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Han M, Zeng D, Tan W, Chen X, Bai S, Wu Q, Chen Y, Wei Z, Mei Y, Zeng Y. Brain region-specific roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in social stress-induced depressive-like behavior. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:159-173. [PMID: 38767484 PMCID: PMC11246125 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a key factor in stress adaptation and avoidance of a social stress behavioral response. Recent studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in stressed mice is brain region-specific, particularly involving the corticolimbic system, including the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. Determining how brain-derived neurotrophic factor participates in stress processing in different brain regions will deepen our understanding of social stress psychopathology. In this review, we discuss the expression and regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in stress-sensitive brain regions closely related to the pathophysiology of depression. We focused on associated molecular pathways and neural circuits, with special attention to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling pathway and the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens dopamine circuit. We determined that stress-induced alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are likely related to the nature, severity, and duration of stress, especially in the above-mentioned brain regions of the corticolimbic system. Therefore, BDNF might be a biological indicator regulating stress-related processes in various brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Han
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Deyang Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xingxing Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shuyuan Bai
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yushan Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yufei Mei
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Brunello CA, Cannarozzo C, Castrén E. Rethinking the role of TRKB in the action of antidepressants and psychedelics. Trends Neurosci 2024:S0166-2236(24)00154-1. [PMID: 39304417 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Antidepressant drugs promote neuronal plasticity, and activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling through its receptor neuronal receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (NTRK2 or TRKB) is among the critical steps in this process. These mechanisms are shared by typical slow-acting antidepressants, fast-acting ketamine, and psychedelic compounds, although the cellular targets of each drug differ. In this opinion, we propose that some of these antidepressants may directly bind to TRKB and allosterically potentiate BDNF signaling, among other possible effects. TRKB activation in parvalbumin-containing interneurons disinhibits cortical networks and reactivates a juvenile-like plasticity window. Subsequent rewiring of aberrant networks, coupled with environmental stimuli, may underlie its clinical antidepressant effects. The end-to-end hypothesis proposed may stimulate the search for new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center - HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Finland.
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Forsell P, Parrado Fernández C, Nilsson B, Sandin J, Nordvall G, Segerdahl M. Positive Allosteric Modulators of Trk Receptors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:997. [PMID: 39204102 PMCID: PMC11357672 DOI: 10.3390/ph17080997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are important regulators of neuronal and non-neuronal functions. As such, the neurotrophins and their receptors, the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, has attracted intense research interest and their role in multiple diseases including Alzheimer's disease has been described. Attempts to administer neurotrophins to patients have been reported, but the clinical trials have so far have been hampered by side effects or a lack of clear efficacy. Thus, much of the focus during recent years has been on identifying small molecules acting as agonists or positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of Trk receptors. Two examples of successful discovery and development of PAMs are the TrkA-PAM E2511 and the pan-Trk PAM ACD856. E2511 has been reported to have disease-modifying effects in preclinical models, whereas ACD856 demonstrates both a symptomatic and a disease-modifying effect in preclinical models. Both molecules have reached the stage of clinical development and were reported to be safe and well tolerated in clinical phase 1 studies, albeit with different pharmacokinetic profiles. These two emerging small molecules are interesting examples of possible novel symptomatic and disease-modifying treatments that could complement the existing anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This review aims to present the concept of positive allosteric modulators of the Trk receptors as a novel future treatment option for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders, and the current preclinical and clinical data supporting this new concept. Preclinical data indicate dual mechanisms, not only as cognitive enhancers, but also a tentative neurorestorative function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pontus Forsell
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cristina Parrado Fernández
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Boel Nilsson
