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Friedel EBN, Tebartz van Elst L, Beringer M, Endres D, Runge K, Maier S, Kornmeier J, Bach M, Domschke K, Heinrich SP, Nickel K. Reduced contrast sensitivity, pattern electroretinogram ratio, and diminished a-wave amplitude in patients with major depressive disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01826-8. [PMID: 38805071 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The electroretinogram (ERG), a non-invasive electrophysiological tool used in ophthalmology, is increasingly applied to investigate neural correlates of depression. The present study aimed to reconsider previous findings in major depressive disorder (MDD) reporting (1) a diminished contrast sensitivity and (2) a reduced patten ERG (PERG) amplitude ratio, and additionally, to assess (3) the photopic negative response (PhNR) from the flash ERG (fERG), with the RETeval® device, a more practical option for clinical routine use. We examined 30 patients with a MDD and 42 healthy controls (HC), assessing individual contrast sensitivity thresholds with an optotype-based contrast test. Moreover, we compared the PERG ratio, an established method for early glaucoma detection, between both groups. The handheld ERG device was used to measure amplitudes and peak times of the fERG components including a-wave, b-wave and PhNR in both MDD patients and HCs. MDD patients exhibited diminished contrast sensitivity together with a reduced PERG ratio, compared to HC. With the handheld ERG device, we found reduced a-wave amplitudes in MDD, whereas no significant differences were observed in the fERG b-wave or PhNR between patients and controls. The reduced contrast sensitivity and PERG ratio in MDD patients supports the hypothesis that depression is associated with altered visual processing. The findings underscore the PERG's potential as a possible objective marker for depression. The reduced a-wave amplitude recorded with the RETeval® system in MDD patients might open new avenues for using handheld ERG devices as simplified approaches for advancing depression research compared to the PERG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn B N Friedel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Malina Beringer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kimon Runge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Kornmeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Bach
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven P Heinrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Zafar I, Burles F, Berger L, McLaren-Gradinaru M, David AL, Dhillon I, Iaria G. Anxiety and Depressive Traits in the Healthy Population Does Not Affect Spatial Orientation and Navigation. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1638. [PMID: 38137086 PMCID: PMC10741661 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to navigate and orient in spatial surroundings is critical for effective daily functioning. Such ability is perturbed in clinically diagnosed mood and anxiety disorders, with patients exhibiting poor navigational skills. Here, we investigated the effects of depression and anxiety traits (not the clinical manifestation of the disorders) on the healthy population and hypothesized that greater levels of depression and anxiety traits would manifest in poorer spatial orientation skills and, in particular, with a poor ability to form mental representations of the environment, i.e., cognitive maps. We asked 1237 participants to perform a battery of spatial orientation tasks and complete two questionnaires assessing their anxiety and depression traits. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not find any correlation between participants' anxiety and depression traits and their ability to form cognitive maps. These findings may imply a significant difference between the clinical and non-clinical manifestations of anxiety and depression as affecting spatial orientation and navigational abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Iaria
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, NeuroLab, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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Constable PA, Lim JKH, Thompson DA. Retinal electrophysiology in central nervous system disorders. A review of human and mouse studies. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1215097. [PMID: 37600004 PMCID: PMC10433210 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1215097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina and brain share similar neurochemistry and neurodevelopmental origins, with the retina, often viewed as a "window to the brain." With retinal measures of structure and function becoming easier to obtain in clinical populations there is a growing interest in using retinal findings as potential biomarkers for disorders affecting the central nervous system. Functional retinal biomarkers, such as the electroretinogram, show promise in neurological disorders, despite having limitations imposed by the existence of overlapping genetic markers, clinical traits or the effects of medications that may reduce their specificity in some conditions. This narrative review summarizes the principal functional retinal findings in central nervous system disorders and related mouse models and provides a background to the main excitatory and inhibitory retinal neurotransmitters that have been implicated to explain the visual electrophysiological findings. These changes in retinal neurochemistry may contribute to our understanding of these conditions based on the findings of retinal electrophysiological tests such as the flash, pattern, multifocal electroretinograms, and electro-oculogram. It is likely that future applications of signal analysis and machine learning algorithms will offer new insights into the pathophysiology, classification, and progression of these clinical disorders including autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. New clinical applications of visual electrophysiology to this field may lead to earlier, more accurate diagnoses and better targeted therapeutic interventions benefiting individual patients and clinicians managing these individuals and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Constable
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jeremiah K. H. Lim
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Dorothy A. Thompson
- The Tony Kriss Visual Electrophysiology Unit, Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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4
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Slapø NB, Jørgensen KN, Elvsåshagen T, Nerland S, Roelfs D, Valstad M, Timpe CMF, Richard G, Beck D, Sæther LS, Frogner Werner MC, Lagerberg TV, Andreassen OA, Melle I, Agartz I, Westlye LT, Moberget T, Jönsson EG. Relationship between function and structure in the visual cortex in healthy individuals and in patients with severe mental disorders. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2023; 332:111633. [PMID: 37028226 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2023.111633] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SCZspect) and bipolar disorders (BD) show impaired function in the primary visual cortex (V1), indicated by altered visual evoked potential (VEP). While the neural substrate for altered VEP in these patients remains elusive, altered V1 structure may play a role. One previous study found a positive relationship between the amplitude of the P100 component of the VEP and V1 surface area, but not V1 thickness, in a small sample of healthy individuals. Here, we aimed to replicate these findings in a larger healthy control (HC) sample (n = 307) and to examine the same relationship in patients with SCZspect (n = 30) or BD (n = 45). We also compared the mean P100 amplitude, V1 surface area and V1 thickness between controls and patients and found no significant group differences. In HC only, we found a significant positive P100-V1 surface area association, while there were no significant P100-V1 thickness relationships in HC, SCZspect or BD. Together, our results confirm previous findings of a positive P100-V1 surface area association in HC, whereas larger patient samples are needed to further clarify the function-structure relationship in V1 in SCZspect and BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Berz Slapø
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kjetil Nordbø Jørgensen
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, Telemark Hospital, Skien, Norway
| | - Torbjørn Elvsåshagen
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Stener Nerland
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel Roelfs
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Mathias Valstad
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Clara M F Timpe
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Dani Beck
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Trine Vik Lagerberg
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University hospital, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University hospital, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Agartz
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University hospital, Norway; Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Sciences, Stockholm Region, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars T Westlye
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Torgeir Moberget
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, OsloMet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik G Jönsson
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Sciences, Stockholm Region, Stockholm, Sweden
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Tursini K, Remy I, Le Cam S, Louis-Dorr V, Malka-Mahieu H, Schwan R, Gross G, Laprévote V, Schwitzer T. Subsequent and simultaneous electrophysiological investigation of the retina and the visual cortex in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases: what are the forecasts for the medicine of tomorrow? Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1167654. [PMID: 37333926 PMCID: PMC10272854 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1167654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual electrophysiological deficits have been reported in neurodegenerative disorders as well as in mental disorders. Such alterations have been mentioned in both the retina and the cortex, notably affecting the photoreceptors, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the primary visual cortex. Interestingly, such impairments emphasize the functional role of the visual system. For this purpose, the present study reviews the existing literature with the aim of identifying key alterations in electroretinograms (ERGs) and visual evoked potentials electroencephalograms (VEP-EEGs) of subjects with neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. We focused on psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases due to similarities in their neuropathophysiological mechanisms. Our research focuses on decoupled and coupled ERG/VEP-EEG results obtained with black-and-white checkerboards or low-level visual stimuli. A decoupled approach means recording first the ERG, then the VEP-EEG in the same subject with the same visual stimuli. The second method means recording both ERG and VEP-EEG simultaneously in the same participant with the same visual stimuli. Both coupled and decoupled results were found, indicating deficits mainly in the N95 ERG wave and the P100 VEP-EEG wave in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and major depressive disorder. Such results reinforce the link between the retina and the visual cortex for the diagnosis of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. With that in mind, medical devices using coupled ERG/VEP-EEG measurements are being developed in order to further investigate the relationship between the retina and the visual cortex. These new techniques outline future challenges in mental health and the use of machine learning for the diagnosis of mental disorders, which would be a crucial step toward precision psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyne Tursini
