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Poletti S, Mazza MG, Benedetti F. Inflammatory mediators in major depression and bipolar disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:247. [PMID: 38851764 PMCID: PMC11162479 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02921-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are highly disabling illnesses defined by different psychopathological, neuroimaging, and cognitive profiles. In the last decades, immune dysregulation has received increasing attention as a central factor in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Several aspects of immune dysregulations have been investigated, including, low-grade inflammation cytokines, chemokines, cell populations, gene expression, and markers of both peripheral and central immune activation. Understanding the distinct immune profiles characterizing the two disorders is indeed of crucial importance for differential diagnosis and the implementation of personalized treatment strategies. In this paper, we reviewed the current literature on the dysregulation of the immune response system focusing our attention on studies using inflammatory markers to discriminate between MDD and BD. High heterogeneity characterized the available literature, reflecting the heterogeneity of the disorders. Common alterations in the immune response system include high pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. On the contrary, a greater involvement of chemokines and markers associated with innate immunity has been reported in BD together with dynamic changes in T cells with differentiation defects during childhood which normalize in adulthood, whereas classic mediators of immune responses such as IL-4 and IL-10 are present in MDD together with signs of immune-senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Poletti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Mario Gennaro Mazza
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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2
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Dallaspezia S, Cardaci V, Mazza MG, De Lorenzo R, Rovere Querini P, Colombo C, Benedetti F. Higher Seasonal Variation of Systemic Inflammation in Bipolar Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4310. [PMID: 38673894 PMCID: PMC11049938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084310] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Seasonal rhythms affect the immune system. Evidence supports the involvement of immuno-inflammatory mechanisms in bipolar disorder (BD), with the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII; platelets × neutrophils/lymphocytes) consistently reported to be higher in patients with BD than in HC, but seasonal rhythms of innate and adaptive immunity have never been studied. We retrospectively studied NLR and SII in 824 participants divided into three groups: 321 consecutively admitted inpatients affected by a major depressive episode in course of BD, and 255 consecutively admitted inpatients affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; positive psychiatric control), and 248 healthy controls (HC). Patients with BD showed markedly higher markers of systemic inflammation in autumn and winter, but not in spring and summer, in respect to both HC and patients with OCD, thus suggesting a specific effect of season on inflammatory markers in BD, independent of a shared hospital setting and drug treatment. Given that systemic inflammation is emerging as a new marker and as target for treatment in depressive disorders, we suggest that seasonal rhythms should be considered for tailoring antidepressant immuno-modulatory treatments in a precision medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dallaspezia
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Cardaci
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (V.C.); (P.R.Q.); (C.C.)
| | - Mario Gennaro Mazza
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Rebecca De Lorenzo
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Rovere Querini
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (V.C.); (P.R.Q.); (C.C.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy;
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (V.C.); (P.R.Q.); (C.C.)
- Mood Disorders Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (M.G.M.)
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (V.C.); (P.R.Q.); (C.C.)
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Li Y, Wang L, Huang J, Zhang P, Zhou Y, Tong J, Chen W, Gou M, Tian B, Li W, Luo X, Tian L, Hong LE, Li CSR, Tan Y. Serum neuroactive metabolites of the tryptophan pathway in patients with acute phase of affective disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1357293. [PMID: 38680780 PMCID: PMC11046465 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1357293] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies showed disrupted tryptophan metabolism in patients with affective disorders. The aims of this study were to explore the differences in the metabolites of tryptophan pathway (TP) and the relationships between TP metabolites and clinical symptoms, therapeutic effect in patients with bipolar disorder with acute manic episode (BD-M), depressive episode (BD-D) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods Patients with BD-M (n=52) and BD-D (n=39), MDD (n=48) and healthy controls (HCs, n=49) were enrolled. The serum neuroactive metabolites levels of the TP were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item (HAMD-17) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) were used to evaluate depressive and manic symptoms at baseline and after 8 weeks of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, some also received antipsychotic medication. Results The levels of tryptophan (TRP) and kynurenic acid (KYNA) were significantly lower and the ratios of tryptophan/kynurenine (TRP/KYN), 5-hydroxytryptamine/tryptophan (5-HT/TRP), quinolinic acid/kynurenic acid (QUIN/KYNA) were higher in BD-M, BD-D, MDD vs. HC. The levels of QUIN and the ratios of QUIN/KYNA were higher in BD-M than in BD-D, MDD, and HCs. The 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels of patients with MDD were significantly higher than those in BD-M and BD-D. Binary logistic regression analysis showed the lower peripheral KYNA, the higher the QUIN level, and the higher the risk of BD-M; the lower peripheral KYNA and the higher KYN/TRP and 5-HT/TRP, the higher the risk of BD-D; and the lower the peripheral KYNA level and the higher the KYN/TRP and 5-HT/TRP, the higher the risk of MDD. Correlation analysis, showing a significant association between tryptophan metabolites and improvement of clinical symptoms, especially depression symptoms. Conclusions Patients with affective disorders had abnormal tryptophan metabolism, which involved in 5-HT and kynurenine pathway (KP) sub-pathway. Tryptophan metabolites might be potential biomarkers for affective disorders and some metabolites have been associated with remission of depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Li
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Leilei Wang
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junchao Huang
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfang Zhou
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghui Tong
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjin Chen
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengzhuang Gou
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Baopeng Tian
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xingguang Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Li Tian
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - L. Elliot Hong
- Louis A. Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chiang-Shan R. Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Yunlong Tan
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan, Hospital, Beijing, China
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Chen J, Amdanee N, Zuo X, Wang Y, Gong M, Yang Y, Li H, Zhang X, Zhang C. Biomarkers of bipolar disorder based on metabolomics: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:492-503. [PMID: 38218254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.033] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe affective disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of depression or mania/hypomania, which significantly impair cognitive function, life skills, and social abilities of patients. There is little understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms of BD. The diagnosis of BD is primarily based on clinical assessment and psychiatric examination, highlighting the urgent need for objective markers to facilitate the diagnosis of BD. Metabolomics can be used as a diagnostic tool for disease identification and evaluation. This study summarized the altered metabolites in BD and analyzed aberrant metabolic pathways, which might contribute to the diagnosis of BD. Search of PubMed and Web of science for human BD studies related to metabolism to identify articles published up to November 19, 2022 yielded 987 articles. After screening and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 untargeted and 11 targeted metabolomics studies were included. Pathway analysis of the potential differential biometabolic markers was performed using the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG). There were 72 upregulated and 134 downregulated biomarkers in the untargeted metabolomics studies using blood samples. Untargeted metabolomics studies utilizing urine specimens revealed the presence of 78 upregulated and 54 downregulated metabolites. The targeted metabolomics studies revealed abnormalities in the metabolism of glutamate and tryptophan. Enrichment analysis revealed that the differential metabolic pathways were mainly involved in the metabolism of glucose, amino acid and fatty acid. These findings suggested that certain metabolic biomarkers or metabolic biomarker panels might serve as a reference for the diagnosis of BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China; Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu,210000, China
| | - Nousayhah Amdanee
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu,210000, China
| | - Xiaowei Zuo
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu,210000, China
| | - Muxin Gong
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China
| | - Yujing Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China
| | - Xiangrong Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China; Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu,210000, China.