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
| | - Johan Sandin
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Nordvall
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Märta Segerdahl
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
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Ampuero E, Luarte A, Flores FS, Soto AI, Pino C, Silva V, Erlandsen M, Concha T, Wyneken U. The multifaceted effects of fluoxetine treatment on cognitive functions. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1412420. [PMID: 39081952 PMCID: PMC11286485 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1412420] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluoxetine, the prototypical selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is widely used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and a variety of other central nervous system conditions, primarily due to its established clinical safety profile. Although its efficacy in treating depression is well-recognized, the impact of fluoxetine on cognitive functions remains inconsistent and elusive. In this review, we first examine the well-substantiated biological mechanisms underlying fluoxetine's antidepressant effects, which include serotonin reuptake inhibition and activation of TrkB receptors-key to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. Subsequently, we delve into the cognitive side effects observed in both preclinical and clinical studies, affecting domains such as memory, attention, and executive functions. While certain studies indicate cognitive improvements in patients with underlying disorders, there is also evidence of negative effects, influenced by variables like gender, duration of treatment, age, disease pathology, and the specifics of cognitive testing. Significantly, the negative cognitive outcomes reported in preclinical research often involve healthy, non-diseased animals. This review underscores the necessity for heightened caution in fluoxetine prescription and further investigation into its potentially detrimental cognitive effects, even when used prophylactically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estíbaliz Ampuero
- Laboratorio Neurofarmacología del Comportamiento, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Luarte
- Laboratorio Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Sofia Flores
- Laboratorio Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Antonia Ignacia Soto
- Laboratorio Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Catalina Pino
- Laboratorio Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Viviana Silva
- Laboratorio Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Macarena Erlandsen
- Laboratorio Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Teresita Concha
- Laboratorio Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ursula Wyneken
- Laboratorio Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- IMPACT, Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile
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Kitaichi M, Kato T, Oki H, Tatara A, Kawada T, Miyazaki K, Ishikawa C, Kaneda K, Shimizu I. DSP-6745, a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine modulator with rapid antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic and procognitive effects. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06629-2. [PMID: 38856765 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06629-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current treatment of major depressive disorder is facing challenges, including a low remission rate, late onset of efficacy, and worsening severity due to comorbid symptoms such as psychosis and cognitive dysfunction. Serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission is involved in a wide variety of psychiatric diseases and its potential as a drug target continues to attract attention. OBJECTIVES The present study elucidates the effects of a novel 5-HT modulator, DSP-6745, on depression and its comorbid symptoms. RESULTS In vitro radioligand binding and functional assays showed that DSP-6745 is a potent inhibitor of 5-HT transporter and 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT7 receptors. In vivo, DSP-6745 (6.4 and 19.1 mg/kg as free base, p.o.) increased the release of not only 5-HT, norepinephrine, and dopamine, but also glutamate in the medial prefrontal cortex. The results of in vivo mouse phenotypic screening by SmartCube® suggested that DSP-6745 has a behavioral signature combined with antidepressant-, anxiolytic-, and antipsychotic-like signals. A single oral dose of DSP-6745 (6.4 and 19.1 mg/kg) showed rapid antidepressant-like efficacy in the rat forced swim test, even at 24 h post-dosing, and anxiolytic activity in the rat social interaction test. Moreover, DSP-6745 (12.7 mg/kg, p.o.) led to an improvement in the apomorphine-induced prepulse inhibition deficit in rats. In the marmoset object retrieval with detour task, which is used to assess cognitive functions such as attention and behavioral inhibition, DSP-6745 (7.8 mg/kg, p.o.) enhanced cognition. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that DSP-6745 is a multimodal 5-HT receptor antagonist and a 5-HT transporter inhibitor and has the potential to be a rapid acting antidepressant with efficacies in mitigating the comorbid symptoms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Kitaichi
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, 554-0022, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Taro Kato
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, 554-0022, Japan.
