at age 18 if they were carrying the s-allele. The effect of the s-allele on binge eating was even more pronounced when solely the experience of sexual abuse was considered. The interaction effect of the 5-HTTLPR and the past sexual abuse was also observed on drive, for thinness. These data give further support to the idea that adverse life events in childhood may heighten susceptibility to serotonergic dysregulation following stress, and suggest that in individuals vulnerable to eating disorders this may result in disturbed eating behaviours.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
- Berggard, Cecilia, et al.
(författare)
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Brainstem levels of transcription factor AP-2 in rat are changed after treatment with phenelzine, but not with citalopram
- 2005
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Ingår i: BMC Pharmacology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2210. ; 5, s. 1-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Before therapeutic effect is obtained after treatment with antidepressant drugs, like serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-Is) there is an initial lag-period of a few weeks. Neuronal adaptations on a molecular level are supposed to be involved in the initiation of the antidepressant effect. Transcription factor AP-2 is essential for neuronal development and many genes involved in the brainstem monoaminergic systems have binding sites for AP-2 in their regulatory regions. The genotype of the AP-2beta isoform has been associated with e.g. anxiety-related personality traits and with platelet MAO activity. In addition, previous studies have shown that the levels of AP-2alpha and AP-2beta in rat whole brain were decreased after 10 days of treatment with citalopram (SSRI) and imipramine (TCA), and were increased with phenelzine (MAO-I). RESULTS: In the present study, we report that treatment with citalopram for 1, 7 or 21 days did not have effect on the AP-2 levels in rat brainstem. However, after treatment with phenelzine for 1, 7 or 21 days the levels of AP-2alpha and AP-2beta had increased after 7 days, but had returned to control levels at day 21. CONCLUSION: The decrease in AP-2 levels in rat whole brain previously seen after treatment with citalopram does not seem to be localised to the brainstem, it may rather occur in the monoaminergic terminal projection areas. The present data suggest that the increase in AP-2 levels previously seen in rat whole brain after subchronic treatment with phenelzine is located in the brainstem. It cannot, however, be excluded that other brain regions are involved.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Berggård, Cecilia, 1975-
(författare)
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Transcription Factor AP-2 in Relation to Personality and Antidepressant Drugs
- 2004
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The CNS monoaminergic systems are considered as the head engine regulating neuropsychiatric functions and personality. Transcription factor AP-2 is known to be essential for the development of the brainstem including the monoaminergic nuclei, and has the ability to regulate many genes in the monoaminergic systems. The ability of transcription factors to regulate specific gene expression, has lately made them hot candidates as drug targets. In this thesis, results indicating a role of AP-2 in the molecular effects of the antidepressant drugs citalopram and phenelzine, are presented. A polymorphism in the second intron of the gene encoding AP-2ß has previously been associated with anxiety-related personality traits as estimated by the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP). In this thesis, results confirming this association, gained by using a larger material and several different personality scales, are presented. Furthermore, data is presented showing an association between the activity of platelet monoamine oxidase, a trait-dependent marker for personality, and the genotype of the AP-2ß intron 2 polymorphism. The functional importance of the AP-2ß intron 2 polymorphism has not yet been elucidated. Included in this thesis are results showing that the AP-2ß intron 2 polymorphism is not in linkage disequilibrium with the only other described polymorphism in the AP-2ß gene, i.e. in the AP-2ß promoter (-67 G/A). Introns have in several studies been shown to include binding sites for regulatory proteins, and thus, to be important in transcriptional regulation. Results are presented demonstrating that one human brain nuclear protein binds only to the long variant of the AP-2ß intron 2 polymorphism. If this protein is involved in the regulation of the AP-2ß gene, it would affect the expression levels of the AP-2ß protein. In general, this thesis further establishes the role of transcription factor AP-2 as a regulatory factor of importance for personality and monoaminergic functions.
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| 32. |
- Birgner, Carolina, et al.
