Psychiatric Genetics & Population Epidemiology
Genome-wide and nationwide-cohort studies linking genetic variation, environmental exposure and health-service data to psychiatric risk across the Taiwanese population.
77 publications
2025
Gene clusters linked to insulin resistance identified in a genome-wide study of the Taiwan Biobank population
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1038/s41467-025-58506-x
Our findings elucidate the complex relationships between IR surrogate markers, genetic predisposition, and disease phenotypes in the Taiwanese population, contributing valuable insights to the field of metabolic research.
Local cortical structure pattern and genetic links in schizophrenia: An MRI and CRISPR/Cas9 study
doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2025.111270
Following genome-wide association tests, we found genetic variants and SNP-mapped genes and verified the areal preferential expression profiles in the developing human and mouse neocortex.
Mapping Genetic Associations With Functional Brain Area Alterations in Schizophrenia and Implications for Cortical Development
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1002/brb3.70688
Further, single-cell RNA sequencing and in situ hybridization analyses revealed dynamic expression patterns of the schizophrenia-associated genes during cortical development, suggesting their potential roles in the structural abnormalities observed in schizophrenia.
2024
Enhancing facial feature de-identification in multiframe brain images: A generative adversarial network approach
doi:10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.07.003
Analysis of pixel value histograms demonstrated varying degrees of similarity, as measured by the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), between raw and generated features across different facial features.
Psychiatrist density and risk of suicide: a multilevel case-control study based on a national sample in Taiwan
We investigated all suicide cases in 2007-2017 identified from the national cause-of-death data files, with each suicide case matched to 10 controls by age and sex and each suicide case/control assigned to one of the 355 townships across Taiwan.
2023
Investigating genetic variants for treatment response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in syndromal factors and side effects among patients with depression in Taiwanese Han population
doi:10.1038/s41397-023-00298-8
In conclusion, we identified loci that may affect the clinical response to treatment with antidepressants in the context of empirically defined depressive syndromal factors and side effects among the Taiwanese Han population, thus providing novel biological targets for further investigation.
Population-attributable risk of psychiatric disorders for suicide among adolescents and young adults in Taiwan
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1017/S0033291722003361
Our findings of high PAF from major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and sleep disorder to youth suicides suggest that youth suicide prevention that focuses on detecting and treating mental illness may usefully target these disorders.
The cysteine-altering p.R544C variant in the NOTCH3 gene is a probable candidate for blood pressure and relevant traits in the Taiwan Biobank
doi:10.1007/s00415-023-11909-6
While our preliminary study suggests that NOTCH3 p.R544C may influence blood pressure, stroke, and dementia in the Taiwan Biobank, replication in a well-powered external sample is required.
2022
Endophenotypic effects of the SORL1 variant rs2298813 on regional brain volume in patients with late-onset Alzheimer's disease
Full text · PMCdoi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.885090
Results: The homozygous major allele of rs2298813 was associated with larger volumes in the right putamen (p = 0.0442) and right pallidum (p = 0.0346).
Hip, vertebral, and wrist fracture risks and schizophrenia: a nationwide longitudinal study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1186/s12888-022-03723-7
Furthermore, a sex-based subgroup analysis revealed that the risk of hip fracture remained significantly higher in female patients with schizophrenia (HR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.32-5.44) than in female controls.
2021
An association study in the Taiwan Biobank elicits three novel candidates for cognitive aging in old adults: NCAM1, TTC12 and ZBTB20
Full text · PMCdoi:10.18632/aging.203321
Our study suggests that genetic variants in the dopamine receptor-related loci may influence cognitive aging individually and by means of gene-physical activity interactions.
Genome-wide association study in the Taiwan Biobank identifies four novel genes for human height: NABP2, RASA2, RNF41 and SLC39A5
From our analysis, we generalize to the Taiwanese population genome-wide significant associations with height and 18 previously identified genes in European and non-Taiwanese East Asian populations.
2020
Active Cigarette Smoking Is Associated With an Exacerbation of Genetic Susceptibility to Diabetes
Except for passive smoking, all smoking measurements were associated with FG, HbA1c, and diabetes (P < 0.0033) and were associated with an exacerbation of the genetic risk of FG and HbA1c (P Interaction < 0.0033).
Association between polygenic liability for schizophrenia and substance involvement: A nationwide population-based study in Taiwan
This study provides evidence for the genetic overlap between schizophrenia and tobacco use in women, and this overlap was stronger in the younger population.
