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Review
. 2024;16(19-20):1315-1327.
doi: 10.1080/17501911.2024.2410692. Epub 2024 Oct 14.

Psychiatry and sensation: the epigenetic links

Madia Lozupone  1 , Ivana Leccisotti  2 , Mario Altamura  2 , Maria Claudia Moretti  2 , Antonello Bellomo  2 , Antonio Daniele  3   4 , Vittorio Dibello  5 , Emanuela Resta  6 , Francesco Panza  7
Affiliations
Review

Psychiatry and sensation: the epigenetic links

Madia Lozupone et al. Epigenomics. 2024.

Abstract

A complex interaction among sensory, social and epigenetic determinants in psychiatric conditions was described across all age strata. The high prevalence of mental disorders in individuals with sensory deficits might be attributed to the interaction among social isolation, cognitive functioning and sensory processing. The epigenetic implications of such interactions were examined: environmental and social factors can affect gene expression and impact the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders also through sensory processing. This article discussed the role of social determinants, in other words, social isolation, loneliness and chronic stress, in promoting psychiatric disorders and, in a vicious circle, sensory deficits (vision, hearing, olfaction and somatosensation). We emphasized the importance of integrating social, sensory and epigenetic factors to target different treatments for psychiatric conditions.

Keywords: DNA methylation; cognitive impairment; depression; epigenetics; late-onset depression; psychiatry; schizophrenia; sensory impairment.

Plain language summary

[Box: see text].

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Neuroanatomical alterations in sensory dysfunction. This diagram highlights key brain structures involved in sensory dysfunction and psychiatric disorders. The olfactory bulb, superior temporal cortex, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and inferior colliculus are enlarged to emphasize their roles in sensory processing, emotional regulation and cognitive function. Neuroanatomical changes in these regions may contribute to altered sensory perceptions and associated psychiatric conditions, offering insights into the complex connections between brain structure and psychiatric outcomes. Created in BioRender. Leccisotti, I. (2024) BioRender.com/c79r869.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Cascade of stress, epigenetic changes and psychiatric outcomes. This figure illustrates the relationship between chronic stress and sensory alterations, showing how these factors lead to epigenetic modifications. These modifications, in turn, affect neurological and behavioral responses, ultimately contributing to psychiatric disorders. Created in BioRender. Leccisotti, I. (2024) BioRender.com/p99b562.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Complex interplay between social determinants, sensory functioning and psychiatric disorders. This Venn diagram highlights the intricate relationships between social determinants, sensory functioning and psychiatric disorders. This diagram underscores how the interaction between these factors can create vulnerability in individuals, leading to dysregulation in sensory and emotional processing, which ultimately influences mental health outcomes. The diagram reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of these interconnected influences on psychiatric conditions. Created in BioRender. Leccisotti, I. (2024) BioRender.com/x76c908.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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