Pathogenesis Of Seasonal Affective Disorder Research Articles

Photoperiodic regulation of dopamine signaling regulates seasonal changes in retinal photosensitivity in mice

At high latitudes, approximately 10% of people suffer from depression during the winter season, a phenomenon known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Shortened photoperiod and/or light intensity during winter season are risk factors for SAD, and bright light therapy is an effective treatment. Interestingly, reduced retinal photosensitivity along with the mood is observed in SAD patients in winter. However, the molecular basis underlying seasonal changes in retinal photosensitivity remains unclear, and pharmacological intervention is required. Here we show photoperiodic regulation of dopamine signaling and improvement of short day–attenuated photosensitivity by its pharmacological intervention in mice. Electroretinograms revealed dynamic seasonal changes in retinal photosensitivity. Transcriptome analysis identified short day-mediated suppression of the Th gene, which encodes tyrosine hydroxylase, a rate-limiting enzyme for dopamine biosynthesis. Furthermore, pharmacological intervention in dopamine signaling through activation of the cAMP signaling pathway rescued short day–attenuated photosensitivity, whereas dopamine receptor antagonists decreased photosensitivity under long-day conditions. Our results reveal molecular basis of seasonal changes in retinal photosensitivity in mammals. In addition, our findings provide important insights into the pathogenesis of SAD and offer potential therapeutic interventions.

RORA 유전자 다형성과 기분 및 행동의 계절성 변동의 연관성

목 적 : 일주기 유전자 다형성이 계절성 기분 장애의 발병 기전과 연관이 있다는 여러 연구 결과들이 보고되었다. 본 연구에서는 한국에 거주하는 건강한 성인을 대상으로 RORA (Retinoid-related orphan receptor A)유전자의 다형성과 계절성 변동의 관계를 살펴보고자 하였다. 방 법 : 신문 광고를 통해 모집한 507명의 지역사회 인구를 대상으로 하였다. 기분과 행동의 계절적 변동은 Seasonality Pattern Assessment Questionnaire(SPAQ)를 이용하여 평가하였다. RORA rs11071547 SNP는 PCR을 이용하여 유전자형 분석을 하였다. 여름형은 교란 요소로 작용할 것으로 판단되어, 29명의 여름형은 제외한 총 478명의 대상자를 분석하였다. 계절성군과 비계절성군의 유전자형 분포의 비교는 Chi-square test를 이용하였고, 전반적 계절성 점수(Global seasonality score, GSS)와 RORA rs11071547의 연관성은 ANCOVA로 분석하였다. 결 과 : 연구 참여자 507명 중 12.1%(겨울형 9.3%, 여름형 2.8%)가 SAD에 해당하였다. 계절성군과 비계절성군간의 RORA rs11071547의 유전자형 분포는 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다. 전반적 계절성 점수(GSS)와 세부 항목인 수면시간, 사회활동, 기분, 에너지 수준에서 유의한 차이는 관찰되지 않았다. 그러나 세부 항목 중 체중과 식욕에서는 C 대립유전자 동형접함체군에서 유의하게 점수가 높은 양상을 관찰할 수 있었다(p=0.026, p=0.034). 결 론 : 본 연구에 참여한 대상자들에서 RORA 유전자 다형성이 체중과 식욕의 계절성 변화에 주요한 역할을 하며, 계절성 기분 장애의 감수성과도 어느 정도 연관이 있을 것으로 생각된다. Objectives: Several evidence has been suggested that the circadian gene variants contribute to the pathogenesis of seasonal affective disorder. In this study, we aimed to investigate the polymorphism in RORA (Retinoid-related orphan receptor A) gene in relation to seasonal variations among healthy young adults in Seoul, Korea. Methods: A total of 507 young healthy adult subjects were recruited by advertisement. Seasonal variations were assessed by the Seasonality Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ). Single-nucleotide polymorphism in the RORA rs11071547 gene was genotyped by PCR in 507 individuals. Considering summer type as confounding factor, we conducted analysis 478 subjects except 29 subjects of summer type. The Chi-square test was conducted to compare differences between groups of seasonals and non-seasonals. Association between genotypes and Global Seasonality Score (GSS) were tested using ANCOVA (Analysis of covariance). Results: In this sample, the prevalence of SAD was 12.1% (winter type 9.3%, summer type 2.8%). There is no significant difference in genotyping distribution of RORA rs11071547 between groups of seasonals and non-seasonals. Global seasonality score (GSS) and scores of all subscales except body weight and appetite were not significantly different between the group with C allele homozygote and the group with T allele homozygote and heterozygote (p-value 0.138). Scores of body weight and appetite were significantly higher in group with C allele homozygotes. Conclusion: These results suggest that RORA gene polymorphism play a role in seasonal variations in appetite and body weight and is associated with susceptibility to seasonal affective disorder in some degree in the population studied.

