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Strzelecki D, Szyburska J, Rabe-Jabłońska J. Two grams of sarcosine in schizophrenia - is it too much? A potential role of glutamate-serotonin interaction. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2014; 10:263-6. [PMID: 24523591 PMCID: PMC3921092 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s54024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Dysfunction of the glutamatergic system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Therefore, glutamatergic agents such as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor co-agonists (ie, glycine, D-cycloserine) and glycine transporter type 1 inhibitors (eg, sarcosine) are studied for their efficacy in ameliorating negative and cognitive symptomatology in patients with schizophrenia. We report the case of a 23-year-old schizophrenic patient treated with quetiapine and citalopram, who was offered concomitant sarcosine treatment. After obtaining an informed consent, we started administration of 2 g of sarcosine per day to treat persistent negative and cognitive symptoms. The patient's activity and mood improved within 2 weeks, but in the following 2 weeks the patient reported increased drive, activity, libido, unpleasant inner tension, and irritability. We ruled out hypomania and decided to decrease the daily dose of sarcosine to 1 g, which resulted in reduction of drive and irritability. Activity and mood improved compared with his state before adding sarcosine. We suggest a sarcosine dose between 1 g and 2 g per day with an initial dose of 2 g, but if side effects occur, the dose should be decreased to 1 g per day. We would like to emphasize the clinically important glutamate-serotonin interaction during concomitant use of sarcosine, citalopram, and quetiapine in our patient, which may lead to serious discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Strzelecki
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Central Clinical Hospital, Medical University of ŁódŸ, ŁódŸ, Poland
| | - Justyna Szyburska
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Central Clinical Hospital, Medical University of ŁódŸ, ŁódŸ, Poland
| | - Jolanta Rabe-Jabłońska
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Central Clinical Hospital, Medical University of ŁódŸ, ŁódŸ, Poland
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Strzelecki D, Tabaszewska A, Barszcz Z, Józefowicz O, Kropiwnicki P, Rabe-Jabłońska J. A 10-week memantine treatment in bipolar depression: a case report. Focus on depressive symptomatology, cognitive parameters and quality of life. Psychiatry Investig 2013; 10:421-4. [PMID: 24474993 PMCID: PMC3902162 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2013.10.4.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Memantine and other glutamatergic agents have been currently investigated in some off-label indications due to glutamatergic involvement in several psychoneurological disorders. We assumed that memantine similarly to ketamine may positively influence mood, moreover having a potential to improve cognition and general quality of life. We report a case of a 49-year-old male hospitalized during a manic and a subsequent moderate depressive episode. After an ineffective use of lithium, olanzapine and antidepressive treatment with mianserin, memantine was added up to 20 mg per day for 10 weeks. The mental state was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Young Mania Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Clinical Global Inventory, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale and psychological tests. After 10 weeks the patient achieved a partial symptomatic improvement in mood, anxiety and quality of sleep, but his activity remained insufficient. We also observed an improvement in the parameters of cognitive functioning and quality of life. There was neither significant mood variations during the memantine use nor mood changes after its termination. No significant side effects were noted during the memantine treatment. We conclude that using memantine in bipolar depression may improve mood, cognitive functioning and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Strzelecki
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | | | | | - Olga Józefowicz
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Paweł Kropiwnicki
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Jolanta Rabe-Jabłońska
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
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Add-on memantine to valproate treatment increased HDL-C in bipolar II disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2013; 47:1343-8. [PMID: 23870798 PMCID: PMC4786167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Memantine is a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist. As an augmenting agent, it has an antidepressant-like and mood-stabilizing effect. Memantine also reduces binge eating episodes and weight. We investigated whether memantine added on to valproate (VPA) is more effective than VPA alone for treating BP-II depression and improving the patient's metabolic profile. This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. BP-II patients undergoing regular VPA treatments were randomly assigned to one of two groups: VPA plus either add-on [1] memantine (5 mg/day) (n = 62) or [2] placebo (n = 73) for 12 weeks. The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were used to evaluate clinical response. Height, weight, fasting serum glucose, fasting total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides were followed regularly. Multiple linear regressions with generalized estimating equation methods were used to analyze the effects of memantine on clinical performance. There were no significant differences in pre- and post-treatment YMRS and HDRS scores between the VPA + memantine and VPA + placebo groups. Although there were no significant differences in the pre- and post-treatment values of most metabolic indices between the two groups, there was a significant increase of HDL-C (p = 0.009) in the VPA + memantine group compared with the VPA + placebo group. This increase remained significant even after controlling for body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.020). We conclude that add-on memantine plus VPA treatment of BP-II depression increases the blood level of HDL-C even in the absence of change in affective symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01188148 (https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/), Trial date was from 1st August, 2008 to 31st July, 2012 in National Cheng Kung University and Tri-Service General Hospital.