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d’Adultes et d’Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
- BioSerenity, Paris, France
- INSERM U1254, Université de Lorraine, IADI, Nancy, France
| | - Irving Remy
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d’Adultes et d’Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
- BioSerenity, Paris, France
- INSERM U1114, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Steven Le Cam
- CRAN, CNRS UMR 7039, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | | | | | - Raymund Schwan
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d’Adultes et d’Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
- INSERM U1254, Université de Lorraine, IADI, Nancy, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Grégory Gross
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d’Adultes et d’Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
- INSERM U1254, Université de Lorraine, IADI, Nancy, France
| | - Vincent Laprévote
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d’Adultes et d’Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
- INSERM U1114, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Thomas Schwitzer
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d’Adultes et d’Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
- INSERM U1254, Université de Lorraine, IADI, Nancy, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Barch DM, Boudewyn MA, Carter CC, Erickson M, Frank MJ, Gold JM, Luck SJ, MacDonald AW, Ragland JD, Ranganath C, Silverstein SM, Yonelinas A. Cognitive [Computational] Neuroscience Test Reliability and Clinical Applications for Serious Mental Illness (CNTRaCS) Consortium: Progress and Future Directions. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 63:19-60. [PMID: 36173600 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_391] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The development of treatments for impaired cognition in schizophrenia has been characterized as the most important challenge facing psychiatry at the beginning of the twenty-first century. The Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) project was designed to build on the potential benefits of using tasks and tools from cognitive neuroscience to better understanding and treat cognitive impairments in psychosis. These benefits include: (1) the use of fine-grained tasks that measure discrete cognitive processes; (2) the ability to design tasks that distinguish between specific cognitive domain deficits and poor performance due to generalized deficits resulting from sedation, low motivation, poor test taking skills, etc.; and (3) the ability to link cognitive deficits to specific neural systems, using animal models, neuropsychology, and functional imaging. CNTRICS convened a series of meetings to identify paradigms from cognitive neuroscience that maximize these benefits and identified the steps need for translation into use in clinical populations. The Cognitive Neuroscience Test Reliability and Clinical Applications for Schizophrenia (CNTRaCS) Consortium was developed to help carry out these steps. CNTRaCS consists of investigators at five different sites across the country with diverse expertise relevant to a wide range of the cognitive systems identified as critical as part of CNTRICs. This work reports on the progress and current directions in the evaluation and optimization carried out by CNTRaCS of the tasks identified as part of the original CNTRICs process, as well as subsequent extensions into the Positive Valence systems domain of Research Domain Criteria (RDoC). We also describe the current focus of CNTRaCS, which involves taking a computational psychiatry approach to measuring cognitive and motivational function across the spectrum of psychosis. Specifically, the current iteration of CNTRaCS is using computational modeling to isolate parameters reflecting potentially more specific cognitive and visual processes that may provide greater interpretability in understanding shared and distinct impairments across psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - James M Gold
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Deisenhammer EA, Strasser A, Kemmler G. Reduced ability to discriminate colours - an under-recognised feature of depressive disorders? A pilot study. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2022; 26:321-326. [PMID: 34689697 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2021.1993263] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Although in clinical practice an impairment of sensory perception is frequently reported by depressed patients no mention of these symptoms is made in DSM-5, ICD-10 or ICD-11. Previous studies on colour perception have largely relied on patient self-reports and few have studied colour discrimination.Methods: The ability to discriminate small colour differences was assessed in 30 patients currently experiencing a moderate to severe depressive episode (ICD-10: F32.1-2, F33.1-2 or F31.3-4) and 32 healthy controls using the colour buttons of the Farnsworth Munsell 100-Hue test. Data were analysed by standard tests for comparing two groups (t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square test) and by ordinal regression and generalised estimating equation models.Results: Depressed patients failed significantly earlier (i.e., at larger differences between adjacent buttons) to discriminate between colours. This finding was retained after adjustment for potential confounders. There was no significant association with age, gender or depression score.Conclusions: We found a reduction in the ability to discriminate colours in depressed patients. This finding underlines the importance of sensory deficits as part of the symptomatology of depression. Sensory impairments should be taken into account in clinical care of patients with depression and should be included in diagnostic manuals. Further studies in larger samples including intra-individual comparisons between the depressed and the remitted state of patients are needed.Key pointsIn clinical practice, an impairment of sensory perception is frequently reported by depressed patients.However, no mention of these symptoms is made in the commonly used diagnostic manuals.In this pilot study, depressed patients and controls differed significantly in terms of the ability to discriminate colours with patients performing worse than their healthy counterparts.Sensory impairments should be taken into account in clinical care of patients with depression and should be included in diagnostic manuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eberhard A Deisenhammer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anna Strasser
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Kemmler
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Liu Y, Chen J, Huang L, Yan S, Gao D, Yang F. Association between changes in the retina with major depressive disorder and sleep quality. J Affect Disord 2022; 311:548-553. [PMID: 35598744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to degenerative and inflammatory processes in the brain. The retina, as well as the brain, originates from the ectoderm. The changes in the retina that occur in concert with MDD and sleep quality are not very clear. This study aimed to detect changes in the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and macular thickness in Chinese patients in correlation with MDD and sleep quality. METHODS Thirty-six MDD patients and 187 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. All subjects were scanned by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and completed the Stroop Colour-Word Test (SCWT), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. RESULTS The RNFL and macular thickness were significantly thinner and disc-area enlargement of the right eye and cup-volume enlargement of both eyes were present in MDD patients. Linear regression analysis revealed that the RNFL and macular thickness in patients with MDD were correlated with sleep quality and the severity of depression. SCWT scores were higher following expansion of the cup volume of the right eye (all p < 0.01) and in correlation with larger disc areas. CONCLUSIONS Serious degrees of depression and insomnia in MDD patients may reflect obvious atrophy of the inner and outer rings of the right macula and enlargement of the optic disc in both eyes. These retinal structural changes might influence the visual cognition of patients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Liu
- Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Peking University, Beijing, China; Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxu Chen
- Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Peking University, Beijing, China; Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- People's Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoxiao Yan
- Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Peking University, Beijing, China; Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dongfang Gao
- Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Peking University, Beijing, China; Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fude Yang
- Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Peking University, Beijing, China; Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Schwitzer T, Le Cam S, Cosker E, Vinsard H, Leguay A, Angioi-Duprez K, Laprevote V, Ranta R, Schwan R, Dorr VL. Retinal electroretinogram features can detect depression state and treatment response in adults: A machine learning approach. J Affect Disord 2022; 306:208-214. [PMID: 35301040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a major public health problem. The retina is a relevant site to indirectly study brain functioning. Alterations in retinal processing were demonstrated in MDD with the pattern electroretinogram (PERG). Here, the relevance of signal processing and machine learning tools applied on PERG was studied. METHODS PERG - whose stimulation is reversible checkerboards - was performed according to the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) standards in 24 MDD patients and 29 controls at the inclusion. PERG was recorded every 4 weeks for 3 months in patients. Amplitude and implicit time of P50 and N95 were evaluated. Then, time/frequency features were extracted from the PERG time series based on wavelet analysis. A statistical model has been learned in this feature space and a metric aiming at quantifying the state of the MDD patient has been derived, based on minimum covariance determinant (MCD) mahalanobis distance. RESULTS MDD patients showed significant increase in P50 and N95 implicit time (p = 0,006 and p = 0,0004, respectively, Mann-Whitney U test) at the inclusion. The proposed metric extracted from the raw PERG provided discrimination between patients and controls at the inclusion (p = 0,0001). At the end of the follow-up at week 12, the difference between the metrics extracted on controls and patients was not significant (p = 0,07), reflecting the efficacy of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS Signal processing and machine learning tools applied on PERG could help clinical decision in the diagnosis and the follow-up of MDD in measuring treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schwitzer
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1254, IADI, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Steven Le Cam
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Eve Cosker