| | - Caiyi Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China.
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Escelsior A, Inuggi A, Sterlini B, Bovio A, Marenco G, Bode J, Favilla L, Tardito S, Altosole T, Pereira da Silva B, Fenoglio D, Filaci G, Amore M, Serafini G. T-cell immunophenotype correlations with cortical thickness and white matter microstructure in bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 348:179-190. [PMID: 38154587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation and immunological alterations, such as T-cell and cytokine changes, are implicated in bipolar disorder (BD), with some evidence linking them to brain structural changes (e.g., cortical thickness (CT), gray matter (GM) volume and white matter (WM) microstructure). However, the connection between specific peripheral cell types, such as T-cells, and neuroimaging in BD remains scarcely investigated. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the link between T-cell immunophenotype and neuroradiological findings in BD. METHODS Our study investigated 43 type I BD subjects (22 depressive, 21 manic) and 26 healthy controls (HC), analyzing T lymphocyte immunophenotype and employing neuroimaging to assess CT for GM and fractional anisotropy (FA) for WM. RESULTS In lymphocyte populations, BD patients exhibited elevated CD4+ and CD4+ central memory (TCM) cells frequencies, but lower CD8+ effector memory (TEM) and terminal effector memory (TTEM) cells. Neuroimaging analysis revealed reduced CT in multiple brain regions in BD patients; and significant negative correlations between CD4 + TCM levels and CT of precuneus and fusiform gyrus. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis showed widespread alteration in WM microstructure in BD patients, with negative and positive correlations respectively between FA and radial diffusivity (RD) and CD4 + TCM. Additionally, positive and negative correlations were found respectively between FA and RD and the CD8 + TEM and CD8 + TTEM subsets. CONCLUSIONS Our research revealed distinct T lymphocyte changes and brain structure alterations in BD, underscoring possible immune-brain interactions, warranting further study and therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Escelsior
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alberto Inuggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Anna Bovio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Marenco
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Juxhin Bode
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Favilla
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Samuele Tardito
- Center for Cancer & Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW (5th floor), Washington, DC 20010, United States of America.
| | | | - Beatriz Pereira da Silva
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Fenoglio
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Biotherapy Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Biotherapy Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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Associations between the kynurenine pathway and the brain in patients with major depressive disorder-A systematic review of neuroimaging studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 121:110675. [PMID: 36372294 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that an imbalance in the kynurenine (KYN) pathway is an important pathophysiological mechanism of depression. Several studies have reported that an imbalance in the KYN pathway and its metabolites is associated with abnormalities in cerebral structure and function in depression, but the available evidence has been inconsistent. In this review, we systematically reviewed and integrated the findings concerning the associations between the KYN pathway and the brain in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). A total of 22 neuroimaging studies were ultimately included in the present study. The neuroimaging modalities used in the studies included structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging, functional MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, arterial spin labelling and positron emission tomography. The results revealed that an imbalance in the KYN pathway was associated with structural and functional abnormalities in several brain regions in patients with MDD. The brain regions most frequently associated with an imbalance in the KYN pathway were cortical regions (i.e., anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex), subcortical regions (i.e., striatum, thalamus and amygdala) and white matter fibres (i.e., inner capsule and left superior longitudinal tract). Our study provides robust evidence that cerebral abnormalities associated with the KYN pathway may be the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD. Future prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the causal relationships between the imbalanced KYN pathway and cerebral abnormalities in patients with MDD.
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Linking nervous and immune systems in psychiatric illness: A meta-analysis of the kynurenine pathway. Brain Res 2023; 1800:148190. [PMID: 36463958 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148190] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid absorbed by the gut depending on a homoeostatic microbiome. Up to 95% of unbound tryptophan is converted into tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) through the kynurenine system. Recent studies identified conflicting associations between altered levels of TRYCATs and genetic polymorphisms in major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and bipolar disorder (BD). This meta-analysis aimed to understand how tryptophan catabolic pathways are altered in MDD, SCZ, and BD. When compared to healthy controls, participants with MDD had moderately lower levels of tryptophan associated with a moderate increase of kynurenine/tryptophan ratios and no differences in kynurenine. While significant differences were found in SCZ for any of the TRYCATs, studies on kynurenic acid found opposing directions of effect sizes depending on the sample source. Unique changes in levels of TRYCATs were also observed in BD. Dynamic changes in levels of cytokines and other immune/inflammatory elements modulate the transcription and activity of kynurenine system enzymes, which lastly seems to be impacting glutamatergic neurotransmission via N-methyl-D-aspartate and α-7 nicotine receptors.
