A pilot investigation on DNA methylation modifications associated with complex posttraumatic symptoms in elderly traumatized in childhood

Abstract

ObjectiveComplex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a newly proposed diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases-version 11, which is currently intensively investigated. Childhood trauma is regarded as main source of CPTSD symptoms, even in later life. Induction of DNA methylation changes by childhood trauma may contribute to its long-lasting adverse health consequences. The current study analyzed the correlation of genome-wide DNA methylation profiles with complex posttraumatic sequelae in buccal epithelial cells from 31 elderly former indentured child laborers (Verdingkinder) using the Infinium Illumina 450k Human DNA methylation chip.ResultsDNA methylation modifications indicated experiment-wide significant associations with the following complex posttraumatic symptom domains: dissociation, tension reduction behavior and dysfunctional sexual behavior. Differentially methylated CpG sites were mapped to the genes huntington associated protein 1 (HAP1), RAN binding protein 2 (RANBP2) and proteasome subunit alpha 4 (PSMA4), respectively. In addition, the methylation of cg07225277 located in carnosine synthase 1 (CARNS1) correlated with trauma symptom complexity. Our pilot data suggest correlation of DNA methylation modifications with complex posttraumatic symptoms in elderly individuals subjected to prolonged and complex childhood trauma. More comprehensive and elaborated studies should be carried out to analyze epigenetic modifications associated with CPTSD.

Covid-19, Carnosine and Cognition

“…46,47 Furthermore, childhood trauma has been reported to increase methylation of the carnosine synthase gene thereby decreasing carnosine synthesis which may contribute to the accelerated biological aging upon becoming adults. 48 There are no reports on whether changes in carnosine synthesis accompany psychological trauma in adults, but it is known that carnosine can exert beneficial effects following physical injury 49,50 and there are also reports of positive effects of carnosine towards glycaemic control and obesity. 51 Animal studies indicate that the dipeptide may suppress anxiety.…”

COVID-19 and Senotherapeutics: Any Role for the Naturally-occurring Dipeptide Carnosine?

“…It is perhaps interesting to note that carnosine synthesis may be affected by trauma, even in the distant past, which could influence an individual's blood carnosine and acetyl-carnosine levels. In adults subjected to childhood trauma, the carnosine synthase gene showed increased methylation, which would decrease carnosine synthesis [41]. Childhood trauma has been linked to psychopathology, accelerated aging-related DNA methylation [42] and schizophrenia [43].…”

A genome-wide methylation study reveals X chromosome and childhood trauma methylation alterations associated with borderline personality disorder

“…Recent studies have shown that epigenetic regulation factors such as DNA methylation may modulate gene × environment interactions and impact on neurodevelopment. Environmental factors such as early life stress and childhood maltreatment alter DNA methylation patterns [15][16][17][18][19][20] and potentiate maladaptive behaviours and psychiatric disorders [21][22][23][24][25] . However, relatively few studies have investigated the contribution of epigenetic factors to BPD.…”