Mbiydzenyuy Ngala Elvis, Joanna Hemmings Sian Megan, Shabangu Thando W, Qulu-Appiah Lihle
Basic Science Department, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, P.O Box 71191, Ndola, Zambia.
Division of Medical Physiology, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Cape Town South Africa.
Heliyon. 2024 Mar 3;10(5):e27501. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27501. eCollection 2024 Mar 15.
Stress is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can significantly influence both aggressive behavior and sexual function. This review explores the intricate relationship between stress, neuromodulator pathways, and epigenetics, shedding light on the various mechanisms that underlie these connections. While the role of stress in both aggression and sexual behavior is well-documented, the mechanisms through which it exerts its effects are multifarious and not yet fully understood. The review begins by delving into the potential influence of stress on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, glucocorticoids, and the neuromodulators involved in the stress response. The intricate interplay between these systems, which encompasses the regulation of stress hormones, is central to understanding how stress may contribute to aggressive behavior and sexual function. Several neuromodulator pathways are implicated in both stress and behavior regulation. We explore the roles of norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, and androgens in mediating the effects of stress on aggression and sexual function. It is important to distinguish between general sexual behavior, sexual motivation, and the distinct category of "sexual aggression" as separate constructs, each necessitating specific examination. Additionally, epigenetic mechanisms emerge as crucial factors that link stress to changes in gene expression patterns and, subsequently, to behavior. We then discuss how epigenetic modifications can occur in response to stress exposure, altering the regulation of genes associated with stress, aggression, and sexual function. While numerous studies support the association between epigenetic changes and stress-induced behavior, more research is necessary to establish definitive links. Throughout this exploration, it becomes increasingly clear that the relationship between stress, neuromodulator pathways, and epigenetics is intricate and multifaceted. The review emphasizes the need for further research, particularly in the context of human studies, to provide clinical significance and to validate the existing findings from animal models. By better understanding how stress influences aggressive behavior and sexual function through neuromodulator pathways and epigenetic modifications, this research aims to contribute to the development of innovative protocols of precision medicine and more effective strategies for managing the consequences of stress on human behavior. This may also pave way for further research into risk factors and underlying mechanisms that may associate stress with sexual aggression which finds application not only in neuroscience, but also law, ethics, and the humanities in general.
压力是一种复杂且多面的现象,会对攻击性行为和性功能产生重大影响。本综述探讨了压力、神经调节通路和表观遗传学之间的复杂关系,揭示了这些联系背后的各种机制。虽然压力在攻击行为和性行为中的作用已有充分记载,但其发挥作用的机制多种多样,尚未完全被理解。综述首先深入探讨压力对下丘脑 - 垂体 - 肾上腺(HPA)轴、糖皮质激素以及参与应激反应的神经调节因子的潜在影响。这些系统之间复杂的相互作用,包括应激激素的调节,对于理解压力如何影响攻击性行为和性功能至关重要。几种神经调节通路与压力和行为调节都有关联。我们探讨去甲肾上腺素、血清素、催产素和雄激素在介导压力对攻击行为和性功能影响方面的作用。将一般性行为、性动机以及独特的“性攻击”类别作为不同的概念区分开来很重要,每个都需要具体研究。此外,表观遗传机制成为将压力与基因表达模式变化以及随后的行为联系起来的关键因素。然后我们讨论表观遗传修饰如何因应激暴露而发生,改变与压力、攻击行为和性功能相关的基因调控。虽然众多研究支持表观遗传变化与应激诱导行为之间的关联,但仍需要更多研究来建立明确的联系。在整个探索过程中,越来越明显的是,压力、神经调节通路和表观遗传学之间的关系是复杂且多面的。综述强调需要进一步研究,特别是在人体研究方面,以提供临床意义并验证动物模型的现有发现。通过更好地理解压力如何通过神经调节通路和表观遗传修饰影响攻击性行为和性功能,本研究旨在为精准医学创新方案的开发以及管理压力对人类行为影响的更有效策略做出贡献。这也可能为进一步研究压力与性攻击相关的风险因素和潜在机制铺平道路,这些研究不仅在神经科学中有应用,在法律、伦理和一般人文学科中也有应用。