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Stone TW, Darlington LG, Badawy AAB, Williams RO. The Complex World of Kynurenic Acid: Reflections on Biological Issues and Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9040. [PMID: 39201726 PMCID: PMC11354734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been unequivocally established that kynurenic acid has a number of actions in a variety of cells and tissues, raising, in principle, the possibility of targeting its generation, metabolism or sites of action to manipulate those effects to a beneficial therapeutic end. However, many basic aspects of the biology of kynurenic acid remain unclear, potentially leading to some confusion and misinterpretations of data. They include questions of the source, generation, targets, enzyme expression, endogenous concentrations and sites of action. This essay is intended to raise and discuss many of these aspects as a source of reference for more balanced discussion. Those issues are followed by examples of situations in which modulating and correcting kynurenic acid production or activity could bring significant therapeutic benefit, including neurological and psychiatric conditions, inflammatory diseases and cell protection. More information is required to obtain a clear overall view of the pharmacological environment relevant to kynurenic acid, especially with respect to the active concentrations of kynurenine metabolites in vivo and changed levels in disease. The data and ideas presented here should permit a greater confidence in appreciating the sites of action and interaction of kynurenic acid under different local conditions and pathologies, enhancing our understanding of kynurenic acid itself and the many clinical conditions in which manipulating its pharmacology could be of clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK;
| | - L. Gail Darlington
- Worthing Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing BN11 2DH, UK
| | - Abdulla A.-B. Badawy
- Formerly School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK
| | - Richard O. Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK;
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Taracha E, Czarna M, Turzyńska D, Sobolewska A, Maciejak P. Long-term disruption of tissue levels of glutamate and glutamatergic neurotransmission neuromodulators, taurine and kynurenic acid induced by amphetamine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1387-1398. [PMID: 38480557 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Chronic amphetamine (AMPH) use leading to addiction results in adaptive changes within the central nervous system that persist well beyond the drug's elimination from the body and can precipitate relapse. Notably, alterations in glutamatergic neurotransmission play a crucial role in drug-associated behaviours. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify changes induced by amphetamine in glutamate levels and the neuromodulators of glutamatergic neurotransmission (taurine and kynurenic acid) observable after 14 and 28 days of abstinence in key brain regions implicated in addiction: the cortex (Cx), nucleus accumbens (Acb), and dorsolateral striatum (CPu-L). METHODS The rats were administered 12 doses of amphetamine (AMPH) intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 1.5 mg/kg. The behavioural response was evaluated through ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the levels of glutamate, taurine, and kynurenic acid in the Cx, Acb, and CPu-L after 14 and 28 days of abstinence. RESULTS AMPH administration led to sensitisation towards AMPH's rewarding effects, as evidenced by changes in USV. There was a noticeable decrease in kynurenic acid levels and an increase in both taurine and glutamate in the CPu-L, along with an increase in glutamate levels in the Cx, 28 days following the final AMPH injection. CONCLUSIONS The most significant changes in the tissue levels of glutamate, taurine, and kynurenic acid were seen in the CPu-L 28 days after the last dose of AMPH. The emergence of these changes exclusively after 28 days suggests that the processes initiated by AMPH use and subsequent abstinence take time to become apparent and may be enduring. This could contribute to the incubation of craving and the risk of relapse. Developing pharmacological strategies to counteract the reduction in kynurenic acid induced by psychostimulants may provide new avenues for therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Taracha
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego St, Warsaw, 02-957, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Czarna
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego St, Warsaw, 02-957, Poland
| | - Danuta Turzyńska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego St, Warsaw, 02-957, Poland
| | - Alicja Sobolewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego St, Warsaw, 02-957, Poland
| | - Piotr Maciejak
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego St, Warsaw, 02-957, Poland
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha St, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
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Li YT, Zhang C, Han JC, Shang YX, Chen ZH, Cui GB, Wang W. Neuroimaging features of cognitive impairments in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2024; 14:20451253241243290. [PMID: 38708374 PMCID: PMC11070126 DOI: 10.1177/20451253241243290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunctions are one of the key symptoms of schizophrenia (SZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD), which exist not only during the onset of diseases but also before the onset, even after the remission of psychiatric symptoms. With the development of neuroimaging techniques, these non-invasive approaches provide valuable insights into the underlying pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and information of cognitive remediation interventions. This review synthesizes existing neuroimaging studies to examine domains of cognitive impairment, particularly processing speed, memory, attention, and executive function in SZ and MDD patients. First, white matter (WM) abnormalities are observed in processing speed deficits in both SZ and MDD, with distinct neuroimaging findings highlighting WM connectivity abnormalities in SZ and WM hyperintensity caused by small vessel disease in MDD. Additionally, the abnormal functions of prefrontal cortex and medial temporal lobe are found in both SZ and MDD patients during various memory tasks, while aberrant amygdala activity potentially contributes to a preference to negative memories in MDD. Furthermore, impaired large-scale networks including frontoparietal network, dorsal attention network, and ventral attention network are related to attention deficits, both in SZ and MDD patients. Finally, abnormal activity and volume of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and abnormal functional connections between the DLPFC and the cerebellum are associated with executive dysfunction in both SZ and MDD. Despite these insights, longitudinal neuroimaging studies are lacking, impeding a comprehensive understanding of cognitive changes and the development of early intervention strategies for SZ and MDD. Addressing this gap is critical for advancing our knowledge and improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Li