(författare)
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Reduced activity of monoamine oxidase in the rat brain following repeated nandrolone decanoate administration
- 2008
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Ingår i: Brain Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-8993 .- 1872-6240. ; 1219, s. 103-110
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are known as doping agents within sports and body-building, but are currently also abused by other groups in society in order to promote increased courage and aggression. We previously showed that 14 days of daily intramuscular injections of the AAS nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg) reduced the extracellular levels of the dopaminergic metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the nucleus accumbens shell using microdialysis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the same dose regimen of nandrolone decanoate may affect the activities of the dopamine-metabolizing enzymes monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B). A radiometric assay was used to determine the activities of MAO-A and MAO-B in rat brain tissues after 14 days of daily i.m. nandrolone decanoate injections at the doses 3 and 15 mg/kg. Gene transcript contents of MAO-A, MAO-B and cathecol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) were measured with quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. 3 mg/kg of nandrolone decanoate significantly reduced the activity of both MAO-A and -B in the caudate putamen. 15 mg/kg of nandrolone decanoate significantly reduced the activity of MAO-A in the amygdala and increased the gene transcript level of MAO-B in the substantia nigra. In conclusion, imbalanced MAO activities may contribute to explain the impulsive and aggressive behaviour often described in AAS abusers. The reduced MAO activities observed are in line with our previously presented findings of decreased extracellular levels of DOPAC and HVA in the rat brain, indicating decreased monoaminergic activity following repeated AAS administration.
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
- Comasco, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Adipocytokines levels at delivery, functional variation of TFAP2 beta, and maternal and neonatal anthropometric parameters
- 2013
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Ingår i: Obesity. - : Wiley. - 1930-7381 .- 1930-739X. ; 21:10, s. 2130-2137
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVEAdipocytokines participate in the regulation of glucose metabolism and foetal development. The transcription factor activating protein 2B (TFAP2β) has been associated with adipocytokine regulation, and gene variations with type 2 diabetes and obesity. This study investigated associations between maternal TFAP2B variation, adipocytokines levels and maternal and neonatal anthropometric characteristics.DESIGN AND METHODSA population-based sample of women was followed from delivery to six months postpartum. Adiponectin, leptin and interleukin-6 levels at delivery, and maternal as well as neonatal anthropometric variables were assessed. The TFAP2β intron 1 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) was genotyped.RESULTSMaternal interleukin-6 correlated positively with leptin at delivery, with peripartum weight changes and weight of newborn males, adjusted for potential confounders. Leptin at delivery was associated with TFAP2β intron 1 VNTR genotype, adjusted for confounders, maternal weight and negatively with birth weight among female neonates. A path model suggested a link between TFAP2β genotype, leptin levels and newborn females' weight.CONCLUSIONSThe present results stress a role for the TFAP2 β in adiposity-related conditions and intrauterine growth. The association between neonatal birth weight and maternal adipocytokine levels, together with the observed sex effect, call for further studies on the mechanisms behind neuro-endocrine foetal programming.
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| 35. |
- Comasco, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Adolescent alcohol consumption : Biomarkers PEth and FAEE in relation to interview and questionnaire data
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. - : ALCOHOL RES DOCUMENTATION INC CENT ALCOHOL STUD RUTGERS UNIV. - 1937-1888 .- 1938-4114. ; 70:5, s. 797-804
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the congruence of biomarkers, questionnaires, and interviews as instruments to assess adolescent alcohol consumption. METHOD The methodology used was a cross-sectional study with a randomized sample. Four different methods were used to estimate high adolescent alcohol consumption. The concordance of the results was investigated. Surveys were performed, and biological specimens were collected at all schools in the county of Västmanland, Sweden, in 2001. Eighty-one boys and 119 girls from a population of 16- and 19-year-old adolescents were randomly selected from quartiles of volunteers representing various degrees of psychosocial risk behaviors. Using a questionnaire (for a 1-hour session) and in-depth interviews, subjects were assessed regarding their alcohol-use habits. Blood and hair samples were analyzed for phosphatidylethanol (PEth) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), respectively. RESULTS High alcohol consumption was underreported in the questionnaire compared with the interviews. PEth and FAEE analyses weakly confirmed the self-reports, and the results of the two biochemical tests did not overlap. The PEth blood test was the most specific but the least sensitive, whereas the FAEE hair test revealed low specificity and an overrepresentation of positive results in girls. CONCLUSIONS The expected higher self-report of high alcohol consumption by interview rather than by questionnaire was confirmed partly because of the influence of a bogus pipeline procedure. The absence of overlap between PEth and FAEE results and their poor agreement with self-reports suggested that biomarkers are unsuitable as screening tools for alcohol consumption in adolescents.
