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Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience 2/2019

01-03-2019 | Original Paper

Impact of FAAH genetic variation on fronto-amygdala function during emotional processing

Authors: Anne Gärtner, Denise Dörfel, Kersten Diers, Stephanie H. Witt, Alexander Strobel, Burkhard Brocke

Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | Issue 2/2019

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Abstract

Recent translational studies identified a common endocannabinoid polymorphism, FAAH C385A, in the gene for the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). This polymorphism alters endocannabinoid anandamide levels, which are known to be involved in the fronto-amygdala circuitry implicated in mood regulation and anxiety-like behaviors. While it has been shown that the variant that selectively enhances fronto-amygdala connectivity at rest is associated with decreased anxiety-like behaviors, no study so far has investigated whether this finding of FAAH-related differential plasticity extends to task-related differential functional expression and regulation during negative emotional processing. Using an imaging genetics approach, this study aimed to replicate and extend prior findings by examining functional activity and task-related connectivity in fronto-amygdala regions during emotion reactivity and emotional down-regulation of negative affect. Therefore, 48 healthy young adults underwent a functional MRI resting state measurement, completed an emotion regulation paradigm and provided self-reports on anxiety and use of emotion regulation strategies. In line with previous studies, preliminary evidence suggests that A-allele carriers demonstrate stronger fronto-amygdala connectivity during rest. In addition, exploratory whole-brain analyses indicate differential functional activity of A-allele carriers during emotion reactivity and emotion regulation. There were no associations with anxiety-related self-reports and use of emotional regulation strategies. Further research using larger samples and polygenic approaches is indicated to clarify the precise role and its underlying mechanisms in emotion processing.
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Metadata
Title
Impact of FAAH genetic variation on fronto-amygdala function during emotional processing
Authors
Anne Gärtner
Denise Dörfel
Kersten Diers
Stephanie H. Witt
Alexander Strobel
Burkhard Brocke
Publication date
01-03-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 0940-1334
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8491
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-018-0944-9

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