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Bartoli F, Cioni RM, Cavaleri D, Callovini T, Crocamo C, Misiak B, Savitz JB, Carrà G. The association of kynurenine pathway metabolites with symptom severity and clinical features of bipolar disorder: An overview. Eur Psychiatry 2022; 65:e82. [PMID: 36366795 PMCID: PMC9724221 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The balance between neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects of kynurenine pathway (KP) components has been recently proposed as a key element in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) and related mood episodes. This comprehensive overview explored the link of KP with symptom severity and other clinical features of BD. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo electronic databases for studies assessing the association of peripheral and/or central concentrations of KP metabolites with putative clinical features, including symptom severity and other clinical domains in BD. RESULTS We included the findings of 13 observational studies investigating the possible variations of KP metabolites according to symptom severity, psychotic features, suicidal behaviors, and sleep disturbances in BD. Studies testing the relationship between KP metabolites and depression severity generated mixed and inconsistent findings. No statistically significant correlations with manic symptoms were found. Moreover, heterogeneous variations of the KP across different clinical domains were shown. Few available studies found (a) higher levels of cerebrospinal fluid kynurenic acid and lower of plasma quinolinic acid in BD with psychotic features, (b) lower central and peripheral picolinic acid levels in BD with suicide attempts, and (c) no significant correlations between KP metabolites and BD-related sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS An imbalance of KP metabolism toward the neurotoxic branches is likely to occur in people with BD, though evidence on variations according to specific clinical features of BD is less clear. Additional research is needed to clarify the role of KP in the etiopathogenesis of BD and related clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bartoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Riccardo M Cioni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Daniele Cavaleri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Tommaso Callovini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Cristina Crocamo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jonathan B Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.,Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Giuseppe Carrà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Almulla AF, Thipakorn Y, Vasupanrajit A, Abo Algon AA, Tunvirachaisakul C, Hashim Aljanabi AA, Oxenkrug G, Al-Hakeim HK, Maes M. The tryptophan catabolite or kynurenine pathway in major depressive and bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100537. [PMID: 36339964 PMCID: PMC9630622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is now evidence that affective disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are mediated by immune-inflammatory and nitro-oxidative pathways. Activation of these pathways may be associated with activation of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway by inducing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO, the rate-limiting enzyme) leading to depletion of tryptophan (TRP) and increases in tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs). Aims To systematically review and meta-analyze central and peripheral (free and total) TRP levels, its competing amino-acids (CAAs) and TRYCATs in MDD and BD. Methods This review searched PubMed, Google Scholar and SciFinder and included 121 full-text articles and 15470 individuals, including 8024 MDD/BD patients and 7446 healthy controls. Results TRP levels (either free and total) and the TRP/CAAs ratio were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in MDD/BD as compared with controls with a moderate effect size (standardized mean difference for TRP: SMD = -0.513, 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.611; -0.414; and TRP/CAAs: SMD = -0.558, CI: -0.758; -0.358). Kynurenine (KYN) levels were significantly decreased in patients as compared with controls with a small effect size (p < 0.0001, SMD = -0.213, 95%CI: -0.295; -0.131). These differences were significant in plasma (p < 0.0001, SMD = -0.304, 95%CI: -0.415, -0.194) but not in serum (p = 0.054) or the central nervous system (CNS, p = 0.771). The KYN/TRP ratio, frequently used as an index of IDO activity, and neurotoxicity indices based on downstream TRYCATs were unaltered or even lowered in MDD/BD. Conclusions Our findings suggest that MDD and BD are accompanied by TRP depletion without IDO and TRYCAT pathway activation. Lowered TRP availability is probably the consequence of lowered serum albumin during the inflammatory response in affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas F. Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Yanin Thipakorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Asara Vasupanrajit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Chavit Tunvirachaisakul
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Gregory Oxenkrug
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Department of Psychiatry, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia,Corresponding author. Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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10
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Zheng H, Teague TK, Yeh FC, Burrows K, Figueroa-Hall LK, Aupperle RL, Khalsa SS, Paulus MP, Savitz J. C-Reactive protein and the kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid ratio are independently associated with white matter integrity in major depressive disorder. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 105:180-189. [PMID: 35853557 PMCID: PMC9983279 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KynA) and quinolinic acid (QA) are neuroactive kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites that have neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties, respectively. At least partly as a result of immune activation, the ratio of KynA to QA in the blood is reduced in major depressive disorder (MDD) and has been reported to be positively correlated with gray matter volume in depression. This study examined whether the inflammatory mediator, C-reactive protein (CRP) and the putative neuroprotective index, KynA/QA, were associated with white matter integrity in MDD, and secondly, whether any such associations were independent of each other or whether the effect of CRP was mediated by KynA/QA. One hundred and sixty-six participants in the Tulsa 1000 study with a DSM-V diagnosis of MDD completed diffusion tensor imaging and provided a serum sample for the quantification of CRP, KynA, and QA. Correlational tractography was performed using DSI Studio to map the specific white matter pathways that correlated with CRP and KynA/QA. CRP was negatively related to KynA/QA (standardized beta coefficient, SBC = -0.35 with standard error, Std.E = 0.13, p < 0.01) after controlling for nine possible confounders, i.e., age, sex, body mass index (BMI), medication status, lifetime alcohol use, severity of depression, severity of anxiety, length of illness, and smoking status. Higher concentrations of CRP were associated with decreased white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy, FA) of the bilateral cingulum and fornix after controlling for the nine potential confounders (SBC = -0.43, Std.E = 0.13, p = 0.002). Greater serum KynA/QA was associated with increased white matter integrity of the bilateral fornix, bilateral superior thalamic radiations, corpus callosum, and bilateral cingulum bundles after controlling for the same possible confounders (SBC = 0.26, Std.E = 0.09, p = 0.005). The relationship between CRP and FA was not mediated by KynA/QA. Exploratory analyses also showed that KynA/QA but not CRP was associated with self-reported positive affect, attentiveness, and fatigue measured with the PANASX (SBCs = 0.17-0.23). Taken together, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that within a subgroup of MDD patients, a higher level of systemic inflammation alters the balance of KP metabolism but also raise the possibility that CRP and neuroactive KP metabolites represent independent molecular mechanisms underlying white matter alterations in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zheng
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA
| | - T Kent Teague
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA
| | - Fang-Cheng Yeh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | | | | | - Robin L Aupperle
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA
| | - Sahib S Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA
| | - Martin P Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA
| | - Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA.