Therapeutic effects of escitalopram and reboxetine in seasonal affective disorder: A pooled analysis

The monoaminergic neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline have both been implicated in the pathogenesis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, the differential therapeutic value of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (NARI) in SAD has not been assessed until now. This study compares data from two open-label trials with similar methodology investigating the SSRI escitalopram and the NARI reboxetine. 20 SAD patients were treated with escitalopram (10–20 mg) and 15 patients received treatment with reboxetine (fixed dosage: 8 mg) over 6 weeks. Ratings included the structured interview guide for the Hamilton depression rating scale, SAD version (SIGH–SAD), the clinical global impression of severity (CGI-S) and improvement (CGI-I) and the UKU side effect rating scale. Treatment led to a significant reduction in SIGH–SAD score, CGI-S and CGI-I after one week in the reboxetine group and after two weeks in the escitalopram group. SIGH–SAD score was significantly lower in the reboxetine group at weeks 1, 2 and 4 but not at the end of the study. The response rate (SIGH–SAD <50% of baseline value) and the remission rate (SIGH–SAD <8) were not significantly different after 6 weeks of treatment, but the time to response and to remission was significantly shorter in the reboxetine group. The number and severity of side effects were higher in patients treated with reboxetine at all time points. Thus escitalopram and reboxetine were equally effective in treating SAD on all primary and secondary outcome measures. Reboxetine displayed a faster onset of action, but was associated with more pronounced side effects. Further studies comparing SSRI and NARI in SAD are warranted.

A polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in the serotonin transporter promoter gene is associated with DSM-IV depression subtypes in seasonal affective disorder.

Serotonergic mechanisms are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The expression of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is regulated in part by an insertion/deletion polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene promoter region (5-HTTLPR). The 5-HTTLPR short allele (s) has been associated with anxiety-related personality traits and depression, and one study observed an association between the 5-HTTLPR s-allele and SAD and the trait of seasonality. We genotyped 138 SAD patients and 146 healthy volunteers with low seasonality for 5-HTTLPR. No difference between patients and controls was found for genotype distribution and s-allele frequency. However, genotype distribution and allele frequencies were strongly associated with DSM-IV depression subtypes. Melancholic depression was associated with the 5-HTTLPR long (l) allele and atypical depression with the 5-HTTLPR s-allele (two-sided Fisher's exact test: genotype distribution: P=0.0038; allele frequencies: P=0.007). Our data are compatible with the hypothesis of a disease process that is not causally related to 5-HTTLPR, but involves 5-HT neurotransmission and 5-HTTLPR somewhere on its way to phenotypic disease expression.

Monoaminergic function in the pathogenesis of seasonal affective disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder/winter type (SAD) is characterized by recurrent depressive episodes during autumn and winter alternating with non-depressive episodes during spring and summer. Light therapy with full-spectrum, bright white light has been shown to be effective for this condition. Several hypotheses have been discussed in the literature about the pathogenesis of SAD. The most prominent includes disturbances in central monoaminergic transmission. Evidence can be inferred from studies showing a seasonal rhythm of central and peripheral serotonergic functioning which may be a predisposing factor for SAD. Some of the symptoms of SAD are believed to represent an attempt to overcome a putative deficit in brain serotonergic transmission. Moreover, 5-HT receptor challenge studies suggest altered activity at or downstream to central 5-HT receptors. Monoamine depletion studies support hypotheses about serotonergic and catecholaminergic dysfunctions in SAD and suggest that light therapy may well compensate for this underlying deficit. Further, albeit indirect, support for the importance of monoaminergic mechanisms in SAD and its involvement in the mechanism of the action of light therapy comes from studies showing antidepressant efficacy of serotonergic and noradrenergic antidepressants in the treatment of SAD. Altogether, disturbances in brain monoaminergic transmission seem to play a key role in the pathogenesis of SAD; monoaminergic systems may also play an important role in the mechanisms of the action of light therapy.