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia-Cheng Han
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Shang
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhu-Hong Chen
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guang-Bin Cui
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi’an 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi’an 710038, Shaanxi, China
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Peng A, Chai J, Wu H, Bai B, Yang H, He W, Zhao Y. New Therapeutic Targets and Drugs for Schizophrenia Beyond Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:607-620. [PMID: 38525480 PMCID: PMC10961082 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s455279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a disease with a complex pathological mechanism that is influenced by multiple genes. The study of its pathogenesis is dominated by the dopamine hypothesis, as well as other hypotheses such as the 5-hydroxytryptamine hypothesis, glutamate hypothesis, immune-inflammatory hypothesis, gene expression abnormality hypothesis, and neurodevelopmental abnormality hypothesis. The first generation of antipsychotics was developed based on dopaminergic receptor antagonism, which blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain to exert antipsychotic effects. The second generation of antipsychotics acts by dual blockade of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine receptors. From the third generation of antipsychotics onwards, the therapeutic targets for antipsychotic schizophrenia expanded beyond D2 receptor blockade to explore D2 receptor partial agonism and the antipsychotic effects of new targets such as D3, 5-HT1A, 5-HT7, and mGlu2/3 receptors. The main advantages of the second and third generation antipsychotics over first-generation antipsychotics are the reduction of side effects and the improvement of negative symptoms, and even though third-generation antipsychotics do not directly block D2 receptors, the modulation of the dopamine transmitter system is still an important part of their antipsychotic process. According to recent research, several receptors, including 5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, acetylcholine receptors and norepinephrine, play a role in the development of schizophrenia. Therefore, the focus of developing new antipsychotic drugs has shifted towards agonism or inhibition of these receptors. Specifically, the development of NMDARs stimulants, GABA receptor agonists, mGlu receptor modulators, cholinergic receptor modulators, 5-HT2C receptor agonists and alpha-2 receptor modulators has become the main direction. Animal experiments have confirmed the antipsychotic effects of these drugs, but their pharmacokinetics and clinical applicability still require further exploration. Research on alternative targets for antipsychotic drugs, beyond the dopamine D2 receptor, has expanded the potential treatment options for schizophrenia and gives an important way to address the challenge of refractory schizophrenia. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research on therapeutic targets and medications for schizophrenia, offering valuable insights for both treatment and further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aineng Peng
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Chai
- Heilongjiang Mental Hospital, Harbin, 150036, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyuan Wu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing Bai
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huihui Yang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weizhi He
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghou Zhao
- Heilongjiang Mental Hospital, Harbin, 150036, People’s Republic of China
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Zheng Y, Zhang Q, Zhou X, Yao L, Zhu Q, Fu Z. Altered levels of cytokine, T- and B-lymphocytes, and PD-1 expression rates in drug-naïve schizophrenia patients with acute phase. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21711. [PMID: 38066312 PMCID: PMC10709554 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49206-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies have investigated the changes of immune cells and proinflammatory cytokines in patients with acute schizophrenia, but few studies have investigated the functional phenotypes of immune cells and the expression rate of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/ programmed cell death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1). The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of immune cells activation, PD-1/PD-L1 expressions, and altered cytokine levels in drug-naïve schizophrenia patients with acute-phase. 23 drug-naïve schizophrenia patients in acute-phase and 23 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study as experimental and control groups, separately. Socio-demographic information including gender, age, duration of illness, and smoking status was collected for each subject. Beckman DXFLEX triple laser thirteen-color flow cytometer and self-contained software CytoFLEX flow cytometric analysis software were used to detect the expressions of PD-1/PD-L1 on CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, monocytes and NK cells. BD Bioscience was used to examine the levels of cytokines including interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10. Drug-naïve schizophrenia patients in acute-phase had higher levels of peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, higher PD-1 expression in B lymphocytes, and lower levels of CD8+ T lymphocytes. In addition, IL-6 levels of peripheral blood were higher in schizophrenia patients (all P < 0.05). Significant immune stress was present in schizophrenia patients with acute-phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Zheng
- Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianqin Zhou
- Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linjuan Yao
- Hangzhou Di'an Medical Laboratory Center Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
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Shao Y, Cai Y, Chen T, Hao K, Luo B, Wang X, Guo W, Su X, Lv L, Yang Y, Li W. Impaired erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular B receptors signaling in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus following maternal immune activation in male rats. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 22:e12863. [PMID: 37575018 PMCID: PMC10733575 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
An environmental risk factor for schizophrenia (SZ) is maternal infection, which exerts longstanding effects on the neurodevelopment of offspring. Accumulating evidence suggests that synaptic disturbances may contribute to the pathology of the disease, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular B (EphB) receptor signaling plays an important role in synaptic plasticity by regulating the formation and maturation of dendritic spines and regulating excitatory neurotransmission. We examined whether EphB receptors and downstream associated proteins are susceptible to environmental risk factors implicated in the etiology of synaptic disturbances in SZ. Using an established rodent model, which closely imitates the characteristics of SZ, we observed the behavioral performance and synaptic structure of male offspring in adolescence and early adulthood. We then analyzed the expression of EphB receptors and associated proteins in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Maternal immune activation offspring showed significantly progressive cognitive impairment and pre-pulse inhibition deficits together with an increase in the expression of EphB2 receptors and NMDA receptor subunits. We also found changes in EphB receptor downstream signaling, in particular, a decrease in phospho-cofilin levels which may explain the reduced dendritic spine density. Besides, we found that the AMPA glutamate, another glutamate ionic receptor associated with cofilin, decreased significantly in maternal immune activation offspring. Thus, alterations in EphB signaling induced by immune activation during pregnancy may underlie disruptions in synaptic plasticity and function in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus associated with behavioral and cognitive impairment. These findings may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqian Shao
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Yaqi Cai
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Tengfei Chen
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Keke Hao
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Binbin Luo
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Xiujuan Wang
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Weiyun Guo
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Stem Cell and Biological Treatment Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and TechnologyXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Xi Su
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Luxian Lv
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Yongfeng Yang
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
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Omeiza NA, Bakre A, Ben-Azu B, Sowunmi AA, Abdulrahim HA, Chimezie J, Lawal SO, Adebayo OG, Alagbonsi AI, Akinola O, Abolaji AO, Aderibigbe AO. Mechanisms underpinning Carpolobia lutea G. Don ethanol extract's neurorestorative and antipsychotic-like activities in an NMDA receptor antagonist model of schizophrenia. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 301:115767. [PMID: 36206872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Persistent ketamine insults to the central nervous system block NMDA receptors and disrupt putative neurotransmission, oxido-nitrosative, and inflammatory pathways, resulting in schizophrenia-like symptoms in animals. Previously, the ethnomedicinal benefits of Carpolobia lutea against insomnia, migraine headache, and insanity has been documented, but the mechanisms of action remain incomplete. AIM OF THE STUDY Presently, we explored the neuro-therapeutic role of Carpolobia lutea ethanol extract (C. lutea) in ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-four male Swiss (22 ± 2 g) mice were randomly assigned into eight groups (n = 8/group) and exposed to a reversal ketamine model of schizophrenia. For 14 days, either distilled water (10 mL/kg; p.o.) or ketamine (20 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered, following possible reversal treatments with C. lutea (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg; p.o.), haloperidol (1 mg/kg, p.o.), or clozapine (5 mg/kg; p.o.) beginning on days 8-14. During the experiment, a battery of behavioral characterizations defining schizophrenia-like symptoms were obtained using ANY-maze software, followed by neurochemical, oxido-inflammatory and histological assessments in the mice brains. RESULTS A 7-day reversal treatment with C. lutea reversed predictors of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. C. lutea also mitigated ketamine-induced neurochemical derangements as evidenced by modulations of dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine and serotonin neurotransmission. Also, the increased acetylcholinesterase activity, malondialdehyde nitrite, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis-factor-α concentrations were reversed by C. lutea accompanied with elevated levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione. Furthermore, C. lutea reversed ketamine-induced neuronal alterations in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum sections of the brain. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that C. lutea reverses the cardinal symptoms of ketamine-induced schizophrenia in a dose-dependent fashion by modulating the oxido-inflammatory and neurotransmitter-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah A Omeiza
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Neuropharmacology Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Adewale Bakre