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Heloise Vinsard
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
| | - Ambre Leguay
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
| | - Karine Angioi-Duprez
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Service d'Ophtalmologie, CHRU Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Vincent Laprevote
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Département de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Radu Ranta
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Raymund Schwan
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1254, IADI, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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10
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Fernandes TP, Shoshina II, Oliveira MEC, Andreevna VE, Silva GM, Santos NA. Correlates of clinical variables on early-stage visual processing in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 149:323-330. [PMID: 35339912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of noninvasive tools can help understand mental states and changes that are caused by medications, symptom severity, and other clinical variables. We investigated low-level visual processing using the contrast sensitivity function (CSF), a reliable, robust, and widely used approach. Our main purpose was (1) to evaluate visual impairments in schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD) patients and (2) to investigate associations between clinical variables and visual function in both diseases. Fifty-six healthy controls (HCs; mean age = 31.04 years), 42 BPD patients (mean age = 32.84 years) who took only lithium, and 39 SCZ patients who took only olanzapine (mean age = 32.80 years) were recruited for this study. CSF differed between groups. Both groups of patients exhibited lower discrimination at low, mid-, and high spatial frequencies compared with HCs. No differences were observed between patients, with the exception of high spatial frequency. These impairments were also related to clinical variables, revealed by a strong effect in the mediation analyses. These findings may aid investigations of other clinical variables and the role of state- and trait-like effects on visual and cognitive processing in these patient populations. This study underscores the need for visual remediation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil.
| | - Irina I Shoshina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Milena E C Oliveira
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriella M Silva
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
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11
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Combined influence of medication and symptom severity on visual processing in bipolar disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 147:135-141. [PMID: 35032946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported visual impairments in patients with bipolar disorder (BPD), but unclear were whether clinical variables would be associated with those disturbances. Here, we investigate the relationship between visual functioning, in terms of color discrimination, and the impact of BPD duration, mood state, and the patients' medication. Forty-five participants (25-45 years old) were recruited for this study. Color discrimination was performed using the Cambridge Colour Test. Serial multiple mediations were run to investigate the assumption of association between color discrimination and the clinical variables. Our findings showed that, compared with healthy controls, BPD patients' performance was worse for the Protan, Deutan, and Tritan vectors, revealing deterioration of color discrimination. In addition, the mediation analyses revealed a strong direct (p < .001) and moderate-to-high indirect effects (p < .01) of medication and symptom severity on color discrimination. Overall, both longer the duration of the disease and greater the symptom severity of BPD patients resulted in worse performance. It highlights the importance of examining the wider clinical context of an affective disorder to understand how it affects visual processing in this population.
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12
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Chen S, Zhong H, Mei G. Stable abnormalities of contrast discrimination sensitivity in subthreshold depression: A longitudinal study. Psych J 2022; 11:194-204. [PMID: 35168295 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Subthreshold depression (StD), as a subclinical state, is highly prevalent and increases the risk for developing major depressive disorder (MDD). Although several studies have reported deficits of contrast sensitivity in MDD patients, it is unclear whether individuals with StD could demonstrate deficits of contrast sensitivity and whether the deficits could remain stable over time. Here we used a contrast discrimination task (a suprathreshold task) and a contrast detection task (a near-threshold task) to compare contrast sensitivity of the StD group with that of matched non-depressed controls. For each task, a spatial four-alternative forced-choice method and a psychophysical QUEST procedure were used to measure contrast discrimination threshold or contrast detection threshold. Participants performed an initial assessment and a follow-up assessment 4 months later. Compared to the non-depressed controls, individuals with StD demonstrated reduced contrast discrimination sensitivity, not only at the initial assessment but also at the follow-up assessment, indicating a stable abnormality. Contrast discrimination thresholds at the initial assessment did not predict changes of depression symptom severity over time. For contrast detection sensitivity, there was no significant difference between the StD group and non-depressed controls. We concluded that contrast discrimination testing might provide a trait-dependent biomarker for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Chen
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Education, Guiyang Ninth High School, Guiyang, China
| | - Han Zhong
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Gaoxing Mei
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
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13
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Schwitzer T, Leboyer M, Schwan R. A Reflection Upon the Contribution of Retinal and Cortical Electrophysiology to Time of Information Processing in Psychiatric Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:856498. [PMID: 35449563 PMCID: PMC9017967 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.856498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schwitzer
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France.,INSERM U1254, IADI, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Creteil (UPEC), AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires ≪ H. Mondor ≫, DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT, INSERMU955, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Creteil, France
| | - Raymund Schwan
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France.,INSERM U1254, IADI, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
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14
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Du H, Shen X, Du X, Zhao L, Zhou W. Altered Visual Cortical Excitability Is Associated With Psychopathological Symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:844434. [PMID: 35321224 PMCID: PMC8936091 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.844434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that in people with major depressive disorder (MDD), there exists a perturbation of the normal balance between the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems in the visual cortex, indicating the possibility of altered visual cortical excitability. However, investigations into the neural activities of the visual cortex in MDD patients yielded inconsistent findings. The present study aimed to evaluate the visual cortical excitability utilizing a paired-pulse stimulation paradigm in patients with MDD and to access the paired-pulse behavior of recording visual evoked potentials (VEPs) as a marker of MDD. We analyzed the amplitudes of VEPs and paired-pulse suppression (PPS) at four different stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs) spanning 93 ms to 133 ms. Further, the relationship between PPS and the symptom severity of depression was investigated using Spearman's correlation. We found that, whereas the first VEP amplitude remained unchanged, the second VEP amplitude was significantly higher in the MDD group compared to the healthy controls. As a result, the amplitude ratio (second VEP amplitude/first VEP amplitude) increased, indicating reduced PPS and thus increased excitability in the visual cortex. Moreover, we found the amplitude ratios had a significantly positive correlation with the symptom severity of depression in MDD, indicating a clinically useful biomarker for MDD. Our findings provide new insights into the changes in the excitation-inhibition balance of visual cortex in MDD, which could pave the way for specific clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongheng Du
- Department of Neurology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of Clinical Electrophysiology Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Shen
- Department of Neurology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of Clinical Electrophysiology Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Du
- Department of Neurology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of Clinical Electrophysiology Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Chongqing, China
| | - Libo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of Clinical Electrophysiology Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Complete evaluation of retinal function in Major Depressive Disorder: From central slowdown to hyperactive periphery. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:453-462. [PMID: 34507226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing easy-to-access biomarkers is crucial in Major Depressive Disorder. The retina has already been suggested as relevant. However, there is a need for a global and local assessment of whole retinal function using a reproducible, standardized protocol allowing for comparison across studies. Our aim is to assess whole retinal function in patients with actual unipolar Major Depressive Episode (MDE) using pattern, flash and multifocal electroretinogram (ERG) according to the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision standardized protocols. METHODS We assessed retinal function in 14 males and females with MDE, diagnosed based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and in age- and sex-matched healthy controls. RESULTS Comparing the patients with the controls, we observed the following using multifocal ERG: a significant increase in N1 peak time in ring 3 and a decrease in P1 amplitude in ring 2; using pattern ERG: a significant increase in P50 peak time; using flash ERG: a decrease in a- and b-wave peak time and an increase in the b-wave amplitude in dark-adapted 3.0, a decrease in a- and b-wave peak time and an increase in both wave amplitudes in light-adapted 3.0, and a decrease in the b-wave peak time in light-adapted flicker. LIMITATIONS Sample size. Contribution of pharmacological treatments to the outcomes cannot be formally excluded. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MDE exhibit delayed signaling in the central retina and hyperreactivity to light in the periphery. Central retinal function may be a marker of psychomotor retardation and cognitive impairment in MDE.