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Smith EG, Deligiannidis KM, Ulbricht CM, Landolin CS, Patel JK, Rothschild AJ. Antidepressant augmentation using the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist memantine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Psychiatry 2013; 74:966-73. [PMID: 24229746 PMCID: PMC4000742 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.12m08252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intravenous N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists have shown promising results in rapidly ameliorating depression symptoms, but placebo-controlled trials of oral NMDA antagonists as monotherapy have not observed efficacy. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the NMDA antagonist memantine as an augmentation treatment for patients with DSM-IV major depressive disorder. METHOD Adult outpatients with major depressive disorder and partial response or nonresponse to their current antidepressant (as indicated by a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of ≥ 16 at baseline) were randomized (from July 2006-December 2011) to add memantine (flexible dose 5-20 mg/d, with all memantine group participants reaching the dose of 20 mg/d) (n = 15) or placebo (n = 16) to their existing treatment for 8 weeks. The primary outcome, change in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Score (MADRS), was evaluated with repeated-measures mixed effects models using last-observation-carried-forward methods. Secondary outcomes included other depression and anxiety rating scales, suicidal and delusional ideation, and other adverse effects. RESULTS 84% of participants completed the trial, including 93% of participants receiving memantine. Participants receiving memantine did not show a statistically or clinically significant change in MADRS scores compared to placebo, either over the entire study (β = 0.133, favoring placebo, P = .74) or at study completion (week 8 mean [SD] MADRS score change = -7.13 [6.61] [memantine]; -7.25 [11.14] [placebo]; P = .97). A minimal to small effect size (comparing change to baseline variability) favoring placebo was observed (Cohen d = 0.19). Similarly, no substantial effect sizes favoring memantine nor statistically significant between-group differences were observed on secondary efficacy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This trial did not detect significant statistical or effect size differences between memantine and placebo augmentation among nonresponders or poor responders to conventional antidepressants. While the small number of participants is a limitation, this study suggests memantine lacks substantial efficacy as an augmentation treatment for major depressive disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00344682.
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Martinowich K, Jimenez DV, Zarate CA, Manji HK. Rapid antidepressant effects: moving right along. Mol Psychiatry 2013; 18:856-63. [PMID: 23689537 PMCID: PMC3790255 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Available treatments for depression have significant limitations, including low response rates and substantial lag times for response. Reports of rapid antidepressant effects of a number of compounds, including the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine, have spurred renewed translational neuroscience efforts aimed at elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action that result in rapid therapeutic response. This perspective provides an overview of recent advances utilizing compounds with rapid-acting antidepressant effects, discusses potential mechanism of action and provides a framework for future research directions aimed at developing safe, efficacious antidepressants that achieve satisfactory remission not only by working rapidly but also by providing a sustained response.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Martinowich
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - DV Jimenez
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - CA Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - HK Manji
- Global Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, Titusville, NJ, USA
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Inflammation's Association with Metabolic Profiles before and after a Twelve-Week Clinical Trial in Drug-Naïve Patients with Bipolar II Disorder. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66847. [PMID: 23826157 PMCID: PMC3695222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BP) and metabolic syndrome. Prior studies evaluated the association between metabolic profiles and cytokines only during certain mood states instead of their changes during treatment. We enrolled drug-naïve patients with BP-II and investigated the correlation between changes in mood symptoms and metabolic indices with changes in plasma cytokine levels after 12 weeks of pharmacological treatment. Drug-naïve patients (n = 117) diagnosed with BP-II according to DSM-IV criteria were recruited. Metabolic profiles (cholesterol, triglyceride, HbA1C, fasting serum glucose, body mass index (BMI) and plasma cytokines (TNF-α, CRP, IL-6, and TGF-β) were measured at baseline and 2, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment. To adjust within-subject dependence over repeated assessments, multiple linear regressions with generalized estimating equation methods were used. Seventy-six (65.0%) patients completed the intervention. Changes in plasma CRP were significantly associated with changes in BMI (P = 1.7E-7) and triglyceride (P = 0.005) levels. Changes in plasma TGF-β1 were significantly associated with changes in BMI (P = 8.2E-6), cholesterol (P = 0.004), and triglyceride (P = 0.006) levels. However, changes in plasma TNF-α and IL-6 were not associated with changes in any of the metabolic indices. Changes in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were significantly associated with changes in IL-6 (P = 0.003) levels; changes in Young Mania Rating Scale scores were significantly associated with changes in CRP (P = 0.006) and TNF-α (P = 0.039) levels. Plasma CRP and TGF-β1 levels were positively correlated with several metabolic indices in BP-II after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention. We also hypothesize that clinical symptoms are correlated with certain cytokines. These new findings might be important evidence that inflammation is the pathophysiology of clinical symptoms and metabolic disturbance in BP-II. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01188148.
