Peer victimization, pro-inflammatory, and antiviral gene expression pathways in adolescents

We examined how peer victimization during adolescence relates to immune-related gene expression activity to identify potential molecular pathways through which victimization may increase long-term health risk.

In 158 Dutch adolescents (12.9-15.6 y; 43.7% girls), we assessed self-reported peer victimization during the first two years of secondary school and collected dried blood spots (DBS) at the end of this period. Peer victimization experiences were reported every 6 months, at 4 time points, and were combined in two indicators: a cumulative victimization index across the 4 assessments and a categorical index distinguishing 'repeated', 'episodic' and 'no' victimization. We examined transcription factor activity for the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) signaling, and for the antiviral Interferon Regulatory Factors (IRF), using bioinformatic analyses on genome-wide expression data derived from DBS. Social inhibition and rejection sensitivity were tested as potential moderators. Analyses adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and recent illness.

Contrary to hypotheses, cumulative peer victimization was associated with downregulation of AP-1 but was unrelated to NF-κB and IRF activity. Neither social inhibition nor rejection sensitivity moderated these associations. Additionally, adolescents experiencing episodic victimization showed upregulated NF-κB, downregulated IRF, as well as downregulated AP-1, in comparison to non-victimized peers. No significant differences were found for repeated victimization. In exploratory analyses, proximal peer victimization, assessed concurrently with gene expression, was associated with upregulated NF-κB and AP-1, and strong downregulation of IRF.

These findings provide preliminary evidence that peer victimization, particularly when recent or episodic, is associated with differences in immune-related gene expression in adolescents. Biological embedding of social stress may thus occur early in life and may largely depend on the timing and pattern of exposure.