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The Association between Plasma ERVWE1 Concentrations and Affective Symptoms during Pregnancy: Is This a Friendly Alien?

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Serati

    (Department of Mental Health, ASST RHODENSE, 20024 Rho, Italy)

  • Cecilia Maria Esposito

    (Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy)

  • Silvia Grassi

    (Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy)

  • Valentina Bollati

    (EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab-Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy)

  • Jennifer Lynn Barkin

    (Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA)

  • Massimiliano Buoli

    (Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
    Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Serati & Cecilia Maria Esposito & Silvia Grassi & Valentina Bollati & Jennifer Lynn Barkin & Massimiliano Buoli, 2020. "The Association between Plasma ERVWE1 Concentrations and Affective Symptoms during Pregnancy: Is This a Friendly Alien?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:24:p:9217-:d:459425
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sha Mi & Xinhua Lee & Xiang-ping Li & Geertruida M. Veldman & Heather Finnerty & Lisa Racie & Edward LaVallie & Xiang-Yang Tang & Philippe Edouard & Steve Howes & James C. Keith & John M. McCoy, 2000. "Syncytin is a captive retroviral envelope protein involved in human placental morphogenesis," Nature, Nature, vol. 403(6771), pages 785-789, February.
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