| | - Hitomi Oki
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, 554-0022, Japan
| | - Ayaka Tatara
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, 554-0022, Japan
| | - Takuya Kawada
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, 554-0022, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyazaki
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, 554-0022, Japan
| | - Chihiro Ishikawa
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, 554-0022, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Kaneda
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Isao Shimizu
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, 554-0022, Japan
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Nilsson B, Bylund J, Halldin MM, Rother M, Rein-Hedin E, Önnestam K, Segerdahl M. ACD856, a novel positive allosteric modulator of Trk receptors, single ascending doses in healthy subjects: Safety and pharmacokinetics. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:717-727. [PMID: 38353689 PMCID: PMC11001683 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03645-1] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE AlzeCure Pharma AB is developing novel positive allosteric modulators of Trk-receptors for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, depression, other psychiatric conditions and other disorders where cognition is impaired. The preceding candidate drug ACD855 was shown to have a too long half-life in humans to allow further development. To de-risk the development of the follow-up compound ACD856, the oral single ascending dose study of ACD856 in humans was preceded by an intravenous microdose study, assessing the elimination half-life in plasma. METHODS A phase 0 study with a microdose of ACD856 (0.100 mg), was conducted in six healthy male subjects all receiving ACD856. Sequentially, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase I single ascending oral dose study (1 - 150 mg) was conducted, including 56 healthy subjects. Both studies assessed the safety and tolerability, as well as the PK properties of ACD856 after single dose intravenous and oral administration. RESULTS ACD856 was well tolerated with no treatment emergent, or dose related adverse events or other safety assessments. In the microdose study, ACD856 exhibited a bi-exponential plasma decline, low distribution volume, low plasma clearance with a half-life of approximately 20 hours. Orally, ACD856 exhibited rapid absorption, an almost complete bioavailability and a dose proportional increase in exposure. While the Cmax was lowered and delayed by food intake, the effect on plasma half-life and the overall bioavailability was low. No renal elimination of ACD856 was detected. CONCLUSION The prediction proved accurate demonstrating the value of conducting a microdose study prior to ascending dose studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05783830 March 24, 2023 (microdose study, retrospectively registered) and NCT05077631 October 14, 2021 (single ascending dose study).
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Affiliation(s)
- Boel Nilsson
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Johan Bylund
- CTC Clinical Trial Consultants AB, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 10B, SE-752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Matthias Rother
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Erik Rein-Hedin
- CTC Clinical Trial Consultants AB, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 10B, SE-752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Märta Segerdahl
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden.
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Alfred Nobels allé 23, SE-141 52, Huddinge, Sweden.
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Ledesma-Corvi S, Jornet-Plaza J, Gálvez-Melero L, García-Fuster MJ. Novel rapid treatment options for adolescent depression. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107085. [PMID: 38309382 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel fast-acting antidepressants for adolescent treatment-resistant depression and/or suicidal risk, since the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that are clinically approved for that age (i.e., fluoxetine or escitalopram) take weeks to work. In this context, one of the main research lines of our group is to characterize at the preclinical level novel approaches for rapid-acting antidepressants for adolescence. The present review summarizes the potential use in adolescence of non-pharmacological options, such as neuromodulators (electroconvulsive therapy and other innovative types of brain stimulation), as well as pharmacological options, including consciousness-altering drugs (mainly ketamine but also classical psychedelics) and cannabinoids (i.e., cannabidiol), with promising fast-acting responses. Following a brief analytical explanation of adolescent depression, we present a general introduction for each therapeutical approach together with the clinical evidence supporting its potential beneficial use in adolescence (mainly extrapolated from prior successful examples for adults), to then report recent and/or ongoing preclinical studies that will aid in improving the inclusion of these therapies in the clinic, by considering potential sex-, age-, and dose-related differences, and/or other factors that might affect efficacy or long-term safety. Finally, we conclude the review by providing future avenues to maximize treatment response, including the need for more clinical studies and the importance of designing and/or testing novel treatment options that are safe and fast-acting for adolescent depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ledesma-Corvi
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Jordi Jornet-Plaza
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Laura Gálvez-Melero
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - M Julia García-Fuster
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.