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16
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Friedel EBN, Tebartz van Elst L, Schmelz C, Ebert D, Maier S, Endres D, Runge K, Domschke K, Bubl E, Kornmeier J, Bach M, Heinrich SP, Nickel K. Replication of Reduced Pattern Electroretinogram Amplitudes in Depression With Improved Recording Parameters. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:732222. [PMID: 34778295 PMCID: PMC8585854 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.732222] [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: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The retina has gained increasing attention in non-ophthalmological research in recent years. The pattern electroretinogram (PERG), a method to evaluate retinal ganglion cell function, has been used to identify objective correlates of the essentially subjective state of depression. A reduction in the PERG contrast gain was demonstrated in patients with depression compared to healthy controls with normalization after remission. PERG responses are not only modulated by stimulus contrast, but also by check size and stimulation frequency. Therefore, the rationale was to evaluate potentially more feasible procedures for PERG recordings in daily diagnostics in psychiatry. Methods: Twenty-four participants (12 patients with major depression (MDD) and 12 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) were examined in this pilot study. We investigated PERG amplitudes for two steady-state pattern reversal frequencies (12.5/18.75 rps) and four sizes of a checkerboard stimulus (0.8°, 1.6°, 3.2°, and 16°) to optimize the PERG recordings in MDD patients. Results: Smaller PERG amplitudes in MDD patients were observed for all parameters, whereby the extent of the reduction appeared to be stimulus-specific. The most pronounced decline in the PERG of MDD patients was observed at the higher stimulation frequency and the finest pattern, whilst responses for the largest check size were less affected. Following the PERG ratio protocol for early glaucoma, where similar stimulus dependent modulations have been reported, we calculated PERG ratios (0.8°/16°) for all participants. At the higher frequency (18.75 rps), significantly reduced ratios were observed in MDD patients. Conclusion: The “normalization” of the PERG responses—via building a ratio—appears to be a very promising approach with regard to the development of an objective biomarker of the depressive state, facilitating inter-individual assessments of PERG recordings in patients with psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn B N Friedel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Eye Center, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Céline Schmelz
- Pfalzklinikum-Clinic for Psychiatry and Neurology, Klingenmünster, Germany
| | - Dieter Ebert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kimon Runge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Emanuel Bubl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Kornmeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Bach
- Eye Center, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sven P Heinrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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17
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Silverstein SM, Sörensen S, Sunkara A, Lai A, Fradkin SI, Ramchandran RS. Association of vision loss and depressive symptomatology in older adults assessed for ocular health in senior living facilities. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2021; 41:985-995. [PMID: 34382220 DOI: 10.1111/opo.12869] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with vision loss are at increased risk for major depressive disorder (MDD) and subclinical depression. However, screening for depression is rarely done in eye care settings or among groups in the general population known to have vision disorders. METHODS We examined the prevalence of depression, using the Patient Health Questionnaire - 2 (PHQ-2), among a group of older adults (N = 204; mean age = 82.15) at two senior living facilities (SLFs) and determined the relationships between severity of depression and objective visual findings, visual function, beliefs about taking an active role in one's own eye care (i.e., patient activation) and level of social support. RESULTS Approximately 50% of the sample had impaired vision in at least one eye, and close to 30% of the sample obtained a score on the PHQ-2 indicating the likely presence of major depressive disorder. Visual testing findings were related to visual function (e.g., ability to read), but not to depression. Patient activation was also not significantly related to the level of depression. However, impaired visual functioning and less social support were both strong predictors of depression. These two variables and their interaction accounted for 17% of the total PHQ-2 score variance. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate the potential utility of screening for depression as part of vision care in populations likely to have significant vision loss. The findings also suggest that a comprehensive approach to depression prevention and/or reduction in SLF and similar populations may require interventions to address reduced visual functioning and methods to strengthen social networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Silverstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.,Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Silvia Sörensen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.,Department of Counseling and Human Development, Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA.,Center for Community Health and Prevention, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Anoop Sunkara
- Department of Economics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Adriann Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Samantha I Fradkin
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Rajeev S Ramchandran
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.,Center for Community Health and Prevention, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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18
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Liu Y, Tong Y, Huang L, Chen J, Yan S, Yang F. Factors related to retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in bipolar disorder patients and major depression patients. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:301. [PMID: 34112131 PMCID: PMC8191183 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03270-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We analyzed the correlation of the clinical data with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and macular thickness in bipolar disorder patients and major depression patients. The aim of this study is to explore factors that affect RNFL thickness in bipolar disorder patients and major depression patients, with a view to providing a new diagnostic strategy. METHODS Eighty-two bipolar disorder patients, 35 major depression patients and 274 people who were age and gender matched with the patients were enrolled. Demographic information and metabolic profile of all participants were collected. Best-corrected visual acuity of each eye, intraocular pressure (IOP), fundus examination was performed. RNFL and macular thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Correlations between RNFL and macular thickness and other data were analyzed. RESULTS RNFL and macula lutea in bipolar dipolar patients and major depression patients are thinner than normal people. Triglyceride and UA levels are the highest in the bipolar disorder group, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST) levels in the depression group are the highest. Age onset and ALT are positively while uric acid (UA) is negatively correlated with RNFL thickness in bipolar dipolar patients. Cholesterol level is positively correlated with RNFL thickness while the duration of illness is correlated with RNFL thickness of left eye in major depression patients. CONCLUSIONS RNFL and macula lutea in bipolar dipolar patients and major depression patients are thinner than normal people. In bipolar disorder patients, age-onset and ALT are potential protective factors in the progress of RNFL thinning, while UA is the pathological factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Liu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Psychiatry, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Nandian Road, Changping District, Beijing, 100096 China ,grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsheng Tong
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Psychiatry, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Nandian Road, Changping District, Beijing, 100096 China ,grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- grid.411634.50000 0004 0632 4559Department of Ophthalmology, People’s Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxu Chen
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Psychiatry, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Nandian Road, Changping District, Beijing, 100096 China ,grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoxiao Yan
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Psychiatry, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Nandian Road, Changping District, Beijing, 100096 China ,grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fude Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Nandian Road, Changping District, Beijing, 100096, China.
