Increased methylation of NR3C1 and SLC6A4 is associated with blunted cortisol reactivity to stress in major depression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epigenetic changes are considered the main mechanisms behind the interplay of environment and genetic susceptibility in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, studies focusing on epigenetic dysregulation of the HPA axis stress response in MDD are lacking. Our objective was to simultaneously asses DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and HPA axis response to stress in MDD.

Methods

We recruited 80 depressed inpatients and 58 gender and age matched healthy controls. All participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and salivary cortisol was repeatedly measured to assess HPA axis reactivity. DNA methylation of the NR3C1 (exon 1 F) and SLC6A4 CpG islands was quant

SUBMITTER: Bakusic J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7739183 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature