Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise 8% of the human genome, and HERV DNA was reported to be essential in human embryonic development. Specifically, HERV-W encodes a protein, syncytin-1, alternatively known as ERVWE1 (Human Endogenous Retrovirus W EnvC7-1 Envelope Protein), participating in human placental morphogenesis and having a role in immune system regulation. Syncytin-1 activity is increased in neuropsychiatric disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In our study, forty-four women in the third trimester of pregnancy were tested for ERVWE1 plasma levels. In concomitance with blood samples the following rating scales were administered to women: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), and Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). We found that higher ERVWE1 protein plasma levels were significantly associated with higher PAI scores (p = 0.02), an earlier gestational age at the time of blood collection (p = 0.01), a longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.03), and fewer lifetime attempted suicides (p = 0.02). Our results seem to support the role of ERVWE1 in maintaining clinical psychiatric symptoms as a result of potential prolonged inflammation. At the same time, this protein may have a protective role in pregnant women by a reduction of suicidal behavior and a better mother-fetus relationship.
The Association between Plasma ERVWE1 Concentrations and Affective Symptoms during Pregnancy : Is This a Friendly Alien? / M. Serati, C. Esposito, S. Grassi, V. Bollati, J. Barkin, M. Buoli. - In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH. - ISSN 1660-4601. - 17(2020 Dec), pp. 9217.1-9217.7.
Titolo: | The Association between Plasma ERVWE1 Concentrations and Affective Symptoms during Pregnancy : Is This a Friendly Alien? |
Autori: | |
Settore Scientifico Disciplinare: | Settore MED/25 - Psichiatria |
Data di pubblicazione: | dic-2020 |
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Tipologia: | Article (author) |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249217 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 01 - Articolo su periodico |
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