Effects of Alpha-Methyl-Para-Tyrosine-Induced Catecholamine Depletion in Patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder in Summer Remission

Noradrenergic and dopaminergic mechanisms have been proposed for the pathophysiology of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). We investigated the effects of catecholamine depletion using α-methyl-para-tyrosine (AMPT), an inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase, in patients with SAD in natural summer remission. Nine drug-free patients with SAD by DSM-IV criteria, in summer remission for at least eight weeks, completed a double-blind, crossover study. Behavioral ratings and serum HVA and MHPG levels were obtained for 3-day sessions during which patients took AMPT or an active control drug, diphenhydramine.The active AMPT session significantly reduced serum levels of HVA and MHPG compared with the control diphenhydramine session. The AMPT session resulted in higher depression ratings with all nine patients having significant clinical relapse, compared with two patients during the diphenhydramine session. All patients returned to baseline scores after drug discontinuation. Catecholamine depletion results in significant clinical relapse in patients with SAD in the untreated, summer-remitted state. AMPT-induced depressive relapse may be a trait marker for SAD, and/or brain catecholamines may play a direct role in the pathogenesis of SAD.

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Serotonin-Related Polymorphisms

Disturbances in central serotonergic systems have been hypothesized to be involved in seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Association between SAD and the shorter allele of the serotonin transporter promoter repeat length polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) has been reported in an American sample. We have genotyped 82 SAD patients and 82 healthy controls from Sweden, Finland, and Germany for this and five other polymorphisms in the genes coding for serotonin receptors 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C, tryptophan hydroxylase and white. No associations with SAD or seasonality (seasonal variations in mood and behavior) were detected. Although minor effects cannot be excluded, our results suggest that these polymorphisms do not play a major role in the pathogenesis of SAD in the northern European population.

257. Thyroid function tests in patients with seasonal affective disorder and control subjects

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a condition of recurring winter depressions alternating with non-depressed periods in spring and summer. Because some symptoms of SAD, such as decreased energy and weight gain, also occur in hypothyroidism, it is possible that individuals with SAD have a subtle decrease in thyroid function. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that changes in function of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis could be responsible for seasonal changes in behavior and physiology. Studies of thyroid function might help to clarify the biological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SAD and seasonality. We studied blood levels of free thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in 75 SAD patients and 74 matched controls in the winter. Subjects with overt hypothyroidism were excluded from the study population. We found that levels of free T4 were significantly lower in patients than in normal volunteers, but that there was no difference in TSH levels between SAD patients and healthy volunteers. Future research will be needed to clarify the role of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis in the pathogenesis of winter depression. Specifically, it will be important to determine whether the difference in thyroid function between SAD patients and controls, if replicated, is an epiphenomenon or is related to the biological mechanisms that cause some of the symptoms of SAD.

Photopic and scotopic light detection in patients with seasonal affective disorder and control subjects

Background: Retinal sensitivity may play a role in the pathogenesis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and response to light therapy. Methods: Using a dark adaptation procedure, SAD patients and normal control subjects were tested in the winter and summer, with patients retested after light treatment. The eyes were preadapted to bright light followed by 30 min in darkness, during which subjects detected a dim signal titrated around the detection threshold. Photopic (cone-mediated) and scotopic (rod-mediated) components of the data were identified by nonlinear exponential curve fits to successive threshold estimates. Results: Patients ( n = 24) showed significantly lower cone and rod thresholds in the summer than winter, while control subjects ( n = 12) showed a similar trend. Relative to the control subjects, however, patients were supersensitive in winter (lower cone final threshold, faster rod recovery). Clinical responders to morning light showed a small summer-like increase in cone sensitivity, whereas nonresponders became subsensitive. In comparison to darker-eyed patients, blue-eyed patients showed a larger summertime increase in cone sensitivity and a similar trend after response to morning light. Conclusions: Heightened retinal sensitivity with increased light exposure, and supersensitivity of patients relative to control subjects in winter, may play roles in the pathogenesis of winter depression and the action of therapeutic light.

Behavioral effects of tryptophan depletion in seasonal affective disorder associated with the serotonin transporter gene?