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19
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Salmela V, Socada L, Söderholm J, Heikkilä R, Lahti J, Ekelund J, Isometsä E. Reduced visual contrast suppression during major depressive episodes. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E222-E231. [PMID: 33703869 PMCID: PMC8061742 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.200091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that processing of visual contrast information could be altered in major depressive disorder. To clarify the changes at different levels of the visual hierarchy, we behaviourally measured contrast perception in 2 centre-surround conditions, assessing retinal and cortical processing. METHODS As part of a prospective cohort study, our sample consisted of controls (n = 29; 21 female) and patients with unipolar depression, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder who had baseline major depressive episodes (n = 111; 74 female). In a brightness induction test that assessed retinal processing, participants compared the perceived luminance of uniform patches (presented on a computer screen) as the luminance of the backgrounds was varied. In a contrast suppression test that assessed cortical processing, participants compared the perceived contrast of gratings, which were presented with collinearly or orthogonally oriented backgrounds. RESULTS Brightness induction was similar for patients with major depressive episodes and controls (p = 0.60, d = 0.115, Bayes factor = 3.9), but contrast suppression was significantly lower for patients than for controls (p < 0.006, d = 0.663, Bayes factor = 35.2). We observed no statistically significant associations between contrast suppression and age, sex, or medication or diagnostic subgroup. At follow-up (n = 74), we observed some normalization of contrast perception. LIMITATIONS We assessed contrast perception using behavioural tests instead of electrophysiology. CONCLUSION The reduced contrast suppression we observed may have been caused by decreased retinal feedforward or cortical feedback signals. Because we observed intact brightness induction, our results suggest normal retinal but altered cortical processing of visual contrast during a major depressive episode. This alteration is likely to be present in multiple types of depression and to partially normalize upon remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viljami Salmela
- From the Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Salmela, Lahti); and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (Socada, Söderholm, Heikkilä, Ekelund, Isometsä)
| | - Lumikukka Socada
- From the Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Salmela, Lahti); and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (Socada, Söderholm, Heikkilä, Ekelund, Isometsä)
| | - John Söderholm
- From the Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Salmela, Lahti); and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (Socada, Söderholm, Heikkilä, Ekelund, Isometsä)
| | - Roope Heikkilä
- From the Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Salmela, Lahti); and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (Socada, Söderholm, Heikkilä, Ekelund, Isometsä)
| | - Jari Lahti
- From the Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Salmela, Lahti); and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (Socada, Söderholm, Heikkilä, Ekelund, Isometsä)
| | - Jesper Ekelund
- From the Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Salmela, Lahti); and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (Socada, Söderholm, Heikkilä, Ekelund, Isometsä)
| | - Erkki Isometsä
- From the Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Salmela, Lahti); and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland (Socada, Söderholm, Heikkilä, Ekelund, Isometsä)
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20
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Tan A, Schwitzer T, Conart JB, Angioi-Duprez K. [Retinal investigations in patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia: A review of the literature]. J Fr Ophtalmol 2020; 43:586-597. [PMID: 32631695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2019.10.029] [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: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are currently among the most common psychiatric disorders, known to constitute a serious public health issue in terms of morbidity, mortality and functional handicap. Their pathophysiology is still unclear, but there is now increasing evidence supporting the existence of abnormalities of neurotransmission. As the retina is an extension of the central nervous system, it may be an interesting site of study which might provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Several studies have demonstrated retinal abnormalities, with abnormal cone and rod responses on electroretinography (ERG), suggesting a process of functional neuronal loss, structurally supported by a decrease in the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) on optical coherence tomography (OCT), which suggests involvement of the molecular signal pathways of neurotransmission. These tests could be useful tools for diagnosing and monitoring psychiatric disorders. This article is an overview of the literature on retinal abnormalities observed in patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, and discusses how they could be pathophysiologic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tan
- CHU de Nancy, rue du Morvan, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - T Schwitzer
- Centre psychothérapique de Nancy, 1, rue Dr Archambault, 11010 Laxou, France.
| | - J-B Conart
- CHU de Nancy, rue du Morvan, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - K Angioi-Duprez
- CHU de Nancy, rue du Morvan, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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Jung KI, Hong SY, Shin DY, Lee NY, Kim TS, Park CK. Attenuated Visual Function in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9061951. [PMID: 32580488 PMCID: PMC7356808 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We sought to investigate visual function, primarily, and structural changes in retinal ganglion cells, secondarily, in patients with major depressive disorder. Methods: A total of 50 normal participants and 49 patients with major depressive disorder were included in this cross-sectional study. The participants underwent 24–2 standard automated perimetry and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Results: The pattern standard deviation (PSD) in the visual field test was higher in the major depressive disorder patients than in the normal control subjects (p = 0.017). The patients with major depressive disorder showed reduced minimum ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness relative to the normal control participants (p = 0.015). The average score on the Hamilton Depression Rating scale showed a significant correlation with the PSD, minimum GCIPL thickness, and inferior GCIPL thickness (r = 0.265, p = 0.009; r = −0.239, p = 0.017; and r = −0.204, p = 0.043, respectively). The multivariate analysis of factors associated with PSD showed old age and a high Hamilton Depression Rating score to be relevant (p = 0.002 and 0.028, respectively). Conclusions: Visual function was decreased and the GCIPL thickness was reduced in major depressive disorder patients. The retinal neurodegenerative process in depression might be considered in patients with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung In Jung
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (K.I.J.); (S.-Y.H.); (D.Y.S.); (N.Y.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Seo-Yeon Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (K.I.J.); (S.-Y.H.); (D.Y.S.); (N.Y.L.)
| | - Da Young Shin
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (K.I.J.); (S.-Y.H.); (D.Y.S.); (N.Y.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Na Young Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (K.I.J.); (S.-Y.H.); (D.Y.S.); (N.Y.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eunpyung St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul 03312, Korea
| | - Tae-Suk Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence: (T.-S.K.); (C.K.P.); Tel.: +82-02-2258-6085 (T.-S.K.); +82-02-2258-6199 (C.K.P.); Fax: +82-02-594-3870 (T.-S.K.); +82-02-599-7405 (C.K.P.)
| | - Chan Kee Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (K.I.J.); (S.-Y.H.); (D.Y.S.); (N.Y.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence: (T.-S.K.); (C.K.P.); Tel.: +82-02-2258-6085 (T.-S.K.); +82-02-2258-6199 (C.K.P.); Fax: +82-02-594-3870 (T.-S.K.); +82-02-599-7405 (C.K.P.)