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Krystal JH, Sanacora G, Duman RS. Rapid-acting glutamatergic antidepressants: the path to ketamine and beyond. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 73:1133-41. [PMID: 23726151 PMCID: PMC3671489 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Traditional antidepressants require many weeks to reveal their therapeutic effects. However, the widely replicated observation that a single subanesthetic dose of the N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist ketamine produced meaningful clinical improvement within hours, suggested that rapid-acting antidepressants might be possible. The ketamine studies stimulated a new generation of basic antidepressant research that identified new neural signaling mechanisms in antidepressant response and provided a conceptual framework linking a group of novel antidepressant mechanisms. This article presents the path that led to the testing of ketamine, considers its promise as an antidepressant, and reviews novel treatment mechanisms that are emerging from this line of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, Clinical Neuroscience Division, VA National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT,for correspondence: Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, Suite #901, 300 George St, New Haven, CT 06511; , tel: 203-785-6396, fax: 203-785-6196
| | - Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Ronald S. Duman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, Clinical Neuroscience Division, VA National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
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Pringle A, Parsons E, Cowen LG, McTavish SF, Cowen PJ, Harmer CJ. Using an experimental medicine model to understand the antidepressant potential of the N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist memantine. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:1417-23. [PMID: 22596208 PMCID: PMC3546643 DOI: 10.1177/0269881112446535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in the role of the glutamatergic system both in depression and as a novel target for treatments. Preclinical studies suggested that the non-competitive N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist memantine might have antidepressant properties, but a randomised controlled trial failed to support this. A healthy volunteer model of emotional processing was used to assess the neuropsychological profile of action of memantine. Healthy volunteers (n=32) were randomised to receive a single dose of memantine (10 mg) or placebo, and subsequently completed a battery of tasks measuring emotional processing, including facial expression recognition, emotional memory, dot-probe and emotion-potentiated startle tasks, as well as working and verbal memory. Memantine treated volunteers showed an increased emotion-potentiated startle, and a reduced bias for negative items in emotional recognition memory. There were no effects of the drug on any other aspect of emotional or non-emotional information processing. These results suggest that a single dose of memantine produces an early anxiogenic response in the emotion-potentiated startle similar to that seen following a single dose of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, citalopram. However, the overall profile of effects is more limited than that which might be expected in response to a conventional antidepressant.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pringle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Sani G, Serra G, Kotzalidis GD, Romano S, Tamorri SM, Manfredi G, Caloro M, Telesforo CL, Caltagirone SS, Panaccione I, Simonetti A, Demontis F, Serra G, Girardi P. The role of memantine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders other than the dementias: a review of current preclinical and clinical evidence. CNS Drugs 2012; 26:663-90. [PMID: 22784018 DOI: 10.2165/11634390-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Memantine, a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist approved for Alzheimer's disease with a good safety profile, is increasingly being studied in a variety of non-dementia psychiatric disorders. We aimed to critically review relevant literature on the use of the drug in such disorders. We performed a PubMed search of the effects of memantine in animal models of psychiatric disorders and its effects in human studies of specific psychiatric disorders. The bulk of the data relates to the effects of memantine in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, although more recent studies have provided data on the use of the drug in bipolar disorder as an add-on. Despite interesting preclinical data, results in major depression are not encouraging. Animal studies investigating the possible usefulness of memantine in schizophrenia are controversial; however, interesting findings were obtained in open studies of schizophrenia, but negative placebo-controlled, double-blind studies cast doubt on their validity. The effects of memantine in anxiety disorders have been poorly investigated, but data indicate that the use of the drug in obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder holds promise, while findings relating to generalized anxiety disorder are rather disappointing. Results in eating disorders, catatonia, impulse control disorders (pathological gambling), substance and alcohol abuse/dependence, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are inconclusive. In most psychiatric non-Alzheimer's disease conditions, the clinical data fail to support the usefulness of memantine as monotherapy or add-on treatment However, recent preclinical and clinical findings suggest that add-on memantine may show antimanic and mood-stabilizing effects in treatment-resistant bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Sani
- NeSMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, UOC Psychiatry, SantAndrea Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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Réus GZ, Abelaira HM, Stringari RB, Fries GR, Kapczinski F, Quevedo J. Memantine treatment reverses anhedonia, normalizes corticosterone levels and increases BDNF levels in the prefrontal cortex induced by chronic mild stress in rats. Metab Brain Dis 2012; 27:175-82. [PMID: 22327556 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-012-9281-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Memantine is a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and several studies have pointed to the NMDA receptor antagonists as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of depression. The present study was aimed to evaluate the behavioral and physiological effects of administration of memantine in rats exposed to the chronic mild stress (CMS) model. To this aim, after 40 days of exposure to CMS procedure, rats were treated with memantine (20 mg/kg) for 7 days. In this study, sweet food consumption, adrenal gland weight, corticosterone levels, and brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala were assessed. Our results demonstrated that chronic stressful situations induced anhedonia, hypertrophy of adrenal gland weight, and an increase of corticosterone levels in rats, but did not alter BDNF protein levels in the rat brain. Memantine treatment reversed anhedonia and the increase of adrenal gland weight, normalized corticosterone levels and increased BDNF protein levels in the prefrontal cortex in stressed rats. Finally, these findings further support the hypothesis that NMDA receptor antagonists such as memantine could be helpful in the pharmacological treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gislaine Z Réus