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11
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Cheng S, Dong X, Zhou J, Tang C, He W, Chen Y, Zhang X, Ma P, Yin T, Hu Y, Zeng F, Li Z, Liang F. Alterations of the White Matter in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study With Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. Front Neurol 2022; 13:835050. [PMID: 35370891 PMCID: PMC8968011 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.835050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Functional and structural alterations in the gray matter have been observed in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, little is known about white matter changes in KOA. Here, we evaluated fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) to investigate potential alterations in the white matter of patients with KOA. Methods A total of 166 patients with KOA, along with 88 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data were collected and analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). Statistical significances were determined at p < 0.05 and were corrected by the threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE) method. Then, we evaluated potential correlations between FA, MD, AD, RD values and disease duration, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Results FA values for the body of corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callosum, bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum, bilateral superior corona radiata, and right posterior corona radiata were significantly higher in patients with KOA than in healthy controls (p < 0.05, TFCE corrected). Compared with healthy controls, patients with KOA also had significantly lower MD, AD, and RD values of the genu of corpus callosum, body of corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callosum, corona radiata, right posterior thalamic radiation, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and middle cerebellar peduncle (p < 0.05, TFCE corrected). Negative correlations were detected between WOMAC scores and AD values for the body of the corpus callosum and the splenium of the corpus callosum (p < 0.05, FDR corrected). Conclusion Patients with KOA exhibited extensive white matter alterations in sensorimotor and pain-related regions. Longitudinal observation studies on the causation between abnormalities in the white matter tracts and KOA is needed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirui Cheng
- The Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohui Dong
- The Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- The Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenjian Tang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenhua He
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yang Chen
- The Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- The Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Peihong Ma
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Yin
- The Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yimei Hu
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Zeng
- The Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengjie Li
- The Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Zhengjie Li
| | - Fanrong Liang
- The Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Fanrong Liang
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12
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Machine learning approaches for prediction of bipolar disorder based on biological, clinical and neuropsychological markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104552. [PMID: 35120970 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Applying machine learning (ML) to objective markers may overcome prognosis uncertainty due to the subjective nature of the diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD). This PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis provides new systematic evidence of the BD classification accuracy reached by different markers and ML algorithms. We focused on neuroimaging, electrophysiological techniques, peripheral biomarkers, genetic data, neuropsychological or clinical measures, and multimodal approaches. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched through 3rd December 2020. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effect models. Overall, 81 studies were included in this systematic review and 65 in the meta-analysis (11,336 participants, 3,903 BD). The overall pooled classification accuracy was 0.77 (95%CI[0.75;0.80]). Despite subgroup analyses for diagnostic comparison group, psychiatric disorders, marker, ML algorithm, and validation procedure were not significant, linear discriminant analysis significantly outperformed support vector machine for peripheral biomarkers (p=0.03). Sample size was inversely related to accuracy. Evidence of publication bias was detected. Ultimately, although ML reached a high accuracy in differentiating BD from other psychiatric disorders, best practices in methodology are needed for the advancement of future studies.
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13
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Benevenuto D, Saxena K, Fries GR, Valvassori SS, Kahlon R, Saxena J, Kurian S, Zeni CP, Kazimi IF, Scaini G, Soares JC, Quevedo J. Alterations in plasma kynurenine pathway metabolites in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder and unaffected offspring of bipolar parents: A preliminary study. Bipolar Disord 2021; 23:689-696. [PMID: 33098737 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been growing scientific evidence in recent years that bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with alterations in the kynurenine (KYN) pathway. However, many of these studies have been limited by their focus on adults. Thus, this preliminary study investigated differences in the peripheral levels of KYN metabolites in children and adolescents with BD, unaffected offspring of parents with BD, and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS Plasma samples were collected from 49 youths with BD, 19 bipolar offspring, and 31 HCs. Tryptophan (TRP), KYN, and kynurenic acid (KYNA) were separated using electrospray ionization. RESULTS One-Way ANCOVA after controlling for age, gender, race, BMI-for-age, and smoking status showed that BD had lower levels of KYN, while unaffected high-risk offspring subjects had lower levels of TRP, KYN, and KYNA when compared to HCs. Moreover, we found that KYN, KYN/TRP, and KYNA/KYN levels predicted the severity of depressive symptoms, while the YMRS score was not associated with any metabolite. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this preliminary study has shown that KYN metabolites are decreased in both affected and unaffected subjects, strengthening the idea that the KYN pathway might underlie the familial risk of BD shown by high-risk offspring individuals. However, longitudinal studies are needed to examine whether the alterations observed in this study represent early markers of risk for later developing BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Benevenuto
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kirti Saxena
- Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gabriel R Fries
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samira S Valvassori
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Ramandeep Kahlon
- Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Johanna Saxena
- Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sherin Kurian
- Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cristian P Zeni
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Iram F Kazimi
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giselli Scaini
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jair C Soares
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - João Quevedo
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
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14