There is some evidence that the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) may be involved in the pathogenesis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Short-term tryptophan (TRP) depletion was carried out in 18 drug-free remitted patients who met DSM-IV criteria for SAD. Behavioral effects were measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) both 24 h before and 24 h after TRP depletion. Some of the patients showed behavioral responses such as lowered mood, feelings of guilt, loss of interest, agitation, loss of energy, fatigue, social withdrawal, increased appetite, and carbohydrate craving. It was the aim of our study to investigate whether the genotypes of the serotonin transporter gene were associated with symptoms of transient depressive relapse after TRP depletion. In addition, we matched the SAD patients with healthy control subjects to see if alleles and genotypes of the serotonin transporter gene were associated with SAD. High molecular weight DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes using standard methods. For the 5-HTT receptor gene, a 17-bp repetitive element of intron 2 was genotyped (variable number tandem repeat, VNTR). Alterations in HDRS scores after TRP depletion showed no significant association with alleles or genotypes of the 5-HTT gene, although heterozygotes showed a trend toward increased HDRS scores. The serotonin transporter is known to play a critical role in the termination of serotonergic neurotransmission by sodium-dependent uptake of 5-HT into the presynaptic neuron. The present study in a small group of SAD patients was unable to demonstrate that the 5-HTT gene plays a role in the pathogenesis of SAD or in short-term depressive relapse after TRP depletion.

Association between seasonal affective disorder and the 5-HT2A promoter polymorphism, -1438G/A.

Genes involved in serotonin metabolism are good candidates for the pathogenesis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A functional variant in the serotonin transporter promoter, 5-HTTLPR, has recently been shown to be associated with SAD and seasonality. The purpose of this study was to determine whether -1438G/A, a polymorphism in the 5-HT2A promoter, is associated with SAD and seasonality, and whether it has additive effects with 5-HTTLPR on seasonality. Sixty-seven individuals with SAD and 69 normal volunteers, all screened with the SCID and diagnosed according to DSM-III-R criteria, were genotyped for the -1 438G/A 5-HT2A promoter polymorphism. All had been previously genotyped for 5-HTTLPR and had been assessed for seasonality by the Global Seasonality Scale. There was a significant increase in the frequency of the -1438A variant allele of the 5-HT2A promoter polymorphism in SAD patients (0.47) compared to matched controls (0.36) (P < 0.01). The difference in genotype distribution was also significant (P < 0.05). We found no association between the -1438G/A polymorphism and seasonality scores, and there was no additive effect with 5-HTTLPR on seasonality. In conclusion, we have shown that the -1438G/A 5-HT2A promoter variant is associated with SAD but not with seasonality. We suggest that the association may instead be with the depressive symptoms of SAD. However, these results should be treated with caution until replicated because of the possibility of false-positive findings in case-control association studies.

Monoamine depletion in non-pharmacological treatments for depression.

Non-pharmacological treatments such as light therapy for seasonal affective disorder or sleep deprivation for non-seasonal depression have been shown to treat depression effectively. With the use of the tryptophan depletion paradigm and the catecholamine depletion paradigm we assessed the role of brain serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems respectively. We found that disturbances in brain serotonin systems play a key role in the pathogenesis of seasonal affective disorder and that light therapy may compensate for the underlying deficit. Moreover there is evidence that catecholaminergic systems may be involved in the mechanism of action of light therapy. Tryptophan depletion studies suggest that sleep deprivation does not exert its antidepressant effects by involving brain serotonin systems alone. Interestingly, tryptophan depletion prevented the relapse after the recovery night, possibly by enhancing brain serotonin transmission after the depletion procedure.

Psoralens in association with seasonal affective disorder

The pathogenesis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) has been attributed to abnormal melatonin metabolism. Perorally administered psoralens increase the daytime levels of melatonin via the competitive inhibition of hepatic melatonin metabolism. Some findings among SAD patients are parallel to those observed after the administration of a psoralen in healthy subjects. It is hypothesized that there may be a circulating psoralen-like substance which affects SAD patients under a low level of illumination. Exposure to bright light during the daylight period would normalize the abnormal effect independently of the season.

Light treatment for seasonal affective disorder: theoretical considerations and clinical implications.

The concept of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) includes any depression whose onset is related to a certain season. Reduced environmental light is hypothesized to be the main precipitating factor of winter depression. Light treatment is used to prevent the onset of depressive episodes and to reduce depressive symptoms in patients with depression during winter months. The mechanisms of action which lead to the well-documented antidepressant response are still unknown. Several hypotheses of the pathogenesis of SAD are discussed, and the clinical practice of light treatment is reviewed.