- Laboratório de Neurociências and Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia, Translacional em Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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Szabó N, Kincses ZT, Toldi J, Vécsei L. Is Ro 61-8048 a potential fast-acting antidepressant? J Neurol Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2011.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Ghasemi M, Schachter SC. The NMDA receptor complex as a therapeutic target in epilepsy: a review. Epilepsy Behav 2011; 22:617-40. [PMID: 22056342 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A substantial amount of research has shown that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) may play a key role in the pathophysiology of several neurological diseases, including epilepsy. Animal models of epilepsy and clinical studies demonstrate that NMDAR activity and expression can be altered in association with epilepsy and particularly in some specific seizure types. NMDAR antagonists have been shown to have antiepileptic effects in both clinical and preclinical studies. There is some evidence that conventional antiepileptic drugs may also affect NMDAR function. In this review, we describe the evidence for the involvement of NMDARs in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and provide an overview of NMDAR antagonists that have been investigated in clinical trials and animal models of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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63
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Doucet MV, Harkin A, Dev KK. The PSD-95/nNOS complex: new drugs for depression? Pharmacol Ther 2011; 133:218-29. [PMID: 22133842 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Drug treatment of major depressive disorder is currently limited to the use of agents which influence monoaminergic neuronal transmission including inhibitors of presynaptic transporters and monoamine oxidase. Typically improvement in depressive symptoms only emerges after several weeks of treatment, suggesting that downstream neuronal adaptations rather than the elevation in synaptic monoamine levels are responsible for antidepressant effects. In recent years, the NMDA receptor has emerged as a promising target for treating CNS disorders including stroke, pain and depression. In this review, we outline the molecular mechanisms underlying NMDA receptor signalling in neurons and in particular provide an overview of the role of the NMDAR/PSD-95/nNOS complex in CNS disorders. We discuss novel drug developments made that suggest the NMDAR/PSD-95/nNOS complex as a potential target for the treatment of depression. The review also provides examples of how PDZ-based protein-protein interactions can be exploited as novel drug targets for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika V Doucet
- Molecular Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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64
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Marsden W. Stressor-induced NMDAR dysfunction as a unifying hypothesis for the aetiology, pathogenesis and comorbidity of clinical depression. Med Hypotheses 2011; 77:508-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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65
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Administration of memantine and imipramine alters mitochondrial respiratory chain and creatine kinase activities in rat brain. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2011; 119:481-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-011-0718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Gao Y, Payne RS, Schurr A, Hougland T, Lord J, Herman L, Lei Z, Banerjee P, El-Mallakh RS. Memantine reduces mania-like symptoms in animal models. Psychiatry Res 2011; 188:366-71. [PMID: 21269711 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2010.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2010] [Revised: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Memantine, a selective antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Ion dysregulation is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of bipolar illness, suggesting that memantine may be effective in treating bipolar manic and/or depressive episodes. We utilized two preclinical models of mania that mimic pathophysiologic changes seen in bipolar illness to examine the potential efficacy of memantine in the treatment of this disorder. Locomotor hyperactivity of male Sprague-Dawley rats in an open field was induced with intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of 10(-3) M ouabain. Memantine (2.5, 5 or 7.5mg/kg), lithium (6.75 mEq/kg), or vehicle were administered acutely via intraperitoneal injection immediately prior to ouabain, then chronically for 7 days (oral memantine 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg/day in water; lithium 2.4 g/kg food). In a second model of bipolar disorder, cycling between population spikes and epileptiform bursts was investigated in rat hippocampal slices treated with ouabain (3.3 μM) alone or in combination with memantine (0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 μM). Ouabain-induced hyperlocomotion was normalized with acute and chronic lithium and chronic use of memantine. Memantine delayed the onset of ouabain-induced-cycling in hippocampal slices. Memantine may have antimanic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglin Gao
- Mood Disorders Research Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
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Hashimoto K. The role of glutamate on the action of antidepressants. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:1558-68. [PMID: 20600468 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Revised: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common, chronic, recurrent mental illness that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Currently available antidepressants are known to affect the monoaminergic (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) systems in the brain. Accumulating evidence suggests that the glutamatergic neurotransmission via the excitatory amino acid glutamate also plays an important role in the neurobiology and treatment of this disease. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine has rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant patients with MDD, suggesting the role of glutamate in the pathophysiology of treatment-resistant MDD. Furthermore, a number of preclinical studies demonstrated that the agents which act at glutamate receptors such as NMDA receptors, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) might have antidepressant-like activities in animal models of depression. In this article, the author reviews the role of glutamate in the neuron-glia communication induced by potential antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan.