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| 36. |
- Comasco, Erika, 1982-
(författare)
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Alcohol Consumption among Adolescents : Psychosocial and Genetic influences
- 2010
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The present thesis is based on four studies focusing on alcohol consumption among Swedish adolescents, and therewith related psychosocial and genetic factors. One main objective was to study the reasons for drinking alcohol among different population - representative samples of adolescents in order to identify motives for drinking. Relationships between these drinking motives, alcohol consumption, and alcohol - related problems were also investigated. Three motives emerged from this study: social - enhancement, coping and dominance. The association with alcohol consumption and alcohol - related problems was positive for social - enhancement and coping motives, but negative for the dominance motive. A significant heritability of alcohol use disorders has been demonstrated by family, adoption and twin studies. Environmental influences have also been acknowledged to play an important role in the development of alcohol use disorders. Moreover, the interaction between genetic and environmental factors is likely to influence the risk - resilience for alcohol use disorders. In view of this knowledge, plausible candidate polymorphisms were considered in gene - environment interaction models. An effect of the genetic polymorphisms was only present when a G x E model was considered. A genetic variant of the clock gene Period2, in an interaction with sleep problems, was studied in relation to alcohol consumption among adolescents. High alcohol consumption was associated with the AA genotype of the PER2 SNP10870 polymorphism, in an interaction with several and frequent sleep problems, among adolescent boys. A genetic variant in the opioid µ receptor 1 gene, in an interaction with alcohol consumption, was studied in relation to depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were predicted by the G allele of the OPRM1 A118G polymorphism, in an interaction with high alcohol consumption, among adolescent girls. Additionally, the PER2 SNP10870 and the OPRM1 A118G polymorphisms were studied in a sample of severely alcoholic females. Furthermore, alcohol consumption was assessed by using different instruments, such as biomarkers and surveys. Comparisons were carried out to identify the most suitable method to assess alcohol consumption among adolescents. Questionnaire and interview seemed more suitable tools than biomarkers in this regard.The results eventually support the importance of psychosocial and genetic influences, and their interaction effect on alcohol consumption among adolescents.
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| 37. |
- Comasco, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Alcohol Consumption Among Pregnant Women in a Swedish Sample and Its Effects on the Newborn Outcomes
- 2012
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Ingår i: Alcoholism. - : Wiley. - 0145-6008 .- 1530-0277. ; 36:10, s. 1779-1786
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Little is known about the effects of low levels of maternal alcohol intake on the neuropsychological development of the child. This study is part of an ongoing investigation on maternal drinking and presents data on demographic variables, maternal alcohol use, and birth outcomes from that study. Methods The sample comprised 2,264 women from a Swedish antenatal clinic. Retrospective self-report data were collected on alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy, using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and on nicotine use. Specific alcohol biomarkers for excessive drinking, carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) in serum and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in whole blood, were determined during mid-pregnancy in a subsample of the women. Data on labor and early characteristics of the child were also assessed. Results Before pregnancy, 89% of the women regularly consumed alcohol and 49% reported occasional or frequent binge drinking. Nicotine was used by 15% before and by 5% during pregnancy. During pregnancy, 12% continued using alcohol and 5% also admitted binge drinking. However, all alcohol biomarker values were below the reporting limits (CDT = 1.7% disialotransferrin; total PEth < 0.1 mu mol/L). Self-reported drinking during pregnancy was associated with a higher AUDIT score before pregnancy, nicotine use at the time of the first prenatal visit, older age, and previous legal abortions. Conclusions The AUDIT questionnaire and 2 specific alcohol biomarkers were used in routine maternity care to collect information about drinking during pregnancy and thereby to identify children at risk for alcohol-related complications. While the AUDIT results suggested that a significant number of women continued using alcohol during pregnancy, implying a risk for fetal disorders, the biomarkers showed negative test values thus indicating only modest drinking levels.
