Short Review on the Aggressive Behaviour: Genetical, Biological Aspects and Oxytocin Relevance

Abstract

Abstract.In this mini-review we were interested in describing the main genetic, biological and mechanistic aspects of the aggressive behaviour in human patients and animal models. It seems that violent behaviour and impulsive traits present a multifactorial substrate, which is determined by genetic and non-genetic factors. Thus, aggressivity is regulated by brain regions such as the amygdala, which controls neural circuits for triggering defensive, aggressive or avoidant behaviour. Moreover, other brain structures such as the anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex regions could modulate circuits involved in aggression. Regarding the genetic aspects, we could mention the mutations in the monoamine oxidase or the polymorphisms of the genes involved in the metabolism of serotonin, such as tryptophan hydroxylase. Also, besides the low levels of serotonin metabolites, which seem to be associated with impulsive and aggressive traits, there are good evidences that deficiencies in glutamate transmission, as well as testosterone, vasopressin, hypochloesterolemia or oxytocin modifications could be related to the aggressive behaviour. Regarding oxytocin we present here in the last chapter the controversial results from the current literature regarding the various effects exhibited by oxytocin administration on the aggressive behavior, considering the increased interest in understanding the role of oxytocin on the main neuropsychiatric disorders. Introducing the concept of aggressionBased on the etymological analysis, the word aggression comes from Latin, from aggressio, signifying attack, and also from the verb aggredior, which can be translated as "to go against something or someone", "to approach someone with a purpose ", or "to assault" [1]. Thus, aggression basically describes a state of the psychophysiological system that allows the individual to respond with a set of hostile behaviours in the conscious, unconscious, or phantasy plan towards the destruction, coercion, degradation, humiliation of a meaningful thing or being, that the abuser perceives as such and represent a challenge for him/her [2].Moreover, according to a general dictionary of psychology, the term aggression is defined as: 1. the tendency to display hostility by manifestation of aggressive acts; 2. the tendency to overcome any encountered oppositions; 3. the tendency of self-assertion by unswerving manifesting of self interests; 4. hiperenergy in one's attitudes and reactions; 5. the constant tendency of domination within the social group or community [3].In addition, from a psycho-sociological perspective, the aggressiveness as physical expression of the aggressive impulses is perceived by the existence of the behavioural intent to cause moral or psychological suffering to others. The human aggressive behaviour has on one hand an innate feature and, on the other hand, is acquired during the course of anthropogenic evolution. Also, if in the primitive societies the aggression consisted only in physical attacks as violence, in modern society ...

Describing some behavioural animal models of anxiety and their mechanistics with special reference to oxidative stress and oxytocin relevance

“…Besides its well-known role in reproduction [62] , oxytocin plays a significant role in most of the neuropsychiatric dysfunctions, with increased number of reports discussing especially the intranasal oxytocin management approach in disorders such as autism [63] , schizophrenia [64] , fronto-temporal dementia [65] , Prader Willi syndrome [66] , anxiety [67] , depression [68] , aggression [69] or suicide-related behavior [70] .…”

Violence at School and the Well-Being of Teachers. The Importance of Positive Relationships

“…Violence is a multidimensional phenomenon produced through various isolated or simultaneous behaviors (Jevtic et al, 2014; Padurariu et al, 2016; Berlanda et al, 2019), which can operate at one or more different levels from the physical to the emotional, psychological and relational. Whereas physical aggression involves the infliction of physical harm, relational aggression is typically characterized by verbal abuse (e.g., shouting and screaming), spreading rumors, and exclusionary behaviors (Lansford et al, 2012).…”

Concept of Suicide: Neurophysiological/Genetic Theories and Possible Oxytocin Relevance

“…However, the authors also found correlations between aggressive/violent behavior and oxytocin levels only in female suicide attempters (we would like to insist immediately on the relevance of this aspect). In fact, our research group also described earlier the complex interaction between aggressive behavior and oxytocin activities [45].…”

“…We should also mention that the relationship between serotonin and aggressiveness [45] is an important aspect in studying the neurobiological underpinnings of suicide, especially in violent suicide cases. In fact, suicidal behavior is influenced by many biological variables that modify the serotonergic neurotransmission, including the psychosocial stress, traumatic experiences, pathological personality traits, disorders, or the alcohol abuse [46,47].…”

“…As we mentioned at different other occasions [45], within the last few years there was an increase in the number of research groups and general interest for better understanding of the possible beneficial effects exerted especially by intranasal oxytocin on the main neuropsychiatric diseases, with a focus on schizophrenia [54], depression [55], frontotemporal dementia [56], autism [57], or anxiety-related behavior [58].…”