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Skorobogatov K, De Picker L, Verkerk R, Coppens V, Leboyer M, Müller N, Morrens M. Brain Versus Blood: A Systematic Review on the Concordance Between Peripheral and Central Kynurenine Pathway Measures in Psychiatric Disorders. Front Immunol 2021; 12:716980. [PMID: 34630391 PMCID: PMC8495160 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.716980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Disturbances in the kynurenine pathway have been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychotic and mood disorders, as well as several other psychiatric illnesses. It remains uncertain however to what extent metabolite levels detectable in plasma or serum reflect brain kynurenine metabolism and other disease-specific pathophysiological changes. The primary objective of this systematic review was to investigate the concordance between peripheral and central (CSF or brain tissue) kynurenine metabolites. As secondary aims we describe their correlation with illness course, treatment response, and neuroanatomical abnormalities in psychiatric diseases. Methods We performed a systematic literature search until February 2021 in PubMed. We included 27 original research articles describing a correlation between peripheral and central kynurenine metabolite measures in preclinical studies and human samples from patients suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders and other conditions. We also included 32 articles reporting associations between peripheral KP markers and symptom severity, CNS pathology or treatment response in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Results For kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine, moderate to strong concordance was found between peripheral and central concentrations not only in psychiatric disorders, but also in other (patho)physiological conditions. Despite discordant findings for other metabolites (mainly tryptophan and kynurenic acid), blood metabolite levels were associated with clinical symptoms and treatment response in psychiatric patients, as well as with observed neuroanatomical abnormalities and glial activity. Conclusion Only kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine demonstrated a consistent and reliable concordance between peripheral and central measures. Evidence from psychiatric studies on kynurenine pathway concordance is scarce, and more research is needed to determine the validity of peripheral kynurenine metabolite assessment as proxy markers for CNS processes. Peripheral kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine may nonetheless represent valuable predictive and prognostic biomarker candidates for psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Skorobogatov
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Livia De Picker
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Robert Verkerk
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Violette Coppens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Marion Leboyer
- INSERM U955, Equipe Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France.,Fondation FondaMental - Hôpital Albert Chenevier - Pôle Psychiatrie, Créteil, France.,AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, DHU Pepsy, Pôle de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Creteil, France
| | - Norbert Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, München, Germany
| | - Manuel Morrens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
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15
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Holton KF. Micronutrients May Be a Unique Weapon Against the Neurotoxic Triad of Excitotoxicity, Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation: A Perspective. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:726457. [PMID: 34630015 PMCID: PMC8492967 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.726457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitotoxicity has been implicated in many neurological disorders and is a leading cause of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the nervous system. Most of the research to date has focused on each of these conditions individually; however, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation have the ability to influence one another in a self-sustaining manner, thus functioning as a "neurotoxic triad." This perspective article re-introduces the concept of the neurotoxic triad and reviews how specific dietary micronutrients have been shown to protect against not only oxidative stress, but also excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation. Future dietary interventions for neurological disorders could focus on the effects on all three aspects of the neurotoxic triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Holton
- Nutritional Neuroscience Lab, Department of Health Studies, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, Washington, DC, United States
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16
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Marx W, McGuinness AJ, Rocks T, Ruusunen A, Cleminson J, Walker AJ, Gomes-da-Costa S, Lane M, Sanches M, Diaz AP, Tseng PT, Lin PY, Berk M, Clarke G, O'Neil A, Jacka F, Stubbs B, Carvalho AF, Quevedo J, Soares JC, Fernandes BS. The kynurenine pathway in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of 101 studies. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:4158-4178. [PMID: 33230205 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00951-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The importance of tryptophan as a precursor for neuroactive compounds has long been acknowledged. The metabolism of tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway and its involvement in mental disorders is an emerging area in psychiatry. We performed a meta-analysis to examine the differences in kynurenine metabolites in major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia (SZ). Electronic databases were searched for studies that assessed metabolites involved in the kynurenine pathway (tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and their associate ratios) in people with MDD, SZ, or BD, compared to controls. We computed the difference in metabolite concentrations between people with MDD, BD, or SZ, and controls, presented as Hedges' g with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 101 studies with 10,912 participants were included. Tryptophan and kynurenine are decreased across MDD, BD, and SZ; kynurenic acid and the kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid ratio are decreased in mood disorders (i.e., MDD and BD), whereas kynurenic acid is not altered in SZ; kynurenic acid to 3-hydroxykynurenine ratio is decreased in MDD but not SZ. Kynurenic acid to kynurenine ratio is decreased in MDD and SZ, and the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio is increased in MDD and SZ. Our results suggest that there is a shift in the tryptophan metabolism from serotonin to the kynurenine pathway, across these psychiatric disorders. In addition, a differential pattern exists between mood disorders and SZ, with a preferential metabolism of kynurenine to the potentially neurotoxic quinolinic acid instead of the neuroprotective kynurenic acid in mood disorders but not in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Marx
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Amelia J McGuinness
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Tetyana Rocks
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Anu Ruusunen
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.,Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jasmine Cleminson
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Adam J Walker
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Susana Gomes-da-Costa
- Bipolar and Depression Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Melissa Lane
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Marsal Sanches
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexandre P Diaz
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Adrienne O'Neil
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Felice Jacka
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - André F Carvalho
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - João Quevedo
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jair C Soares
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brisa S Fernandes
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA. .,Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.
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17
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The kynurenine pathway in bipolar disorder: a meta-analysis on the peripheral blood levels of tryptophan and related metabolites. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3419-3429. [PMID: 33077852 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00913-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that a dysregulation of the kynurenine pathway (KP) occurs in bipolar disorder (BD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at assessing the possible differences in peripheral blood levels of KP metabolites between individuals with BD and healthy controls. We searched Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo electronic databases for articles indexed up to February 2020. We included any observational study comparing the peripheral blood levels of at least one KP metabolite between adults with BD and healthy controls. Random-effects meta-analyses were carried out generating pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs). Heterogeneity between studies was estimated using the I2 index. Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria and were included in our study. Meta-analyses showed that individuals with BD have lower peripheral blood levels of tryptophan (SMD = -0.29), kynurenine (SMD = -0.28), kynurenic acid (SMD = -0.30), and xanthurenic acid (SMD = -0.55), along with lower kynurenic acid to kynurenine (SMD = -0.60) and kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid (SMD = -0.37) ratios, than healthy controls. Individuals with a manic episode showed the greatest reductions in tryptophan levels (SMD = -0.51), whereas kynurenic acid levels were more reduced among subjects in a depressive phase (SMD = -0.70). Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses confirmed our results. The findings of the present meta-analysis support the hypothesis of an abnormality of the KP in BD. Considering the partial inconsistency of the findings and the small-to-medium magnitude of the estimated effect sizes, additional research assessing possible mediators or confounders is needed.