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
- Comasco, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Emotional fronto-cingulate cortex activation and brain derived neurotrophic factor polymorphism in premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- 2014
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Ingår i: Human Brain Mapping. - : Wiley. - 1065-9471 .- 1097-0193. ; 35:9, s. 4450-4458
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is the prototypical sex-specific disorder in which symptom onset and offset require a particular hormonal milieu and for which there is moderate heritability. The present study investigated brain emotion processing in PMDD and healthy controls, as well as functional polymorphisms in two candidate genes for PMDD, the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The 5-HTT linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms were genotyped in 31 patients with PMDD and 31 healthy controls. A subset of 16 patients and 15 controls participated in two functional magnetic resonance imaging-sessions performing an emotion processing task; once in the mid-follicular, and once in the late luteal phase which corresponds with maximum severity of mood symptoms. Genotypes were not directly associated with PMDD. A main effect of group was found in the whole brain analysis, with patients having lower activation of the pre-genual anterior cingulate and ventro-medial prefrontal cortex, independent of menstrual cycle phase. Post-hoc functional ROI analyses in the fronto-cingulate cluster showed no effect of 5-HTTLPR genotype but a genotype-by-group-by-phase interaction effect of BDNF Val66Met. Women with PMDD who were carriers of the Met-allele had lower fronto-cingulate cortex activation in the luteal phase compared to Met-allele carrying controls. The results provide suggestive evidence of impaired emotion-induced fronto-cingulate cortex activation in PMDD patients. Although limited by a small sample, the potential influence of BDNF Val66Met in PMDD is in line with preclinical findings. Hum Brain Mapp, 2014.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
- Comasco, Erika, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Neurological and neuropsychological effects of low and moderate prenatal alcohol exposure
- 2018
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Ingår i: Acta Physiologica. - : Wiley. - 1748-1708 .- 1748-1716. ; 222:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Several explanations for the diverse results in research on foetal alcohol spectrum disorders or alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder might be at hand: timing, amount and patterns of alcohol exposure, as well as complex epigenetic responses. The genetic background of the offspring and its interaction with other prenatal and post-natal environmental cues are likely also of importance. In the present report, key findings about the possible effects of low and moderate doses of maternal alcohol intake on the neuropsychological development of the offspring are reviewed and plausible mechanisms discussed. Special focus is put on the serotonergic system within developmental and gene-environment frameworks. The review also suggests guidelines for future studies and also summarizes some of to-be-answered questions of relevance to clinical practice. Contradictory findings and paucity of studies on the effects of exposure to low alcohol levels during foetal life for the offspring's neuropsychological development call for large prospective studies, as well as for studies including neuroimaging and multi-omics analyses to dissect the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol exposure-related phenotypes and to identify biomarkers. Finally, it remains to be investigated whether any safe threshold of alcohol drinking during pregnancy can be identified.
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| 43. |
- Comasco, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Postpartum depression symptoms : a case-control study on monoaminergic functional polymorphisms and environmental stressors
- 2011
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Ingår i: Psychiatric Genetics. - 0955-8829 .- 1473-5873. ; 21:1, s. 19-28
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE:Postpartum depression (PPD) is an under diagnosed and under treated mood disorder, with negative impact on both the mother and the infant's health. The aim of this study is to examine whether genetic variations in the monoaminergic neurotransmitter system, together with environmental stressors, contribute to the development of PPD symptoms.METHODS:This nested case-control study included 275 women from a population-based cohort of delivering women in Sweden. A questionnaire containing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was collected at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Three functional polymorphisms were genotyped, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)-ValMet, monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)-upstream variable number tandem repeat (uVNTR) and serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5HTT-LPR). Stressful life events, maternity stressors and previous psychiatric contact were considered as potential risk factors.RESULTS:COMT-ValMet was significantly associated with PPD symptoms at 6 weeks, but not at 6 months postpartum. A significant gene-gene interaction effect was present between COMT-ValMet and MAOA-uVNTR. In a gene-environment multivariate model, COMT-ValMet, psychiatric contact and maternity stressors were significantly associated with PPD symptoms. Among those with history of psychiatric problems, the COMT-ValMet and 5HTT-LPR risk variants were associated with PPD symptoms, whereas in the absence of previous psychiatric contact only maternity stressors were related to PPD symptoms.CONCLUSION:The interaction effect between monoaminergic genes and environmental stressors is likely to contribute to vulnerability for PPD. The different patterns of association according to history of psychiatric problems, if replicated, might be helpful in screening strategies.
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| 44. |
- Comasco, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Postpartum depressive symptoms and the BDNF Val66Met functional polymorphism: effect of season of delivery :
- 2011
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Ingår i: Archives of Women's Mental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-1816 .- 1435-1102. ; 14:6, s. 453-463
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Postpartum depression (PPD) is an often underdiagnosed and undertreated mood disorder, with negative impact on the mother's and infant's health. Seasonal variation has been discussed as a risk factor for PPD. Candidate genes, such as those encoding for the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin transporter (5-HTT), and Period2 (PER2), have been associated with depression and seasonal disorders. The present study is aimed to examine whether functional polymorphic variants, BDNF Val66Met, 5-HTTLPR, or PER2 SNP 10870, are associated with PPD symptoms and whether these genetic polymorphisms interact with season in predicting PPD symptoms. This case-control study comprised of 275 women from a population-based cohort of delivering women in Sweden, who completed a questionnaire containing the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Stressful life events (SLEs) and maternity stressors were also assessed. The results did not reveal any statistically significant overall association between the studied genetic polymorphisms and PPD symptoms. However, a significant association between BDNF Met66 carrier status and development of PPD symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum, even when controlling for prepartum and postpartum environmental risk factors, was evident among mothers delivering during autumn/winter. No gene-gene interactions were found but a cumulative effect was detected with carriers of a greater number of 5-HTTLPR S and BDNFVal66Met Met alleles reporting higher EPDS scores, if delivered during autumn/winter. Our findings propose a role of the BDNF gene in the development of PPD symptoms, potentially mediated by season of delivery.