Gene-Based Association Analysis Suggests Association of HTR2A With Antidepressant Treatment Response in Depressed Patients
Full text · PMCdoi:10.3389/fphar.2020.559601
From two MDD groups in the antidepressant therapeutic response, by using gene-based analyses, we have identified 14 polymorphisms as suggestive markers for therapeutic response (13 for remission and 1 for response) in both meta- and mega-analyses.
Risk of Parkinson's disease following gout: a population-based retrospective cohort study in Taiwan
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1186/s12883-020-01916-9
From Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified the data of patients newly diagnosed as having gout between January 1, 2000 and December 1, 2000.
Sex-specific autosomal genetic effects across 26 human complex traits
Previous studies have shown that men and women have different genetic architectures across many traits.
Tinnitus Among Patients With Anxiety Disorder: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00606
The association between tinnitus and anxiety disorder remains debated.
Tinnitus and risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease: a retrospective nationwide population-based cohort study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1038/s41598-020-69243-0
Our results indicate an association between tinnitus and higher risk of developing AD and PD.
2019
Association and Interaction Effects of Interleukin-12 Related Genes and Physical Activity on Cognitive Aging in Old Adults in the Taiwanese Population
Full text · PMCdoi:10.3389/fneur.2019.01065
Evidence suggests that the neuro-inflammation mechanisms associated with interleukin-12 (IL-12) may be linked to Alzheimer's diseases and cognitive aging.
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes among the siblings of patients with schizophrenia
Logistic regression analyses with the adjustment of demographic data revealed that the unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia were more likely to develop T2DM (odds ratio [OR]: 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.75) later in life compared with the control group.
Performing different kinds of physical exercise differentially attenuates the genetic effects on obesity measures: Evidence from 18,424 Taiwan Biobank participants
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1008277
Our findings show that the genetic effects on obesity measures can be decreased to various extents by performing different kinds of exercise.
Polymorphisms of the DNA repair gene EXO1 modulate cognitive aging in old adults in a Taiwanese population
doi:10.1016/j.dnarep.2019.03.013
Additionally, we found that interactions between the EXO1 and RAD51C genes influenced cognitive aging (P = 0.002).
Risk of Depressive Disorders Following Myasthenia Gravis: A Nationwide Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00481
The chronic autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness, which can lead to a large amount of stress in the patient.
2018
Atopic diseases/diathesis and subsequent ischemic stroke among patients with bipolar disorder: A nationwide longitudinal study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0200682
Patients who experienced a stroke during the follow-up period were identified.
Gene-based analysis of genes related to neurotrophic pathway suggests association of BDNF and VEGFA with antidepressant treatment-response in depressed patients
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1038/s41598-018-25529-y
For case-control association study, we found that all of these reported polymorphisms and genes did not reach a suggestive level.
Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury Among Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Taiwan
doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.02.012
Our findings suggested that the public health government and clinicians should pay more attention to the TBI risk among patients with ADHD, and further indicated the importance of the optimal treatment for ADHD.
Risk of sexual transmitted infection following bipolar disorder: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.18632/oncotarget.24780
We identified patients who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.
2017
Association and interaction effects of Alzheimer's disease-associated genes and lifestyle on cognitive aging in older adults in a Taiwanese population
Full text · PMCdoi:10.18632/oncotarget.15269
Additionally, we found the interactions among CASS4-rs911159, EPHA-rs10952552, FERMT2-rs4901317, MEF2C-rs9293506, or SLC24A4-rs67063100 on cognitive aging (P = 0.004~0.035).
Bidirectional association between Bell's palsy and anxiety disorders: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study
In this study, we used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to test the bidirectional association between Bell's palsy and anxiety disorders.
Depression and the risk of vascular dementia: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Our findings suggest that depression is an independent risk factor for subsequent VaD.
Detection of susceptibility loci on APOA5 and COLEC12 associated with metabolic syndrome using a genome-wide association study in a Taiwanese population
Full text · PMCdoi:10.18632/oncotarget.20967
Additionally, we found that an interaction between the APOA5 rs662799 and COLEC12 rs16944558 SNPs influenced MetS, high triglyceride, and low HDL.
Symptomatic menopausal transition and subsequent bipolar disorder among midlife women with major depression: a nationwide longitudinal study
Cox regression analysis after adjusting for demographic data and psychiatric comorbidities further showed that symptomatic menopausal transition was associated with an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07∼1.23) among midlife women with major depression.
The ADAMTS9 gene is associated with cognitive aging in the elderly in a Taiwanese population
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172440
Additionally, we found that interactions between the ADAMTS9 rs9985304 and ADAMTS9 rs76346246 SNPs influenced cognitive aging (P < 0.001).