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18
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Lu F, Cui Q, He Z, Tang Q, Chen Y, Sheng W, Yang Y, Luo W, Yu Y, Chen J, Li D, Deng J, Hu S, Chen H. Superficial white-matter functional networks changes in bipolar disorder patients during depressive episodes. J Affect Disord 2021; 289:151-159. [PMID: 33984685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by insufficient or ineffective connections associated with white-matter (WM) abnormalities. Previous studies have detected the structural attributes of WM using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or diffusion tensor imaging, however, they failed to disentangle the dysfunctional organization within the WM. METHODS This study aimed to uncover the WM functional connectivity (FC) in 45 bipolar disorder patients during depressive episodes (BDD) and 45 healthy controls based on resting-state functional MRI. Eight WM functional networks were identified by using a clustering analysis of voxel-based correlation profiles, which were further classified into superficial, middle and deep layers of networks. RESULTS Group comparisons on the FCs among 8 WM networks showed that the superficial tempofrontal network (TFN) in BDD patients had increased FC with the superficial cerebellar network (CN) and with the superficial pre/post-central network (PCN). Further, support vector regression prediction analysis results revealed that the increased FCs of CN-TFN and PCN-TFN could be served as features to predict the numbers of depressive episode in BDD patients. CONCLUSIONS The current study extended our knowledge about the impaired WM functional connections associated with emotional and sensory-motor perception processing in BDD, which may facilitate the interpretation of the pathophysiology mechanisms underlying BDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Lu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China
| | - Qian Cui
- School of Public Affairs and Administration, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Zongling He
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China
| | - Qin Tang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China
| | - Yuyan Chen
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China
| | - Wei Sheng
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China
| | - Yang Yang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China
| | - Wei Luo
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China
| | - Yue Yu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China
| | - Di Li
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China
| | - Jiaxin Deng
- School of Public Affairs and Administration, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Hu
- School of Public Affairs and Administration, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Huafu Chen
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P R China; MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P R China.
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19
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Guglielmo R, Miskowiak KW, Hasler G. Evaluating endophenotypes for bipolar disorder. Int J Bipolar Disord 2021; 9:17. [PMID: 34046710 PMCID: PMC8160068 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-021-00220-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenotypic heterogeneity is a major impediment to the elucidation of the neurobiology and genetics of bipolar disorder. Endophenotype could help in reducing heterogeneity by defining biological traits that are more direct expressions of gene effects. The aim of this review is to examine the recent literature on clinical, epidemiological, neurobiological, and genetic findings and to select and evaluate candidate endophenotypes for bipolar disorder. Evaluating putative endophenotype could be helpful in better understanding the neurobiology of bipolar disorder by improving the definition of bipolar-related phenotypes in genetic studies. In this manner, research on endophenotypes could be useful to improve psychopathological diagnostics in the long-run by dissecting psychiatric macro phenotypes into biologically valid components. MAIN BODY The associations among the psychopathological and biological endophenotypes are discussed with respect to specificity, temporal stability, heritability, familiarity, and clinical and biological plausibility. Numerous findings regarding brain function, brain structure, neuropsychology and altered neurochemical pathways in patients with bipolar disorder and their relatives deserve further investigation. Overall, major findings suggest a developmental origin of this disorder as all the candidate endophenotypes that we have been able to select are present both in the early stages of the disorder as well as in subjects at risk. CONCLUSIONS Among the stronger candidate endophenotypes, we suggest circadian rhythm instability, dysmodulation of emotion and reward, altered neuroimmune state, attention and executive dysfunctions, anterior cingulate cortex thickness and early white matter abnormalities. In particular, early white matter abnormalities could be the result of a vulnerable brain on which new stressors are added in young adulthood which favours the onset of the disorder. Possible pathways that lead to a vulnerable brain are discussed starting from the data about molecular and imaging endophenotypes of bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Guglielmo
- Psychiatry Research Unit, Fribourg Network for Mental Health (RFSM), University of Fribourg, Chemin du Cardinal-Journet 3, 1752, Villars-sur-Glâne, Switzerland.,Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Catholic University Medical School, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gregor Hasler
- Psychiatry Research Unit, Fribourg Network for Mental Health (RFSM), University of Fribourg, Chemin du Cardinal-Journet 3, 1752, Villars-sur-Glâne, Switzerland.