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Neuropharmacology Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Benneth Ben-Azu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Abimbola A Sowunmi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Neuropharmacology Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Halimat A Abdulrahim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Chimezie
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Sodiq O Lawal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olusegun G Adebayo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Neurophysiology Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Abdullateef I Alagbonsi
- Department of Clinical Biology (Physiology), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye, Southern Province, Rwanda
| | - Olugbenga Akinola
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Amos O Abolaji
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adegbuyi O Aderibigbe
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Neuropharmacology Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Karanikas E. The immune-stress/endocrine-redox-metabolic nature of psychosis' etiopathology; focus on the intersystemic pathways interactions. Neurosci Lett 2023; 794:137011. [PMID: 36513162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.137011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The evidence supporting the involvement of a number of systems in the neurobiological etiopathology of psychosis has recently grown exponentially. Indeed, the focus of research has changed from measuring solely neurotransmitters to estimating parameters from fields like immunity, stress/endocrine, redox, and metabolism. Yet, little is known regarding the exact role of each one of these fields on the formation of not only the brain neuropathological substrate in psychosis but also the associated general systemic pathology, in terms of causality directions. Research has shown deviations in the levels and/or function of basic effector molecules of the aforementioned fields namely cytokines, pro-/anti- oxidants, glucocorticoids, catecholamines, glucose, and lipids metabolites as well as kynurenines, in psychosis. Yet the evidence regarding their impact on neurotransmitters is minimal and the findings concerning these systems' interactions in the psychotic context are even more dispersed. The present review aims to draw holistically the frame of the hitherto known "players" in the field of psychosis' cellular pathobiology, with a particular focus on their in-between interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Karanikas
- Department of Psychiatry, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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9
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Jorratt P, Ricny J, Leibold C, Ovsepian SV. Endogenous Modulators of NMDA Receptor Control Dendritic Field Expansion of Cortical Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1440-1452. [PMID: 36462136 PMCID: PMC9899188 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Impairments of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity have been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, with pharmacological inhibition of NMDAR-mediated currents and associated neurobehavioral changes considered as a model of schizophrenia. We analyzed the effects of brief and long-term exposure of rat cortical cultures to the most prevalent endogenous modulators of NMDAR (kynurenic acid, pregnenolone sulfate, spermidine, and zinc) on neuronal viability, stimulation-induced release of glutamate, and dendritic morphology with synaptic density. Both, glutamate release and neuronal viability studies revealed no difference between the test and control groups. No differences were also observed in the number of dendritic branching and length, or density of synaptic connections and neuronal soma size. Comparison of the extent of dendritic projections and branching patterns, however, revealed enhanced distal arborization with the expansion of the dendritic area under prolonged treatment of cultures with physiological concentrations of NMDAR modulators, with differences reaching significance in spermidine and pregnenolone sulfate tests. Measurements of the density of glutamatergic synapses showed consistency across all neuronal groups, except those treated with pregnenolone sulfate, which showed a reduction of PSD-95-positive elements. Overall, our data suggest that constitutive glutamatergic activity mediated by NMDAR controls the dendritic field expansion and can influence the integrative properties of cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Jorratt
- grid.447902.cNational Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic ,grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XThird Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Ricny
- grid.447902.cNational Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Christian Leibold
- grid.5963.9Faculty of Biology and Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Saak V. Ovsepian
- grid.36316.310000 0001 0806 5472Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB UK
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Targeting NMDA Receptors in Emotional Disorders: Their Role in Neuroprotection. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12101329. [PMID: 36291261 PMCID: PMC9599159 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission mediated through N-methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) is essential for synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival. While under pathological states, abnormal NMDAR activation is involved in the occurrence and development of psychiatric disorders, which suggests a directional modulation of NMDAR activity that contributes to the remission and treatment of psychiatric disorders. This review thus focuses on the involvement of NMDARs in the pathophysiological processes of psychiatric mood disorders and analyzes the neuroprotective mechanisms of NMDARs. Firstly, we introduce NMDAR-mediated neural signaling pathways in brain function and mood regulation as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms of NMDARs in emotion-related mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Then, we provide an in-depth summary of current NMDAR modulators that have the potential to be developed into clinical drugs and their pharmacological research achievements in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Based on these findings, drug-targeting for NMDARs might open up novel territory for the development of therapeutic agents for refractory anxiety and depression.