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Silverstein SM, Demmin DL, Schallek JB, Fradkin SI. Measures of Retinal Structure and Function as Biomarkers in Neurology and Psychiatry. Biomark Neuropsychiatry 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bionps.2020.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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23
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Cosker E, Schwan R, Angioi-Duprez K, Laprévote V, Schwitzer T. New insights on the role of the retina in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in major depressive disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:262-272. [PMID: 32147530 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects people worldwide. MDD treatments include antidepressants, which involve a delayed onset of action, long-term treatment, side effects and, frequently, only partial efficacy. The lack of access to the living brain, and the complex and still poorly elucidated pathophysiology of MDD, hinders treatment development. There is not only a need for new treatment strategies, but also for new approaches to investigating the pathophysiology of MDD. Light therapy is a well-established treatment acting through the retina. Since the retina is part of the central nervous system, it has been suggested as a useful area for investigating mental illness. In this article, we will first set out the evidence that MDD affects the retina's structure and function. We will then review studies evaluating the efficacy of light therapy in unipolar non-seasonal MDD. Finally, we discuss the disruption of melatoninergic pathways in MDD, its assessment through the retina and the treatment of this disruption with light therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Cosker
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire De Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie Du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique De Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération De Médecine Translationnelle De Strasbourg, Pôle De Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire De Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Raymund Schwan
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire De Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie Du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique De Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération De Médecine Translationnelle De Strasbourg, Pôle De Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire De Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | | | - Vincent Laprévote
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire De Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie Du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique De Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération De Médecine Translationnelle De Strasbourg, Pôle De Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire De Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Thomas Schwitzer
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire De Psychiatrie d'Adultes et d'Addictologie Du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique De Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération De Médecine Translationnelle De Strasbourg, Pôle De Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire De Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.
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24
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Tan A, Schwitzer T, Conart JB, Angioi-Duprez K. Study of retinal structure and function in patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia: A review of the literature. J Fr Ophtalmol 2020; 43:e157-e166. [PMID: 32381369 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are currently among the most common psychiatric disorders, known to constitute a serious public health issue in terms of morbidity, mortality and functional handicap. Their pathophysiology is still unclear, but there is now increasing evidence supporting the existence of abnormalities of neurotransmission. As the retina is an extension of the central nervous system, it may be an interesting site of study which might provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Several studies have demonstrated retinal abnormalities, with abnormal cone and rod responses on electroretinography (ERG), suggesting a process of functional neuronal loss, structurally supported by a decrease in the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) on optical coherence tomography (OCT), which suggests involvement of the molecular signal pathways of neurotransmission. These tests could be useful tools for diagnosing and monitoring psychiatric disorders. This article is an overview of the literature on retinal abnormalities observed in patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, and discusses how they could be pathophysiologic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tan
- Centre hospitalier universitaire de Nancy, rue du Morvan, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - T Schwitzer
- Centre psychothérapique de Nancy, 1, rue Dr-Archambault, 11010 Laxou, France
| | - J-B Conart
- Centre hospitalier universitaire de Nancy, rue du Morvan, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - K Angioi-Duprez
- Centre hospitalier universitaire de Nancy, rue du Morvan, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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25
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Abstract
Objectives: The present study evaluated early visual processing, in terms of the contrast sensitivity function (CSF), in bipolar disorder (BPD) patients.Methods: Data were recorded in 17 healthy participants and 17 outpatients with type 1 BPD, from 20 to 45 years of age. The CSF was measured at spatial frequencies of 0.2, 0.6, 3.1, 8.0, 16.0 and 20.0 cycles per degree (cpd) using Gabor patches and a two-alternative, forced-choice, logarithmic staircase method. The groups were matched for gender, age and level of education.Results: The CSF differed between groups. Patients with BPD had lower discrimination at spatial frequencies of 0.2 cpd (P < 0.001), 0.6 cpd (P < 0.001), 16.0 cpd (P < 0.001) and 20.0 cpd (P < 0.001) compared with healthy subjects. No differences were observed at 3.1 cpd (P > 0.05) and 8.0 cpd (P > 0.05). This visual impairment was related both to longer duration of illness and to greater severity of manic symptoms.Conclusions: The differences in visual processing were pronounced in patients with BPD, which justifies further investigations of the pathophysiological mechanisms that are involved in sensorial alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Steven M Silverstein
- Department of Psychiatry Division of Schizophrenia Research, Rutgers University Behavioural Health Care, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Natalia L Almeida
- Department of Psychology, Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
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26
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Schwitzer T, Schwan R, Angioi-Duprez K, Lalanne L, Giersch A, Laprevote V. Cannabis use and human retina: The path for the study of brain synaptic transmission dysfunctions in cannabis users. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 106:11-22. [PMID: 30773228 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the difficulty of obtaining direct access to the functioning brain, new approaches are needed for the indirect exploration of brain disorders in neuroscience research. Due to its embryonic origin, the retina is part of the central nervous system and is well suited to the investigation of neurological functions in psychiatric and addictive disorders. In this review, we focus on cannabis use, which is a crucial public health challenge, since cannabis is one of the most widely used addictive drugs in industrialized countries. We first explain why studying retinal function is relevant when exploring the effects of cannabis use on brain function. Next, we describe both the retinal electrophysiological measurements and retinal dysfunctions observed after acute and regular cannabis use. We then discuss how these retinal dysfunctions may inform brain synaptic transmission abnormalities. Finally, we present various directions for future research on the neurotoxic effects of cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schwitzer
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Département de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Raymund Schwan
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Département de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Maison des Addictions, CHRU Nancy, Nancy, France
| | | | - Laurence Lalanne
- INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Département de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Pôle de Psychiatrie Santé Mentale et Addictologie, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne Giersch
- INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Département de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Laprevote
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Département de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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27
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Anders LM, Heinrich SP, Lagrèze WA, Joachimsen L. Little effect of 0.01% atropine eye drops as used in myopia prevention on the pattern electroretinogram. Doc Ophthalmol 2019; 138:85-95. [PMID: 30680489 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-019-09671-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Daily administration of 0.01% atropine eye drops is a promising approach for myopia control. The mechanism of action is believed to involve the dopaminergic system of the retina, triggering an increased release of dopamine. Previous studies in psychiatric condition such as major depression suggest that pattern electroretinogram (PERG) amplitudes are modulated by changes in retinal dopamine. It is thus plausible that atropine eye drops could have an effect on PERG amplitudes. The present study was designed to test this, assessing the difference in amplitude between contrast levels and the ratio of amplitudes between check sizes as primary endpoints. METHODS We included 14 participants with no more than ± 2 diopters of ametropia and visual acuity of at least 1.0. One eye was chosen randomly in each participant for atropine application (14 days, one drop of 0.01% atropine solution once daily before bedtime). We recorded two sets of steady-state PERG recordings: one with different contrasts (25% and 98%) and one with different check sizes (0.8° and 17°). Near-point distance, near visual acuity, and pupil diameter were measured additionally. RESULTS The recordings to different contrasts did not show atropine-related changes of PERG amplitude. A small increase by 6% of the amplitude difference between contrast levels with atropine application was not significant (p = 0.08). Raw amplitudes in the check size condition increased with atropine by 17% (p < 0.01) and 10% (p < 0.03) for small and large checks, respectively, without a significant concomitant effect on the amplitude ratio. Pupil size was significantly affected (median increase 0.5 mm, p < 0.002). However, neither of the experimental conditions was associated with a significant correlation between pupil size and PERG effects. CONCLUSION The effects on PERG primary endpoints after the 14-day period of atropine administration were small, especially compared to effect sizes in major depression, and statistically insignificant. Effects on raw amplitude were inconsistent. The present results suggest that retinal processing as reflected by PERG does not sizably change following a treatment regimen with atropine that is typical for myopia control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Anders
- Eye Center, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Sven P Heinrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolf A Lagrèze
- Eye Center, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lutz Joachimsen
- Eye Center, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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28
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Levy MJF, Boulle F, Steinbusch HW, van den Hove DLA, Kenis G, Lanfumey L. Neurotrophic factors and neuroplasticity pathways in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2195-2220. [PMID: 29961124 PMCID: PMC6061771 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4950-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a major health problem with a high prevalence and a heavy socioeconomic burden in western societies. It is associated with atrophy and impaired functioning of cortico-limbic regions involved in mood and emotion regulation. It has been suggested that alterations in neurotrophins underlie impaired neuroplasticity, which may be causally related to the development and course of depression. Accordingly, mounting evidence suggests that antidepressant treatment may exert its beneficial effects by enhancing trophic signaling on neuronal and synaptic plasticity. However, current antidepressants still show a delayed onset of action, as well as lack of efficacy. Hence, a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of depression, as well as in the action of antidepressants, might provide further insight to drive the development of novel fast-acting and more effective therapies. Here, we summarize the current literature on the involvement of neurotrophic factors in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression. Further, we advocate that future development of antidepressants should be based on the neurotrophin theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion J F Levy
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences (Inserm U894), Université Paris Descartes, 102-108 rue de la santé, 75014, Paris, France
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- EURON-European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Fabien Boulle
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences (Inserm U894), Université Paris Descartes, 102-108 rue de la santé, 75014, Paris, France
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- EURON-European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Harry W Steinbusch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- EURON-European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniël L A van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- EURON-European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Kenis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- EURON-European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Laurence Lanfumey
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences (Inserm U894), Université Paris Descartes, 102-108 rue de la santé, 75014, Paris, France.