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68
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Murrough JW, Iacoviello B, Neumeister A, Charney DS, Iosifescu DV. Cognitive dysfunction in depression: neurocircuitry and new therapeutic strategies. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2011; 96:553-63. [PMID: 21704176 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Revised: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a disabling medical condition associated with significant morbidity, mortality and public health costs. However, neurocircuitry abnormalities underlying depression remain incompletely understood and consequently current treatment options are unfortunately limited in efficacy. Recent research has begun to focus specifically on cognitive aspects of depression and potential neurobiological correlates. Two fundamental types of cognitive dysfunction observed in MDD are cognitive biases, which include distorted information processing or attentional allocation toward negative stimuli, and cognitive deficits, which include impairments in attention, short-term memory and executive functioning. In this article, we present a selective review of current research findings in these domains and examine neuroimaging research that is beginning to characterize the neurocircuitry underlying these biases and deficits. We propose that deficient cognitive functioning, attention biases and the sustained negative affect characteristic of MDD can be understood as arising in part from dysfunctional prefrontal-subcortical circuitry and related disturbances in the cognitive control of emotion. Finally, we highlight potential new pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies for MDD based on an evolving mechanistic understanding of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Murrough
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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69
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Lauterbach EC. Dextromethorphan as a potential rapid-acting antidepressant. Med Hypotheses 2011; 76:717-9. [PMID: 21367535 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dextromethorphan shares pharmacological properties in common with antidepressants and, in particular, ketamine, a drug with demonstrated rapid-acting antidepressant activity. Pharmacodynamic similarities include actions on NMDA, μ opiate, sigma-1, calcium channel, serotonin transporter, and muscarinic sites. Additional unique properties potentially contributory to an antidepressant effect include actions at ß, alpha-2, and serotonin 1b/d receptors. It is therefore, hypothesized that dextromethorphan may have antidepressant efficacy in bipolar, unipolar, major depression, psychotic, and treatment-resistant depressive disorders, and may display rapid-onset of antidepressant response. An antidepressant response may be associated with a positive family history of alcoholism, prediction of ketamine response, increased AMPA-to-NMDA receptor activity ratio, antidepressant properties in animal models of depression, reward system activation, enhanced erythrocyte magnesium concentration, and correlation with frontal μ receptor binding potential. Clinical trials of dextromethorphan in depressive disorders, especially treatment-resistant depression, now seem warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Lauterbach
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, 1550 College Street, Macon, GA 31201, USA.
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70
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Roles of glutamate signaling in preclinical and/or mechanistic models of depression. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 100:688-704. [PMID: 21536063 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Revised: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the glutamatergic system plays important roles in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Abnormalities in the glutamatergic system are definitely observed in this disorder, and certain glutamatergic agents exhibit antidepressant effects in patients with MDD. In this review, we summarize the preclinical findings suggesting the involvement of glutamate signaling in the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD. Preclinical animal models for depression are often characterized by changes in molecules related to glutamatergic signaling. Some antidepressants exert their effects by affecting glutamatergic system components in animals. Animals with genetically modified glutamatergic function exhibit depression-like behaviors or anti-depressive behavior. In addition, several types of glutamatergic agents have shown antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models for depression. Many types of glutamate receptors (NMDA, AMPA, and metabotropic glutamate receptors) or transporters appear to be involved in the etiology of depression or in the mechanisms of action of antidepressants. These functional proteins related to glutamate signal transduction are potential targets for a new generation of antidepressants with fast-onset effects, such as the NMDA antagonist ketamine.