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| 45. |
- Comasco, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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The clock gene PER2 and sleep problems : association with alcohol consumption among Swedish adolescents
- 2010
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Ingår i: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Uppsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 115:1, s. 41-48
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Alcohol abuse is associated with sleep problems, which are often linked to circadian rhythm disturbances. Previous studies have separately examined the effects of mutations in the clock gene PER2 on alcohol consumption and sleep problems. Here we hypothesized that an allelic variation in the PER2 gene is associated with alcohol consumption in interaction with sleep problems among adolescents. METHODS: The Survey of Adolescent Life and Health in Västmanland 2006, a Swedish county, including 1254 students 17-18 years old, was used as a population-representative sample of adolescents. We investigated the PER2 Single Nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 10870 (A/G) in the cohort together with an assessment of alcohol consumption according to the AUDIT-C questionnaire, and sleep problems using a survey consisting of 18 items. Furthermore, we carried out an exploratory analysis on the PER2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism 10870 polymorphism in a group of severely alcoholic females. RESULTS: We found a significant association of the SNP 10870 in adolescent boys, where the genotype AA, in the presence of several and frequent sleep problems, was associated with increased alcohol consumption. Among adolescent girls, only sleep problems were related to alcohol consumption. A non-significant trend was observed among the severely alcoholic females, with the G allele being over-represented in the severely alcoholic females group in comparision to the control females. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that PER2 gene variation is associated with alcohol consumption in interaction with sleep problems among Swedish adolescent boys.
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| 46. |
- Comasco, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Three-way interaction effect of 5-HTTLPR, BDNF Val66Met, and childhood adversity on depression : A replication study
- 2013
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Ingår i: European Neuropsychopharmacology. - : ELSEVIER. - 0924-977X .- 1873-7862. ; 23:10, s. 1300-1306
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Both the serotonin transporter linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphisms have been shown to interact with unfavourable environment in relation to depression symptoms and to depression diagnosis. Several attempts have been made to study a three-way interaction effect of these factors on depression, however with contradictory results. We aimed to test the hypothesis of a three-way interaction effect and to attempt at replication in an independent population-based sample. Family maltreatment, sexual abuse and depression were self-reported by an adolescent population-based cohort (N=1393) from the county of Vastmanland, Sweden. DNA was isolated from saliva, and used for genotyping of the 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms. Neither 5-HTTLPR or BDNF genotypes separately, nor in interaction with each other had any relation to depression, however in an environment adjusted model a two-way interaction and a three-way interaction effect was found. Both 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met interacted with unfavourable environment in relation to depressive symptoms (Adj R-2=0.19). Depressive symptoms and depression were more common among carriers of either the ss/sl+Val/Val or the ll+Met genotypes in the presence of early-life adversities. This three-way effect was more pronounced among girls. The current study, with a virtually similar set-up compared to previous studies, can partially confirm previous findings and their generalizability. The study also shows the importance of genetic plasticity in individuals with different environmental exposure, for different phenotypic expression.
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| 47. |
- Comasco, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Why Do Adolescents Drink? : Motivational Patterns Related to Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-Related Problems
- 2010
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Ingår i: Substance Use & Misuse. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1082-6084 .- 1532-2491. ; 45:10, s. 1589-1604
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present study was designed to investigate motivational patterns for drinking alcohol and their relation about alcohol consumption and problems related to alcohol consumption. Data were collected by semistructured interviews and questionnaires, containing questions about reasons for drinking, alcohol consumption, and problems related to alcohol consumption during the years 2001, 2004, and 2005. Three independent population samples from two different counties of central Sweden were included. A total of 11,167 adolescents participated. Data on reasons for drinking were analyzed by factor analysis to extract components explaining drinking motives. Relationships between motivational patterns and alcohol use were examined with correlation analysis. Three drinking motives emerged (social-enhancement, coping, and dominance motives) and related to alcohol consumption and problems related to alcohol consumption. Limitations of the study are noted and discussed.