- EURON-European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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29
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Schwitzer T, Schwan R, Angioi-Duprez K, Giersch A, Lalanne L, Albuisson E, Laprevote V. Delayed bipolar and ganglion cells neuroretinal processing in regular cannabis users: The retina as a relevant site to investigate brain synaptic transmission dysfunctions. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 103:75-82. [PMID: 29783078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is widespread worldwide, but the impact of smoking cannabis regularly on brain synaptic transmission has only been partially elucidated. The retina is considered as an easy means of determining dysfunction in brain synaptic transmission. The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating retinal synaptic transmission, which might also be affected by tobacco. Previous preliminary results have shown impairments in retinal ganglion cell response in cannabis users. Here, we test the extent to which earlier retinal levels-bipolar cells and photoreceptors-are affected in cannabis users, i.e. by the association of tobacco and cannabis. We recorded pattern (PERG) and flash (fERG) ERG in 53 regular cannabis users and 29 healthy controls. Amplitude and peak time of P50 and N95 (PERG) and of a- and b-waves (fERG) were evaluated. Cannabis users showed a significant increase in PERG N95 peak time and in fERG light-adapted 3.0 b-wave peak time, compared with controls (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.002, respectively; Mann-Whitney U test). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of wave amplitude (p = 0.525 and p = 0.767 for the N95 and light-adapted 3.0 b-wave amplitude respectively; Mann-Whitney U test). The results demonstrated delayed ganglion and bipolar cell responses in cannabis users. These results reflect a delay in the transmission of visual information from the retina to the brain. This retinal dysfunction may be explained by an effect of cannabis use on retinal synaptic transmission. Main limitations of these results concern tobacco and alcohol use that differed between groups. The consequences of these anomalies on visual perception along with the molecular mechanisms underlying this retinal dysfunction should be explored in future human and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schwitzer
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; EA7298, INGRES, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Pôle de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Raymund Schwan
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Pôle de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Maison des Addictions, CHRU Nancy, Nancy, France
| | | | - Anne Giersch
- INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Pôle de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurence Lalanne
- INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Pôle de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Pôle de Psychiatrie et d'addictologie, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eliane Albuisson
- Pôle S(2)R, PARC, BIOBASE, CHRU Nancy, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Faculté de Médecine, InSciDens, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, CNRS, IECL, Nancy, France
| | - Vincent Laprevote
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; EA7298, INGRES, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Pôle de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Maison des Addictions, CHRU Nancy, Nancy, France
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30
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Dean JG. Indolethylamine- N-methyltransferase Polymorphisms: Genetic and Biochemical Approaches for Study of Endogenous N,N,-dimethyltryptamine. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:232. [PMID: 29740267 PMCID: PMC5924808 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a powerful serotonergic psychedelic whose exogenous administration elicits striking psychedelic effects in humans. Studies have identified DMT and analogous compounds (e.g., 5-hydroxy-DMT, 5-methoxy-DMT) alongside of an enzyme capable of synthesizing DMT endogenously from tryptamine, indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase (INMT), in human and several other mammalian tissues. Subsequently, multiple hypotheses for the physiological role of endogenous DMT have emerged, from proposed immunomodulatory functions to an emphasis on the overlap between the mental states generated by exogenous DMT and naturally occurring altered states of consciousness; e.g., schizophrenia. However, no clear relationship between endogenous DMT and naturally occurring altered states of consciousness has yet been established from in vivo assays of DMT in bodily fluids. The advent of genetic screening has afforded the capability to link alterations in the sequence of specific genes to behavioral and molecular phenotypes via expression of identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cell and animal models. As SNPs in INMT may impact endogenous DMT synthesis and levels via changes in INMT expression and/or INMT structure and function, these combined genetic and biochemical approaches circumvent the limitations of assaying DMT in bodily fluids and may augment data from prior in vitro and in vivo work. Therefore, all reported SNPs in INMT were amassed from genetic and biochemical literature and genomic databases to consolidate a blueprint for future studies aimed at elucidating whether DMT plays a physiological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon G Dean
- Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Antidepressant treatment effects on dopamine transporter availability in patients with major depression: a prospective 123I-FP-CIT SPECT imaging genetic study. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:995-1005. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1863-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Schönfeldt-Lecuona C, Schmidt A, Kregel T, Kassubek J, Dreyhaupt J, Freudenmann RW, Connemann BJ, Pinkhardt EH, Gahr M. Retinal changes in patients with major depressive disorder - A controlled optical coherence tomography study. J Affect Disord 2018; 227:665-671. [PMID: 29174740 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.11.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies on the pathophysiology of major depression (MD) indicate that degenerative and inflammatory processes may play a role. This finding is supported by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based meta-analysis that show volume reductions in circumscribed areas of the brain in patients with MD. Using optical coherence tomography (OCT), retinal changes have been demonstrated in neurodegenerative disorders. In light of this inflammatory/degenerative hypothesis, we tested whether patients with MD exhibit retinal alterations that might correlate with the severity and duration of the disease. METHODS Patients with MD and age- and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited for the measurement of the total volume and thickness of their retina as well as the thicknesses and volumes of five different retinal layers using single-layer-analysis provided by the spectral-domain-OCT. RESULTS OCT data from 28 patients with MD and 20 healthy controls were available for evaluation. The exploratory intra-individual group comparison of the two eyes showed a small but significant difference in the retinal total volume (right = 8.69mm3; left = 8.72mm3; p = 0.03) only in patients with MD. There were no other significant differences between the patients with MD and the healthy controls with respect to the OCT measurements. LIMITATIONS The small group size as well as the absence of correction for multiple testing due to the exploratory design should be considered as limitations of our study. CONCLUSION While retinal total volume differs between the eyes of patients with MD, the comparison of retinal parameters between these patients and age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers did not show any differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arno Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Clinic Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Kregel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Clinic Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Ulm, Germany
| | - Jens Dreyhaupt
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Maximilian Gahr
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Clinic Ulm, Germany