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71
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Ondo WG, Shinawi L, Davidson A, Lai D. Memantine for non-motor features of Parkinson's disease: a double-blind placebo controlled exploratory pilot trial. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2010; 17:156-9. [PMID: 21193343 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Revised: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT To perform an exploratory study evaluating memantine for several common non-motor problems in Parkinson's disease. METHODS We conducted a single center, double-blind, placebo controlled pilot trial of memantine, titrated to 20 mg/day, in PD subjects. Inclusion criteria were intentionally broad and included both fluctuating and non-fluctuating patients. After baseline assessments, subjects (N = 40) were randomized to drug and placebo groups. They received a battery of traditional and non-motor assessments. After a safety call (2 weeks after baseline) they returned for identical assessments at week 8. An 8-week open label extension was started if desired. RESULTS Subject demographics (age 69.1 ± 7.8; 24 males), were similar in the drug and placebo groups. Four dropped from the study while on drug vs. none on placebo. Two of 36 remaining dropped out over the 8-week open label section. Of the 34 who completed the final open label visit, 24 elected to be prescribed memantine after the study. During the controlled trial, there was no significant change in UPDRS section I or II, Epworth sleepiness scale, fatigue severity scale, Hamilton depression scale, Conner adult inventory, PD Quality of Life-39, or clinical global impressions. UPDRS "on" motor scores tended to improved, p = 0.19. CONCLUSION Memantine was well tolerated in PD; however, specific measures of sleepiness, fatigue, depression, and attention did not significantly improve. The majority of subjects elected to stay on the drug after the open label extension suggesting some unassessed benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Ondo
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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72
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73
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Ghasemi M, Raza M, Dehpour AR. NMDA receptor antagonists augment antidepressant-like effects of lithium in the mouse forced swimming test. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24:585-94. [PMID: 19351802 DOI: 10.1177/0269881109104845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Although there is evidence of the involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in the action of lithium, its role in the antidepressant effects of lithium in a behavioural model remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of NMDAR antagonists on the antidepressant-like effects of lithium in the mouse forced swimming test. Lithium (30 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the immobility times of mice, whereas at lower doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) had no effect. NMDA antagonists ketamine (2 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.), MK-801 (0.1 and 0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) and ifenprodil (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the immobility time. Lower doses of ketamine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg), MK-801 (0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg) and ifenprodil (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg) had no effect. Combined treatment of subeffective doses of lithium (10 mg/kg) and ketamine (1 mg/kg), MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg) or ifenprodil (0.5 mg/kg) robustly (P < 0.001) exerted an antidepressant-like effect. The noneffective dose of a NMDA agonist (NMDA, 75 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented the antidepressant-like effect of lithium (30 mg/kg). None of the drugs at subactive doses or in combination with lithium had significant effect on the locomotor activity in the open field test. We for the first time suggested a role for NMDAR signalling in the antidepressant-like effects of lithium, providing a new approach for treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ghasemi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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74
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Abstract
Elevated circulating levels of glucocorticoids are associated with psychiatric symptoms across several different conditions. It remains unknown if this hormonal abnormality is a cause or an effect of the psychiatric conditions. For example, the hypercortisolemia observed in a subset of patients with depression may have a direct impact on the symptoms of depression, but it is also possible that the hypercortisolemia merely reflects the stress associated with depression. Further, rather than causing depression, hypercortisolemia could represent a homeostatic attempt to overcome glucocorticoid resistance. Each of these possibilities will be considered, and correlational and causal evidence will be reviewed. This article will focus on the relationships between glucocorticoids and psychiatric symptoms in Cushing's syndrome, major depression, and steroid psychosis/steroid dementia, as well as the effects of exogenously administered glucocorticoids in normal volunteers. Similarities and differences in the relationship of glucocorticoid hormones to psychiatric symptoms in these conditions will be reviewed. Possible mediators of glucocorticoid effects on the brain and behavior, as well as possible "pro-aging" effects of glucocorticoids in certain cells of the body, will be reviewed. The article concludes with a conceptual model of glucocorticoid actions in the brain that may lead to novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA.
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Réus GZ, Stringari RB, Kirsch TR, Fries GR, Kapczinski F, Roesler R, Quevedo J. Neurochemical and behavioural effects of acute and chronic memantine administration in rats: Further support for NMDA as a new pharmacological target for the treatment of depression? Brain Res Bull 2009; 81:585-9. [PMID: 19954760 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2009.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Revised: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence has pointed to the NMDA receptor antagonists as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of major depression. The present study was aimed to evaluate behavioural and molecular effects of the acute and chronic treatment with memantine and imipramine in rats. To this aim, rats were acutely or chronically for 14 days once a day treated with memantine (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and imipramine (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) and then subjected to the forced swimming and open-field tests. The acute treatment with memantine at all doses and imipramine at doses (20 and 30 mg/kg) reduced immobility time of rats compared to the saline group (p < 0.05), without affecting spontaneous locomotor activity and chronic treatment with memantine and imipramine, at all doses tested, reduced immobility time of rats compared to the saline group (p < 0.05), without affecting spontaneous locomotor activity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) hippocampal levels were assessed in imipramine- and memantine-treated rats by ELISA sandwich assay. Interesting enough, acute administration, but not chronic administration of memantine at higher dose (20 mg/kg) increased BDNF protein levels in the rat hippocampus (p < 0.05). Finally, these findings further support the hypothesis that NMDA receptor could be a new pharmacological target for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gislaine Z Réus
- Laboratório de Neurociências and Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, 88806-000 Criciúma, SC, Brazil
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76
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Thomas SJ, Grossberg GT. Memantine: a review of studies into its safety and efficacy in treating Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Clin Interv Aging 2009; 4:367-77. [PMID: 19851512 PMCID: PMC2762361 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s6666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Memantine is an uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist with moderate affinity. Its mechanism of action is neuroprotective and potentially therapeutic in several neuropsychiatric diseases. It has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) either as a monotherapy or in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors. This review covers key studies of memantine's safety and efficacy in treating moderate to severe AD. It also covers current research into other dementias including but not exclusively mild AD and vascular dementia. Other studies on the efficacy of memantine for other neuropsychiatric diseases are discussed. Memantine is a safe and effective drug that merits further research on several topics. Clinicians should be aware of new studies and potential uses of memantine because of its safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J Thomas