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20
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Hebbrecht K, Skorobogatov K, Giltay EJ, Coppens V, De Picker L, Morrens M. Tryptophan Catabolites in Bipolar Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:667179. [PMID: 34093561 PMCID: PMC8170319 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.667179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) are implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders by mediating immune-inflammation and neurodegenerative processes. We performed a meta-analysis of TRYCAT levels in bipolar disorder (BD) patients compared to healthy controls. Methods A systematic literature search in seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Emcare, PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier) was conducted on TRYCAT levels in cerebrospinal fluid or peripheral blood according to the PRISMA statement. A minimum of three studies per TRYCAT was required for inclusion. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were computed using random effect models. Subgroup analyses were performed for BD patients in a different mood state (depressed, manic). The methodological quality of the studies was rated using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Quality assessment Scale. Results Twenty-one eligible studies were identified. Peripheral levels of tryptophan (SMD = -0.44; p < 0.001), kynurenine (SMD = - 0.3; p = 0.001) and kynurenic acid (SMD = -.45; p = < 0.001) were lower in BD patients versus healthy controls. In the only three eligible studies investigating TRP in cerebrospinal fluid, tryptophan was not significantly different between BD and healthy controls. The methodological quality of the studies was moderate. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant difference in TRP and KYN values between manic and depressed BD patients, but these results were based on a limited number of studies. Conclusion The TRYCAT pathway appears to be downregulated in BD patients. There is a need for more and high-quality studies of peripheral and central TRYCAT levels, preferably using longitudinal designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Hebbrecht
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Katrien Skorobogatov
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Erik J. Giltay
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Violette Coppens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Livia De Picker
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Manuel Morrens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
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21
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Więdłocha M, Marcinowicz P, Janoska-Jaździk M, Szulc A. Gut microbiota, kynurenine pathway and mental disorders - Review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110145. [PMID: 33203568 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The intestine and the gut-associated limphoid tissue constitute the largest immunity organ of the human body. Among several possible tryptophan metabolism routes, the kynurenine pathway can be influenced by the gut microbiota. Disturbances of gut biodiversity may cause increased gut permeability and cause systemic inflammation, also related to central nervous system. Proinflammatory cytokines induce kynurenine pathway enzymes resulting in formation of neuroactive metabolites, which are being associated with several psychiatric disorders. The kynurenine pathway may also be influenced by certain bacteria species directly. The aim of this review is to highlight the current knowledge on the interaction of gut microbiota and the central nervous system with the kynurenine pathway taken into special account. Up to date study results on specific psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorders, depression and alcoholism are presented. Available evidence suggests that toxicity of kynurenine metabolites may be reduced by adjunction of probiotics which can affect proinflammatory cytokines. Due to their potential for modulation of the kynurenine pathway, gut microbiota pose an interesting target for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Więdłocha
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Piotr Marcinowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Agata Szulc
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Trepci A, Sellgren CM, Pålsson E, Brundin L, Khanlarkhani N, Schwieler L, Landén M, Erhardt S. Central levels of tryptophan metabolites in subjects with bipolar disorder. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 43:52-62. [PMID: 33339712 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation produces several neuroactive metabolites such as kynurenic acid (KYNA), quinolinic acid (QUIN), and picolinic acid (PIC) thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of psychosis, major depression, and suicidal behavior. Here, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of tryptophan, kynurenine, KYNA, QUIN, and PIC utilizing ultra-performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry system (UPLC-MS/MS) in persons with bipolar disorder (n = 101) and healthy controls (n = 80) to investigate if the metabolites correlated with depressive symptoms or to the history of suicidal behavior. Furthermore, we analyzed if genetic variants of the enzyme amino-β-carboxymuconate-semialdehyde-decarboxylase (ACMSD) were associated with the CSF concentrations of PIC and QUIN. We found that CSF KYNA and PIC concentrations, as well as the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio were increased in bipolar disorder compared with controls. CSF PIC concentrations were lower in subjects with a history of suicidal behavior than those without, supporting the hypothesis that low CSF PIC is a marker of vulnerability for suicidality. Bipolar subjects taking antidepressants had higher CSF concentrations of kynurenine and KYNA than subjects not given these medications. A negative association was found between a genetic variant of ACMSD and the ratio of PIC/QUIN, indicating that a polymorphism in ACMSD is associated with excess of QUIN formation at the expense of PIC. The present results confirm that the kynurenine pathway is activated in bipolar disorder, and suggest that shifting the activity of the kynurenine pathway away from QUIN production towards a production of KYNA and PIC might be a beneficial therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Trepci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden
| | - Carl M Sellgren
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden; Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm County Council, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Pålsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Lena Brundin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden; Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Neda Khanlarkhani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden
| | - Mikael Landén
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden.
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23
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Zhang P, Huang H, Gao X, Jiang J, Xi C, Wu L, Fu Y, Lai J, Hu S. Involvement of Kynurenine Metabolism in Bipolar Disorder: An Updated Review. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:677039. [PMID: 34381386 PMCID: PMC8349985 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.677039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe affective disorder, mainly characterized by alternative depressive and manic or hypomanic episodes, yet the pathogenesis of BD has not been fully elucidated. Recent researches have implicated the altered kynurenine (KYN) metabolism involved in the neurobiology of BD. Excessive activation of the immune system also occurs in patients with BD, which further accelerates the KYN pathway for tryptophan metabolism. Changes of the KYN metabolites have effects on neuronal receptors and are involved in neuroendocrine transmissions. Interactions between KYN metabolism and the immune system may contribute to the neuropathogenesis of BD. Various studies have shown that alterations of the KYN metabolites were associated with mood, psychotic symptoms, and cognitive functions in patients with BD. In this review, we briefly introduce the KYN pathway and describe the immune dysregulation in BD as well as their interactions. We then focus on the research advances on the KYN metabolism in BD, which hold promise for identifying novel treatment targets in patients stricken with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peifen Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Xingle Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiajun Jiang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Caixi Xi
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaoyang Fu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianbo Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Brain Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Brain Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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24