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Schwitzer T, Schwan R, Bubl E, Lalanne L, Angioi-Duprez K, Laprevote V. Looking into the brain through the retinal ganglion cells in psychiatric disorders: A review of evidences. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 76:155-162. [PMID: 28336492 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatry and neuroscience research need novel approaches to indirectly investigate brain function. As the retina is an anatomical and developmental extension of the central nervous system (CNS), changes in retinal function may reflect neurological dysfunctions in psychiatric disorders. The last and most integrated retinal relay before visual information transfer to the brain is the ganglion cell layer. Here, based on collected arguments, we argue that these cells offer a crucial site for indirectly investigating brain function. We describe the anatomical and physiological properties of these cells together with measurements of their functional properties named pattern electroretinogram (PERG). Based on ganglion cell dysfunctions measured with PERG in neurological disorders, we argue for the relevance of studying ganglion cell function in psychiatric research. We review studies that have evaluated ganglion cell function in psychiatric and addictive disorders and discuss how changes in PERG measurements could be functional markers of pathophysiological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schwitzer
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adulte du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; EA7298, INGRES, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Département de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Raymund Schwan
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adulte du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; EA7298, INGRES, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Maison des Addictions, CHRU Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Emanuel Bubl
- Saarland University Medical Center, Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Homburg, Germany
| | - Laurence Lalanne
- INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Département de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Vincent Laprevote
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adulte du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; EA7298, INGRES, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Maison des Addictions, CHRU Nancy, Nancy, France
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McOmish CE, Pavey G, Gibbons A, Hopper S, Udawela M, Scarr E, Dean B. Lower [3H]LY341495 binding to mGlu2/3 receptors in the anterior cingulate of subjects with major depressive disorder but not bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. J Affect Disord 2016; 190:241-248. [PMID: 26521087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The glutamatergic system has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis and treatment of major depressive disorders(MDD) and mGlu2/3 receptors play an important role in regulating glutamatergic tone. We therefore measured cortical levels of mGlu2/3 to determine if they were changed in MDD. METHODS Binding parameters for [(3)H]LY341495 (mGlu2/3 antagonist) were determined to allow optimized in situ binding with autoradiography to be completed using a number of CNS regions. Subsequently, density of [(3)H]LY341495 binding was measured in BA24(anterior cingulate cortex), BA17(visual cortex) and BA46(dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) from subjects with MDD, Bipolar Disorder(BPD), Schizophrenia(SCZ), and controls, as well as rats treated with imipramine (20mg/kg), fluoxetine (10mg/kg), or vehicle. RESULTS mGlu2/3 are widely expressed throughout the brain with high levels observed in cortex. [(3)H]LY341495 binding was significantly lower in BA24 from subjects with MDD (mean ± SEM=141.3 ± 14.65 fmol/ETE) relative to controls (184.9 ± 7.76 fmol/ETE; Cohen's d=1.005, p<0.05). There were no other differences with diagnoses, and chronic antidepressant treatment in rats had minimal effect on binding. LIMITATIONS Using this approach we are unable to determine whether the change represents fluctuations in mGlu2, mGlu3, or both. Moreover, using postmortem tissue we are unable to dissociate the irrevocable confound of suicidality upon binding levels. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated lower [(3)H]LY341495 binding levels in MDD in BA24-a brain region implicated in depression. Moreover we show that the lower levels are unlikely to be the result of antidepressant treatment. These data suggest that levels of either mGlu2 and/or mGlu3 are affected in the aetiology of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E McOmish
- The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Geoff Pavey
- The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Gibbons
- The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shaun Hopper
- The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Madhara Udawela
- The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Scarr
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brian Dean
- The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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The emerging field of retinal electrophysiological measurements in psychiatric research: A review of the findings and the perspectives in major depressive disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2015; 70:113-20. [PMID: 26424430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Revised: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental illness leading to long-term disabilities. One of the current challenges in psychiatric research is to develop new approaches to investigate the pathophysiology of MDD and monitor drug response in order to provide better therapeutic strategies to the patients. Since the retina is considered as part of the central nervous system, it was suggested that it constitutes an appropriate site to investigate mental illnesses. In the past years, several teams assessed the retinal function of patients with mood disorders and many relevant abnormalities have been reported. Investigation of the retinal electrophysiological abnormalities in MDD remains a young emerging field, but we believe that the current findings are very promising and we argue that objective retinal electrophysiological measurements may eventually become relevant tools to investigate the pathophysiology of MDD. Here, we review the retinal abnormalities detected with objective electrophysiological measurements such as the flash electroretinogram (fERG), the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and the electrooculogram (EOG) in patients with MDD. We discuss how these changes might reflect the pathophysiology of MDD in both clinical and scientific points of view, according especially to the monoamine neurotransmission deficiency hypothesis. We also discuss the technical details that must be taken into consideration for a potential use of the objective retinal electrophysiological measurements as tools to investigate the pathophysiology of MDD.
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Tebartz van Elst L, Bach M, Blessing J, Riedel A, Bubl E. Normal Visual Acuity and Electrophysiological Contrast Gain in Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:460. [PMID: 26379525 PMCID: PMC4549567 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A common neurodevelopmental disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is defined by specific patterns in social perception, social competence, communication, highly circumscribed interests, and a strong subjective need for behavioral routines. Furthermore, distinctive features of visual perception, such as markedly reduced eye contact and a tendency to focus more on small, visual items than on holistic perception, have long been recognized as typical ASD characteristics. Recent debate in the scientific community discusses whether the physiology of low-level visual perception might explain such higher visual abnormalities. While reports of this enhanced, "eagle-like" visual acuity contained methodological errors and could not be substantiated, several authors have reported alterations in even earlier stages of visual processing, such as contrast perception and motion perception at the occipital cortex level. Therefore, in this project, we have investigated the electrophysiology of very early visual processing by analyzing the pattern electroretinogram-based contrast gain, the background noise amplitude, and the psychophysical visual acuities of participants with high-functioning ASD and controls with equal education. Based on earlier findings, we hypothesized that alterations in early vision would be present in ASD participants. This study included 33 individuals with ASD (11 female) and 33 control individuals (12 female). The groups were matched in terms of age, gender, and education level. We found no evidence of altered electrophysiological retinal contrast processing or psychophysical measured visual acuities. There appears to be no evidence for abnormalities in retinal visual processing in ASD patients, at least with respect to contrast detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Bach
- Section Visual Function, Eye Center, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Blessing
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Riedel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Emanuel Bubl
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
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