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8
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Ledesma-Corvi S, García-Fuster MJ. Electroconvulsive seizures regulate various stages of hippocampal cell genesis and mBDNF at different times after treatment in adolescent and adult rats of both sexes. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1275783. [PMID: 37965039 PMCID: PMC10642262 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1275783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy, a fast-acting option for treatment-resistant depression, is modeled at the preclinical level through the induction of electroconvulsive seizures (ECS) in rodents. Recent studies from our group proved sex- and age-differences in the antidepressant-like response elicited by ECS in rats; while an antidepressant-like response was observed in male adolescent and adult rats (although with greater efficacy in adulthood), the same parameters rendered inefficacious in females of any age. To better understand the potential sex differences taking place at the molecular level that might be mediating these behavioral disparities, we evaluated the impact of a repeated treatment with ECS (95 mA for 0.6 s, 100 Hz, 0.6 ms) in adolescent and adult rats of both sexes. Several hippocampal markers of neuroplasticity, commonly regulated by most antidepressants, such as those of neurogenesis (cell proliferation, neurogenic differentiation, long-term cell survival) or mBDNF and associated signaling (e.g., mTOR and ERK1/2) were evaluated at different time-points after treatment (1-, 8-, 15- and up to 30-days post-treatment). The main results demonstrated that ECS improved the survival rate of new cells born in the dentate gryus before treatment. Moreover, ECS increased cell proliferation and neurogenic differentiation at different times post-treatment, paired with persistent increases in mBDNF, observed long after treatment. In general, effects were different for each sex and varied with the age of the animal (adolescent vs. adulthood). The present study is the first-one to demonstrate that such persistent molecular changes induced by ECS in hippocampus, some of them observed up to 30-days post-treatment, also occurred in female rats and adolescence. Although these molecular changes could not justify the lack of ECS efficacy described by these same parameters of ECS in female rats (vs. male rats), they proposed certain beneficial effects common to both sexes, and age periods studied, opening the avenue for further studies. Based on these neurochemical effects, ECS should have displayed similar efficacies for both biological sexes. Therefore, the reason behind these disparities should be further explored to better translate efficacious treatments specific and/or personalized for each sex to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ledesma-Corvi
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - M. Julia García-Fuster
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
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9
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Parrado Fernandez C, Juric S, Backlund M, Dahlström M, Madjid N, Lidell V, Rasti A, Sandin J, Nordvall G, Forsell P. Neuroprotective and Disease-Modifying Effects of the Triazinetrione ACD856, a Positive Allosteric Modulator of Trk-Receptors for the Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11159. [PMID: 37446337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies against Alzheimer's disease (AD) is of high importance. However, even though treated patients show very little amyloid pathology, there is only a modest effect on the rate of cognitive decline. Although this effect can possibly increase over time, there is still a need for alternative treatments that will improve cognitive function in patients with AD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the triazinetrione ACD856, a novel pan-Trk positive allosteric modulator, in multiple models to address its neuroprotective and potential disease-modifying effects. The pharmacological effect of ACD856 was tested in recombinant cell lines, primary cortical neurons, or animals. We demonstrate that ACD856 enhanced NGF-induced neurite outgrowth, increased the levels of the pre-synaptic protein SNAP25 in PC12 cells, and increased the degree of phosphorylated TrkB in SH-SY5Y cells. In primary cortical neurons, ACD856 led to increased levels of phospho-ERK1/2, showed a neuroprotective effect against amyloid-beta or energy-deprivation-induced neurotoxicity, and increased the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Consequently, administration of ACD856 resulted in a significant increase in BDNF in the brains of 21 months old mice. Furthermore, repeated administration of ACD856 resulted in a sustained anti-depressant effect, which lasted up to seven days, suggesting effects that go beyond merely symptomatic effects. In conclusion, the results confirm ACD856 as a cognitive enhancer, but more importantly, they provide substantial in vitro and in vivo evidence of neuroprotective and long-term effects that contribute to neurotrophic support and increased neuroplasticity. Presumably, the described effects of ACD856 may improve cognition, increase resilience, and promote neurorestorative processes, thereby leading to a healthier brain in patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Parrado Fernandez
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Neuroscience, Care and Society, Department of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
| | - Sanja Juric
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Maria Backlund
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - Nather Madjid
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - Azita Rasti
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Johan Sandin
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Neuroscience, Care and Society, Department of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Nordvall
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Neuroscience, Care and Society, Department of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
| | - Pontus Forsell
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Neuroscience, Care and Society, Department of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
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