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| 48. |
- Dahlgren, Angelica, et al.
(författare)
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Do Alcohol-dependent individuals with DRD2 A1 allele have an increased risk of relapse? A pilot study
- 2011
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Ingår i: Alcohol and Alcoholism. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0735-0414 .- 1464-3502. ; 46:5, s. 509-513
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: The TaqIA polymorphism of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene has been extensively studied in relation to alcoholism, and the TaqI A1 allele appears to be over-represented in alcohol-dependent individuals. In a recent study, this allele has also been associated with a highly increased mortality rate in alcohol-dependent individuals. In the present study, we investigated whether the TaqI A1 allele of the DRD2 gene region was associated with a higher relapse rate in alcohol-dependent individuals. Methods: Adult women (n = 10) and men (n = 40) with a diagnosis of alcohol-dependence were recruited from two Swedish 12-step treatment units for alcoholism. Subjects were genotyped for the TaqIA polymorphism. On average, 11/2 year after the end of the treatment program, subjects were re-interviewed by using the alcohol-related items from the Addiction Severity Index follow-up version. Results: Thirty-three (66%) subjects self-reported relapse and 17 (34%) abstinence during the follow-up period. Thirty-sex percent (18/50) were carriers of the A1 allele of the DRD2 gene region, and 64% (32/50) were non-carriers. Among the carriers of the A1 allele, 89% (16/18) reported relapse in contrast to 53% (17/32) in the non-carriers (P = 0.01; odds ratio = 7.1). Conclusion: The present study is, to our knowledge, the first report of an association between the TaqI A1 allele and a substantially increased relapse rate. It should be emphasized that the number of subjects is relatively small, and this investigation should therefore be considered as a pilot study. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Medical Council on Alcohol. All rights reserved.
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| 49. |
- DeYoung, Colin G., et al.
(författare)
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Variation in the catechol-O-methyltransferase Val(158)Met polymorphism associated with conduct disorder and ADHD symptoms, among adolescent male delinquents
- 2010
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Ingår i: Psychiatric Genetics. - 0955-8829 .- 1473-5873. ; 20:1, s. 20-24
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective Variation in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT) has been associated with antisocial behavior in populations with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study examined whether COMT would predict antisocial behavior in a sample with high levels of behavior problems, not necessarily ADHD. In addition, because previous research suggests that COMT may be associated with ADHD in males, association between COMT and ADHD symptoms was examined. Method This study tested whether variation in three polymorphisms of the COMT gene was predictive of symptoms of conduct disorder and ADHD, in a sample of 174 incarcerated Russian adolescent male delinquents. Results The Val allele of the Val(158)Met polymorphism was significantly associated with conduct disorder diagnosis and symptoms, whereas the Met allele was associated with ADHD symptoms. Conclusion The Val(158)Met polymorphism of the COMT gene shows a complex relation to behavior problems, influencing conduct disorder and ADHD symptoms in opposite directions in a high-risk population. Psychiatr Genet 20:20-24 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
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| 50. |
- Fahlke, Claudia, 1964, et al.
(författare)
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Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in a nonhuman primate model of type 2 excessive alcohol consumption
- 2002
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Ingår i: American Journal of Psychiatry. - : American Psychiatric Association Publishing. - 0002-953X .- 1535-7228. ; 159, s. 2107-2109
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Low platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity is associated with "type 2 alcoholism." MAO activity is also affected by cigarette smoking. Since most alcoholics are smokers, it is difficult to evaluate the possible effect of platelet MAO activity on alcoholism independently of the effects of smoking, The authors investigated the relationship between platelet MAO activity and excessive alcohol consumption in rhesus macaques. Method: Platelet MAO activity and CSF metabolite concentrations were measured. The authors also investigated level of voluntary alcohol intake and social dominance rank. Results: Subjects with low platelet MAO activity consumed alcohol to excess, had low CSF 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations, and were less competent socially. Conclusions: These findings show that nonhuman primates that exhibit type 2-like alcohol features display low platelet MAO activity and support the notion that platelet MAO activity is a biologic marker for central serotonergic activity. The results also challenge the hypothesis that low platelet MAO activity in type 2 alcoholism is simply an artifact of smoking.
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