Abstract
This study examined changes in prefrontal oxy-Hb levels measured by NIRS (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) during a facial-emotion recognition task in healthy adults, testing a mediational/moderational model of these variables. Fifty-three healthy adults (male = 35, female = 18) aged between 22 to 37 years old (mean age = 24.05 years old) provided saliva samples, completed a EMBU questionnaire (Swedish acronym for Egna Minnen Beträffande Uppfostran [My memories of upbringing]), and participated in a facial-emotion recognition task during NIRS recording. There was a main effect of maternal rejection on RoxH (right frontal activation during an ambiguous task), and a gene × environment (G×E) interaction on RoxH, suggesting that individuals who carry the SL or LL genotype and who endorse greater perceived maternal rejection show less right frontal activation than SL/LL carriers with lower perceived maternal rejection. Finally, perceived parenting style played a mediating role in right frontal activation via the 5-HTTLPR genotype. Early-perceived parenting might influence neural activity in an uncertain situation i.e. rating ambiguous faces among individuals with certain genotypes. This preliminary study makes a small contribution to the mapping of an influence of gene and behaviour on the neural system. More such attempts should be made in order to clarify the links.
Highlights
Recognition of facial expressions influences our emotion and social behaviours
The present study investigated changes in prefrontal oxy-Hb levels measured by NIRS during a facial-emotion recognition task in healthy adults, and examined interplay between as well as moderation/mediational models of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR), perceived parenting, and their effects on cognitive/emotional processing
Correlational analysis indicated that right frontal activation when rating ambiguous expressions was negatively associated with perceived rejection by both fathers and mothers, and was positively associated with paternal and maternal emotional warmth
Summary
Recognition of facial expressions influences our emotion and social behaviours. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in communication and social interactions [1], and autistic-like behaviors are seen even among healthy individuals [2, 3]. Associations were found between autistic traits and frontal activation when. 5-HTTLPR Gene, and Neural System during Facial Recognition participants were required to recognize negative expressions [4]. An NIRS (NearInfrared Spectroscopy) study showed that participants with PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) showed reduced oxy-Hb changes during presentation of scared faces [5]. Cognitive rehabilitation has a positive influence on chronic prefrontal lesion patients’ prefrontal activity during a facial recognition task [6]
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