Hornung Orla P, Heim Christine M
Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin , Berlin , Germany.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2014 Feb 17;5:14. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00014. eCollection 2014.
This review focuses on current research developments in the study of gene by early life stress (ELS) interactions and depression. ELS refers to aversive experiences during childhood and adolescence such as sexual, physical or emotional abuse, emotional or physical neglect as well as parental loss. Previous research has focused on investigating and characterizing the specific role of ELS within the pathogenesis of depression and linking these findings to neurobiological changes of the brain, especially the stress response system. The latest findings highlight the role of genetic factors that increase vulnerability or, likewise, promote resilience to depression after childhood trauma. Considering intermediate phenotypes has further increased our understanding of the complex relationship between early trauma and depression. Recent findings with regard to epigenetic changes resulting from adverse environmental events during childhood promote current endeavors to identify specific target areas for prevention and treatment schemes regarding the long-term impact of ELS. Taken together, the latest research findings have underscored the essential role of genotypes and epigenetic processes within the development of depression after childhood trauma, thereby building the basis for future research and clinical interventions.
本综述聚焦于早期生活应激（ELS）与基因相互作用及抑郁症研究的当前进展。ELS指童年和青少年时期的不良经历，如性虐待、身体虐待或情感虐待、情感或身体忽视以及父母丧亡。以往研究主要集中于调查和描述ELS在抑郁症发病机制中的具体作用，并将这些发现与大脑的神经生物学变化，尤其是应激反应系统联系起来。最新研究结果突出了基因因素的作用，这些基因因素要么增加抑郁症易感性，要么同样在童年创伤后增强对抑郁症的恢复力。考虑中间表型进一步加深了我们对早期创伤与抑郁症之间复杂关系的理解。关于童年期不良环境事件导致的表观遗传变化的最新研究结果推动了当前的努力，即确定针对ELS长期影响的预防和治疗方案的具体目标领域。综上所述，最新研究结果强调了基因型和表观遗传过程在童年创伤后抑郁症发展中的重要作用，从而为未来研究和临床干预奠定了基础。