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Wu XL, Yan QJ, Zhu F. Abnormal synaptic plasticity and impaired cognition in schizophrenia. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:541-557. [PMID: 35582335 PMCID: PMC9048451 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i4.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental illness that affects several brain domains with relation to cognition and behaviour. SCZ symptoms are typically classified into three categories, namely, positive, negative, and cognitive. The etiology of SCZ is thought to be multifactorial and poorly understood. Accumulating evidence has indicated abnormal synaptic plasticity and cognitive impairments in SCZ. Synaptic plasticity is thought to be induced at appropriate synapses during memory formation and has a critical role in the cognitive symptoms of SCZ. Many factors, including synaptic structure changes, aberrant expression of plasticity-related genes, and abnormal synaptic transmission, may influence synaptic plasticity and play vital roles in SCZ. In this article, we briefly summarize the morphology of the synapse, the neurobiology of synaptic plasticity, and the role of synaptic plasticity, and review potential mechanisms underlying abnormal synaptic plasticity in SCZ. These abnormalities involve dendritic spines, postsynaptic density, and long-term potentiation-like plasticity. We also focus on cognitive dysfunction, which reflects impaired connectivity in SCZ. Additionally, the potential targets for the treatment of SCZ are discussed in this article. Therefore, understanding abnormal synaptic plasticity and impaired cognition in SCZ has an essential role in drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Lin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiu-Jin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
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Kocurova G, Ricny J, Ovsepian SV. Autoantibodies targeting neuronal proteins as biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. Theranostics 2022; 12:3045-3056. [PMID: 35547759 PMCID: PMC9065204 DOI: 10.7150/thno.72126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are associated with the accumulation of a range of misfolded proteins across the central nervous system and related autoimmune responses, including the generation of antibodies and the activation of immune cells. Both innate and adaptive immunity become mobilized, leading to cellular and humoral effects. The role of humoral immunity in disease onset and progression remains to be elucidated with rising evidence suggestive of positive (protection, repair) and negative (injury, toxicity) outcomes. In this study, we review advances in research of neuron-targeting autoantibodies in the most prevalent NDDs. We discuss their biological origin, molecular diversity and changes in the course of diseases, consider their relevance to the initiation and progression of pathology as well as diagnostic and prognostic significance. It is suggested that the emerging autoimmune aspects of NDDs not only could facilitate the early detection but also might help to elucidate previously unknown facets of pathobiology with relevance to the development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Kocurova
- Experimental Neurobiology Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Ricny
- Experimental Neurobiology Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V. Ovsepian
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
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Chen S, Xu D, Fan L, Fang Z, Wang X, Li M. Roles of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors (NMDARs) in Epilepsy. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:797253. [PMID: 35069111 PMCID: PMC8780133 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.797253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. The mechanism of epilepsy remains unclear and previous studies suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play an important role in abnormal discharges, nerve conduction, neuron injury and inflammation, thereby they may participate in epileptogenesis. NMDARs belong to a family of ionotropic glutamate receptors that play essential roles in excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in the mammalian CNS. Despite numerous studies focusing on the role of NMDAR in epilepsy, the relationship appeared to be elusive. In this article, we reviewed the regulation of NMDAR and possible mechanisms of NMDAR in epilepsy and in respect of onset, development, and treatment, trying to provide more evidence for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Man Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Bernstein HG, Keilhoff G, Laube G, Dobrowolny H, Steiner J. Polyamines and polyamine-metabolizing enzymes in schizophrenia: Current knowledge and concepts of therapy. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:1177-1190. [PMID: 35070769 PMCID: PMC8717027 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i12.1177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyamines play preeminent roles in a variety of cellular functions in the central nervous system and other organs. A large body of evidence suggests that the polyamine pathway is prominently involved in the etiology and pathology of schizophrenia. Alterations in the expression and activity of polyamine metabolizing enzymes, as well as changes in the levels of the individual polyamines, their precursors and derivatives, have been measured in schizophrenia and animal models of the disease. Additionally, neuroleptic treatment has been shown to influence polyamine concentrations in brain and blood of individuals with schizophrenia. Thus, the polyamine system may appear to be a promising target for neuropharmacological treatment of schizophrenia. However, for a number of practical reasons there is currently only limited hope for a polyamine-based schizophrenia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Gert Bernstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg D-39116, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Gerburg Keilhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg D-39116, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Gregor Laube
- Department of Anatomy, Charite, Berlin D-10117, Germany
| | - Henrik Dobrowolny
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg D-39116, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Johann Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg D-39116, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
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