The rs1277306 Variant of the REST Gene Confers Susceptibility to Cognitive Aging in an Elderly Taiwanese Population
However, the 3-marker haplotype derived from the rs1713985, rs3796529, and rs7680734 SNPs in the REST gene demonstrated no association with cognitive aging.
Transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway-associated genes SMAD2 and TGFBR2 are implicated in metabolic syndrome in a Taiwanese population
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1038/s41598-017-14025-4
Our findings indicated that the TGF-β signaling pathway-associated genes of SMAD2 and TGFBR2 may contribute to the risk of MetS independently and through gene-gene interactions.
2016
Effect of Alzheimer's Disease Risk Variant rs3824968 at SORL1 on Regional Gray Matter Volume and Age-Related Interaction in Adult Lifespan
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1038/srep23362
These findings provide evidence that SORL1 rs3824968 modulates regional GM volume and is associated with brain trajectory during the adult lifespan.
Risk for developing dementia among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder: A nationwide longitudinal study
The importance of mental care for trauma victims would increase in the coming century, and our findings broadened another era for the end result of a widely prevalent psychiatric disorder.
Risk of Psychiatric Disorders following Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Nationwide Population-based Retrospective Cohort Study
We identified subjects who were newly diagnosed with AS between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2008, in the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) Research Database.
Risk of depressive disorders following sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study
From the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan, we identified new SSNHL patients diagnosed by an otolaryngologist between January 01, 2000, and December 31, 2008.
Risk of developing major depression and anxiety disorders among women with endometriosis: A longitudinal follow-up study
Endometriosis was associated with an elevated likelihood of developing depression and anxiety disorders.
Risk of psychiatric disorders following pelvic inflammatory disease: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study
doi:10.3109/0167482X.2015.1124852
Our findings highlight that clinicians should pay particular attention to psychiatric comorbidities in PID patients.
Risk of uterine, ovarian and breast cancer following pelvic inflammatory disease: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1186/s12885-016-2857-1
This large nationwide population-based cohort study suggests that there is no increased risk for ovarian, breast or uterine cancer among women who have PID compared to a matching population.
2015
A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study of the risk of uterine, ovarian and breast cancer in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1634/theoncologist.2014-0311
We identified subjects who were diagnosed with PCOS between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2004, in the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) Research Database.
Bidirectional Association Between Depression and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study
doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2015.06.004
Our results supported a bidirectional temporal association between depression and FMS.
Comorbidity of ADHD and suicide attempts among adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder: A nationwide longitudinal study
Using Taiwan׳s National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 500 adolescents and young adults from 2002 to 2008 aged between 15 and 24 years with bipolar disorder and ADHD.
Risk of Psychiatric Disorders Following Primary Sjögren Syndrome: A Nationwide Population-based Retrospective Cohort Study
Our findings highlight the need for psychiatric evaluation and intervention for patients with pSS.
Risk of Psychiatric Disorders following Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0133283
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder observed in patients who visit general practitioners for GI-related complaints.
Risk of developing Parkinson's disease among patients with asthma: a nationwide longitudinal study
Those who developed Parkinson's disease during the follow-up period were identified.
Risk of developing major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders among adolescents and adults with atopic dermatitis: a nationwide longitudinal study
Subjects who developed major depression, any depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders during the follow-up were identified.
Risk of psychiatric disorders following gastroesophageal reflux disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study
doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2015.05.005
Recent studies have shown that the peripheral inflammation may cause the up-regulation of central nervous system inflammation and therefore possibly plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of subsequent psychiatric disorders.
Statins Reduces the Risk of Dementia in Patients with Late-Onset Depression: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0137914
Patients with late-onset depression (LOD) have been reported to run a higher risk of subsequent dementia.
2014
APOE ɛ4 polymorphism and cognitive deficit among the very old Chinese veteran men without dementia
doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2014.05.046
This study suggests that the APOE ɛ4 alleles contributed detrimental effects on cognitive function in the very old veterans who do not have dementia.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism on the relationship between white matter hyperintensity and cognition in healthy people
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088749
The effect size (cohen's f) revealed a small effect.
Effect of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on regional white matter hyperintensities and cognitive function in elderly males without dementia
doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.09.027
Our findings supported the hypothesis that the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism may affect susceptibility to regional WMH volume and such genotype-by-WMH interaction effect is correlated with cognitive decline in non-demented elderly males, in which the Met allele plays a protective role.
Effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on regional gray matter volumes and cognitive function in the Chinese population
Our findings suggest that the presence of two Met alleles has a protective effect on regional GM volumes in the Chinese population.