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - George T Grossberg
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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77
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Lanni C, Govoni S, Lucchelli A, Boselli C. Depression and antidepressants: molecular and cellular aspects. Cell Mol Life Sci 2009; 66:2985-3008. [PMID: 19521663 PMCID: PMC11115917 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-009-0055-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2009] [Revised: 04/28/2009] [Accepted: 05/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Clinical depression is viewed as a physical and psychic disease process having a neuropathological basis, although a clear understanding of its ethiopathology is still missing. The observation that depressive symptoms are influenced by pharmacological manipulation of monoamines led to the hypothesis that depression results from reduced availability or functional deficiency of monoaminergic transmitters in some cerebral regions. However, there are limitations to current monoamine theories related to mood disorders. Recently, a growing body of experimental data has showed that other classes of endogenous compounds, such as neuropeptides and amino acids, may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of affective disorders. With the development of neuroscience, neuronal networks and intracellular pathways have been identified and characterized, describing the existence of the interaction between monoamines and receptors in turn able to modulate the expression of intracellular proteins and neurotrophic factors, suggesting that depression/antidepressants may be intermingled with neurogenesis/neurodegenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lanni
- Department of Experimental and Applied Pharmacology, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Experimental and Applied Pharmacology, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Adele Lucchelli
- Department of Experimental and Applied Pharmacology, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Boselli
- Department of Experimental and Applied Pharmacology, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Lieberman JA, Papadakis K, Csernansky J, Litman R, Volavka J, Jia XD, Gage A. A randomized, placebo-controlled study of memantine as adjunctive treatment in patients with schizophrenia. Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 34:1322-9. [PMID: 19005465 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2008.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Memantine, an uncompetitive antagonist of glutamate receptors of the N-methyl-D-aspartate type is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. A growing body of evidence supports a link between the glutamatergic neurotransmission and schizophrenia. The purpose of this study (MEM-MD-29) was to examine the efficacy and safety of memantine as an adjunctive treatment to atypical antipsychotics in patients with persistent residual psychopathology of schizophrenia. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, participants were assigned to receive 20 mg/day memantine (n=70) or placebo (n=68), in addition to continuing treatment with atypical antipsychotics, for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy measure was the total score on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Secondary measures were positive and negative PANSS scores, PANSS responders, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S), Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I), and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Missing data were imputed using the last observation carried forward (LOCF) approach. Safety was assessed by means of physical examination, clinical laboratory evaluation, recording of adverse events (AEs), and measures of extrapyramidal symptoms. At end point, total PANSS scores did not differ between the memantine and the placebo group (p=0.570, LOCF). A similar outcome was observed for all secondary measures. The frequency of serious AEs in the memantine vs placebo group was 8.7 vs 6.0%; treatment discontinuations because of AEs occurred in 11.6 and 3.0% of patients in these groups, respectively. Memantine showed no efficacy as an adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia patients with residual psychopathology and was associated with a higher incidence of AEs than placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Lieberman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Wroolie TE, Kenna HA, Williams KE, Powers BN, Holcomb M, Lazzeroni L, Rasgon NL. Cognitive effects of memantine in postmenopausal women at risk of dementia: a pilot study. Acta Neurol Scand 2009; 119:172-9. [PMID: 18705678 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2008.01084.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the effects of memantine on cognition in a normal population of postmenopausal women with putative risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) using a built-in control for the genetic risk factor for AD (apoE-epsilon4 status). METHODS A prospective, open-label, 6-month pilot medication trial with memantine and follow-up after discontinuance conducted at the Center for Neuroscience in Women's Health, Stanford University School of Medicine. Neuropsychological data were collected on 22 community-dwelling postmenopausal women (11 apoE-epsilon4 carriers and 11 apoE-epsilon4 non-carriers) with at least one putative risk factor for AD. RESULTS ApoE-epsilon4 status was not a significant predictor of change in neuropsychological performance. Changes associated with memantine treatment for entire sample included significant declines in some variables associated with verbal learning and memory that improved upon medication withdrawal. A positive medication effect was noted with executive functions and possibly category fluency. Trend-level improvements were seen in motor dexterity of the non-dominant hand and maintained even after drug discontinuance. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with memantine appeared to have differential effects on cognitive performance in a population of women with putative risk factors for AD. ApoE-epsilon4 carrier status did not account for observed changes in cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Wroolie
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5723, USA
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81
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Stefanczyk-Sapieha L, Oneschuk D, Demas M. Intravenous ketamine "burst" for refractory depression in a patient with advanced cancer. J Palliat Med 2009; 11:1268-71. [PMID: 19021495 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2008.9828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is prevalent in patients with advanced cancer, and can have a negative impact on patients' quality of life. Available antidepressants, often have delayed benefits of several weeks, and therefore are of limited utility in the palliative care setting. Psychostimulants provide more rapid onset of action, but frequently require dose escalation because of problems with tolerance. There is a growing body of evidence that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, such as ketamine, signficantly and rapidly improve depressive symptoms in treatment resistant depression. However, studies conducted to date have not included advanced cancer patients. We report on a case where intravenous ketamine 'bursts' (0.5 mg/kg infused over 60 minutes) were used to treat an intractable MDD in a patient with metastatic prostate cancer. Initial positive response was not sustained, and response to a repeat treatment was even more transient. Adverse effects were mild and self-limiting. We conclude that a well-designed, randomized study of IV ketamine "bursts" in cancer patients suffering from depression is needed to further establish the role and appropriate dosing of ketamine in this patient population. Given that ketamine can be used as an adjuvant for difficult pain syndromes in cancer patients, it would be of interest to assess its impact on the mood in patients receiving this treatment for pain.
