Association between categorization of emotionally-charged and neutral visual scenes and parameters of event-related potentials in carriers of different COMT, HTR2A, BDNF gene genotypes

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to discover the association between parameters of event-related potentials (ERPs) and categorization of images of visual scenes, both emotionally-charged and neutral, in carriers of different genotypes of the COMT, HTR2A, BDNF genes. Methods: Electroencephalogram (EEG) and ERPs were recorded at 128 leads, with two ear referents. Images of different visual scenes were presented to the study participants sequentially on a monitor screen. The participants’ task was to examine these images and indicate what emotions (negative, neutral or positive) they elicit. Comparison of event-related potentials was carried out using unpaired Student t-test in EEGLAB toolbox. Results: COMT. A stronger reaction, as reflected in the amplitude of the ERPs, in participants with the recessive homozygous Met/Met genotype was observed on latency around 200 ms to the stimuli, assessed as positive. Carriers of dominant homozygous Val/Val genotype had higher amplitude of 200 ms peak when assessed scene images as either neutral or negative in comparison to other genotypes. Participant with the Val/Met heterozygous genotype had higher amplitude of ERP that Met/Met group on same latency when assessed stimuli as negative. HTR2A. Significant increase in negativity in the parietal-occipital regions revealed in the range of 350-420 ms in participants with the recessive homozygous A/A genotype when choosing any type of assessment, compared to carriers of the heterozygous genotype A/G and the dominant homozygous G/G genotype. BDNF. Participants with Val/Val genotype categorized the visual images more thoroughly, as reflected in greater activation of the parietal-occipital zones and higher amplitude on ERP peak on 190 ms (negative assessment) and 160 ms (neutral assessment) then Val/Met carriers. Conclusions: The COMT, HTR2A, BDNF gene different genotypes are associated with the process of categorizing emotionally charged and neutral visual scenes, and this relationship is reflected in the ERP parameters.

Emotional intelligence, empathy, extraversion, alexithymia, environmentally responsible behavior in students-carriers of different MAOA, COMT gene genotypes

“…Since the Met allele encodes a less efficient variant of the COMT enzyme, resulting in higher levels of extra-synaptic prefrontal dopamine, these observations further support a role for dopamine in intelligence and extraversion [9]. Emotional intelligence is associated with the COMT gene, while different genotypes of the COMT gene are associated with the process of categorizing emotionally charged and neutral visual scenes, and this relationship is reflected in the parameters of evoked potentials [10]. During the student period, youth becomes a frequent object of psychological research, since it is during the period of education that the main professionally important qualities and motivation are formed [11; 12; 13; 14].…”

Life meanings and environmentally responsible behavior due to the subjective comfort and satisfaction of drug addicts at the stage of rehabilitation

“…The presence of hereditary burden or the negative influence of social factors is often not a direct risk factor in the formation of an addictive pattern. This is confirmed by numerous examples where individuals with a genetic predisposition had resistance to addictions of various forms [17].…”

Student motivation theory

“…If parents (guardians, caregivers of children) always set clear and easily achievable goals for the child and provided him with assistance, most likely there will be a low level of need for success. Provided that the child's parents (guardians, caregivers of children) have never praised or rewarded kids for their success, there will be low needs for achievement [14]. If parents (guardians, guardians of children) set difficult, but feasible tasks for the child and left him to achieve success himself and then praised him, then he will most likely have a high need for success, which will positively affect his attitude to sports.…”