Interleukin-1 beta C-511T polymorphism modulates functional connectivity of anterior midcingulate cortex in non-demented elderly Han males
Recent resting fMRI studies have suggested that the functional connectivity of the brain's large-scale networks is associated with the cognitive decline of aging and is modulated by genetic factors.
Risk of developing depressive disorders following rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide population-based study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0107791
To evaluate the risk of depressive disorders among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).
Risk of psychiatric disorders following polycystic ovary syndrome: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0097041
We identified patients who were diagnosed with PCOS by an obstetrician-gynecologist in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.
Temperature variation and the incidence of cluster headache periods: A nationwide population study
Either an increase or a decrease in temperature (0.05℃/day) following a warm period (mean temperature ≥26℃) was associated with the onset of cluster periods.
The association of RAB18 gene polymorphism (rs3765133) with cerebellar volume in healthy adults
Our findings suggest that RAB18 rs3765133 polymorphism affects the deve-lopment of specific brain regions, particularly the cerebellum, in healthy people.
2013
Effect of Bcl-2 rs956572 SNP on regional gray matter volumes and cognitive function in elderly males without dementia
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1007/s11357-011-9367-5
The findings suggest that Bcl-2 rs956572 SNP may modulate cognitive function and regional GM volume in non-demented elderly men, and that this polymorphism may affect language performance through its effect on the right MTG.
Effect of Bcl-2 rs956572 polymorphism on age-related gray matter volume changes
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0056663
We found that the volume of these five regions decreased with increasing age (all P<.001).
Effects of age, sex, index admission, and predominant polarity on the seasonality of acute admissions for bipolar disorder: a population-based study
doi:10.3109/07420528.2012.741172
These findings highlight the need for research on identification and management of seasonal features in bipolar patients.
Incidence and outcome of newly-diagnosed tuberculosis in schizophrenics: a 12-year, nationwide, retrospective longitudinal study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1186/1471-2334-13-351
Cox regression revealed age and male gender as risk factors for newly-diagnosed TB.
Interleukin-1 alpha (rs1800587) genetic polymorphism is associated with specific cognitive functions but not depression or loneliness in elderly males without dementia
doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2013.09.057
Our data supports that the T allele of IL-1A rs1800587 genetic polymorphism is associated with better cognitive function in the elderly.
Risk of Parkinson disease after depression: a nationwide population-based study
doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182a956ad
To evaluate the risk of Parkinson disease (PD) among patients with depression by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).
Suicide and media reporting: a longitudinal and spatial analysis
This study investigated the association of suicide deaths with suicide news in longitudinal and spatial dimensions.
The effect of cold temperature on increased exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a nationwide study
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057066
This study demonstrated the effect of cold temperatures on the COPD exacerbation rate.
2012
Association of BACE1 Gene Polymorphism with Cerebellar Volume but Not Cognitive Function in Normal Individuals
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1159/000345980
The findings suggest that the BACE1 rs638405 polymorphism may affect cerebellar morphology, but not cognitive function in healthy humans.
Association of CHRNA4 polymorphism with depression and loneliness in elderly males
doi:10.1111/j.1601-183X.2011.00741.x
Study findings identified a significant link between the CHRNA4:rs1044396 polymorphism and depression and loneliness in the aged.
Association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with loneliness but not depression in cognitively normal elderly males
doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2012.05.065
Our findings suggest that MTHFR C677T polymorphism may be linked more to loneliness than depression in the cognitively normal elderly males, and may be implicated in the pathophysiology of late-life depression in relation to MTHFR genes.
2011
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene Val66Met polymorphism modulates reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0018024
Our findings link BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with the severity of RCVS for the first time and implicate possible pathogenic mechanisms for vasoconstriction in RCVS.
Heterozygote advantage of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism on specific cognitive performance in elderly Chinese males without dementia
These results suggest that a heterozygote advantage exists for the MTHFR C677T polymorphism in specific cognitive functions in elderly Chinese males without dementia.
Polymorphisms in LMNA and near a SERPINA13 gene are not associated with cognitive performance in Chinese elderly males without dementia
doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2011.08.051
This study replicated these findings in Chinese elderly males without dementia.
2010
Do seasons have an influence on the incidence of depression? The use of an internet search engine query data as a proxy of human affect
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0013728
Our findings indicate that Internet searches for depression from people in higher latitudes are more vulnerable to seasonal change, whereas this phenomenon is obscured in tropical areas.
2009
Reduced physiological complexity in robust elderly adults with the APOE epsilon4 allele
Full text · PMCdoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007733
A total of 102 robust, non-demented, elderly subjects with normal functions of daily activities participated in this study (97 males and 5 females, aged 79.2+/-4.4 years, range 72-92 years).