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Abstract
Current pharmacotherapy for bipolar disorder is generally unsatisfactory for a large number of patients. Even with adequate modern bipolar pharmacological therapies, many afflicted individuals continue to have persistent mood episode relapses, residual symptoms, functional impairment, and psychosocial disability. Creating novel therapeutics for bipolar disorder is urgently needed. Promising drug targets and compounds for bipolar disorder worthy of further study include both systems and intracellular pathways and targets. Specifically, the purinergic system, the dynorphin opioid neuropeptide system, the cholinergic system (muscarinic and nicotinic systems), the melatonin and serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C] system, the glutamatergic system, and the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis have all been implicated. Intracellular pathways and targets worthy of further study include glycogen synthase kinase-3 protein, protein kinase C, and the arachidonic acid cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Zarate
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathophysiology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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83
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Zdanys K, Tampi RR. A systematic review of off-label uses of memantine for psychiatric disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:1362-74. [PMID: 18262702 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2007] [Revised: 12/30/2007] [Accepted: 01/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent data points to glutamatergic dysfunction in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. Memantine, a drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease that acts at the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, has been used off-label for various psychiatric disorders. Although promising, the available data for the use of memantine in these disorders is limited. Given this data, the routine use of memantine for depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse, pervasive developmental disorders, bipolar disorder, and binge eating disorder cannot be recommended at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Zdanys
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, LV-121 Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, 184 Liberty Street, New Haven, CT 06519, United States.
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Salvadore G, Drevets WC, Henter ID, Zarate CA, Manji HK. Early intervention in bipolar disorder, part II: therapeutics. Early Interv Psychiatry 2008; 2:136-46. [PMID: 19649153 PMCID: PMC2630238 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-7893.2008.00072.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence has shown that early pharmacological and psychosocial treatment dramatically ameliorates poor prognosis and outcome for individuals with psychotic disorders, reducing conversion rates to full-blown illness and decreasing symptom severity. In a companion paper, we discussed methodological issues pertaining to early intervention in bipolar disorder (BPD), reviewed clinical studies that focus on high-risk subjects as well as first-episode patients, and reviewed findings from brain imaging studies in the offspring of individuals with BPD as well as in first-episode patients. In this paper, we discuss how drugs that modulate cellular and neural plasticity cascades are likely to benefit patients in the very early stages of BPD, because they target some of the core pathophysiological mechanisms of this devastating illness. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of agents with neurotrophic and neuroplastic properties are discussed, with a particular emphasis on lithium and valproate. We also discuss their potential use as early intervention strategies for improving symptoms and functioning in patients in the earliest stages of BPD, as well as high-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Salvadore
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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85
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Targeting the glutamatergic system to develop novel, improved therapeutics for mood disorders. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2008; 7:426-37. [PMID: 18425072 DOI: 10.1038/nrd2462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 642] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mood disorders are common, chronic, recurrent mental illnesses that affect the lives of millions of individuals worldwide. To date, the monoaminergic systems (serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic) in the brain have received the greatest attention in neurobiological studies of mood disorders, and most therapeutics target these systems. However, there is growing evidence that the glutamatergic system is central to the neurobiology and treatment of these disorders. Here, we review data supporting the involvement of the glutamatergic system in mood-disorder pathophysiology as well as the efficacy of glutamatergic agents in mood disorders. We also discuss exciting new prospects for the development of improved therapeutics for these devastating disorders.
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