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van den Ameele S, van Nuijs AL, Lai FY, Schuermans J, Verkerk R, van Diermen L, Coppens V, Fransen E, de Boer P, Timmers M, Sabbe B, Morrens M. A mood state-specific interaction between kynurenine metabolism and inflammation is present in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2020; 22:59-69. [PMID: 31398273 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cytokines are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of psychiatric symptoms by kynurenine pathway activation. Kynurenine metabolites affect neurotransmission and can cause neurotoxicity. We measured inflammatory markers in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and studied their relation to kynurenine metabolites and mood. METHODS Patients with BD suffering from an acute mood episode were assigned to the depressive (n = 35) or (hypo)manic (n = 32) subgroup. Plasma levels of inflammatory markers [cytokines, C-reactive protein] and kynurenine metabolites [tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), quinolinic acid (QA), kynurenic acid (KYNA)] were measured on 6 time points during 8 months follow-up. Biological marker levels in patients were compared to controls (n = 35) and correlated to scores on mood scales. Spearman correlations and linear mixed models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Twenty patients of the manic subgroup, 29 of the depressive subgroup, and 30 controls completed the study. The manic subgroup had a rapid remission of mood symptoms, but in the depressive subgroup subsyndromal symptoms persisted. No differences in inflammation were found between groups. A strong correlation between tumor necrosis factor-α and KYN, KYN/TRP, 3-HK and QA (ρ > 0.60) was specific for the manic group, but only at baseline (during mania). The depressive subgroup had a lower neuroprotective ratio (KYNA/3-HK, P = .0004) and a strong association between interferon-y and kynurenine pathway activation (P < .0001). KYNA was low in both patient groups versus controls throughout the whole follow-up (P = .0008). CONCLUSIONS Mania and chronic depressive symptoms in BD are accompanied by a strong interaction between inflammation and a potentially neurotoxic kynurenine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seline van den Ameele
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Institute for Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Hospital Duffel - VZW Emmaüs, Duffel, Belgium.,Department of Psychiatry, CHU Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexander Ln van Nuijs
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Foon Yin Lai
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jeroen Schuermans
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Institute for Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Hospital Duffel - VZW Emmaüs, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Robert Verkerk
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Linda van Diermen
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Institute for Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Hospital Duffel - VZW Emmaüs, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Violette Coppens
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Institute for Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Hospital Duffel - VZW Emmaüs, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Erik Fransen
- StatUa Centre for Statistics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter de Boer
- Janssen Research and Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
| | - Maarten Timmers
- Janssen Research and Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium.,Reference Center for Biological Markers of Dementia (BIODEM), Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bernard Sabbe
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Institute for Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Hospital Duffel - VZW Emmaüs, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Manuel Morrens
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Institute for Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Hospital Duffel - VZW Emmaüs, Duffel, Belgium
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25
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Wu Y, Mai N, Weng X, Liang J, Ning Y. Changes of Altruistic Behavior and Kynurenine Pathway in Late-Life Depression. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:338. [PMID: 32425830 PMCID: PMC7212401 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive patients show less altruistic behavior. While, older adults present higher tendencies for altruism than younger adults. Depression and age are two of the influencing factors of altruism, kynurenine (KYN), and its metabolites. However, the characteristics of altruism in late-life depression (LLD) and its possible underlying mechanism have not been studied. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the characteristics of altruism in LLD patients and its neurobiological mechanism and structural brain network. We investigated whether the levels of metabolites in kynurenine pathway (KP) and white matter (WM) network topological features would influence the altruistic behavior in LLD patients. METHODS Thirty-four LLD patients and 36 heathy controls (HCs) were included. Altruism was evaluated by the Dictator Game (DG) paradigm. Serum concentrations of KP metabolites were detected by the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The topological features of the WM network were calculated from diffusion tensor imaging data in conjunction with graph-theoretical analysis. RESULTS The LLD participants exhibited a higher level of altruism and WM global network properties than the HCs. Kynurenic acid to kynurenine (KYNA/KYN) ratio was associated with the DG performance in LLD group. KYNA/KYN ratio was associated with the WM network properties in HC group. CONCLUSIONS KYN metabolism played an important role in altruistic behavior in LLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Wu
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Naikeng Mai
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuchu Weng
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiuxing Liang
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Ning
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Benedetti F, Aggio V, Pratesi ML, Greco G, Furlan R. Neuroinflammation in Bipolar Depression. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:71. [PMID: 32174850 PMCID: PMC7054443 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a leading cause of worldwide disability among mood disorders. Pathological mechanisms are still vastly unclear, and current treatments with conventional medications are often unsatisfactory in maintaining symptoms control and an adequate quality of life. Consequently, current research is focusing on shedding new light on disease pathogenesis, to improve therapeutic effectiveness. Recent evidence has suggested a prominent role of inflammation in mood disorders. Elevated levels of peripheral proinflammatory mediators have been reported in BD, as well as in other mood disorders, and people with systemic autoimmune diseases have an increased risk of developing BD. These immunological alterations are stable, and current medications are unable to alter peripheral concentrations even when clinical improvement is evident. These findings have also been replicated in the central nervous system (CNS) milieu, whereas genetic studies have shown that these immune alterations are not due to the disorder itself, being detectable before the illness onset. Moreover, these inflammatory modifications seem to be affected by and linked to other biomarkers of the disorder, such as alterations of white matter (WM) microstructure, metabolism, kynurenine pathway, and circadian rhythmicity. Finally, these immune variations seem to be useful as predictors of therapeutic responsiveness to medications, and in discriminating between clinically different outcomes. The objective of this review is to summarize available evidence on the connection between inflammation and BD, focusing on peripheral inflammatory markers and recent findings on their connection with other typical features of BD, to outline a general overview of the disorder. Moreover, it is meant to analyze the issues with data gathering and interpretation, given the partially contradictory and inconsistent nature of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Benedetti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy.,University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Veronica Aggio
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy.,PhD Program in Molecular Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Pratesi
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Giacomo Greco
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Furlan
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
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Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) plays a critical role in generating cellular energy in the form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Because energy requirements are substantially increased during an immune response, the KP is a key regulator of the immune system. Perhaps more importantly in the context of psychiatry, many kynurenines are neuroactive, modulating neuroplasticity and/or exerting neurotoxic effects in part through their effects on NMDA receptor signaling and glutamatergic neurotransmission. As such, it is not surprising that the kynurenines have been implicated in psychiatric illness in the context of inflammation. However, because of their neuromodulatory properties, the kynurenines are not just additional members of a list of inflammatory mediators linked with psychiatric illness, but in preclinical studies have been shown to be necessary components of the behavioral analogs of depression and schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits. Further, as the title suggests, the KP is regulated by, and in turn regulates multiple other physiological systems that are commonly disrupted in psychiatric disorders, including endocrine, metabolic, and hormonal systems. This review provides a broad overview of the mechanistic pathways through which the kynurenines interact with these systems, thus impacting emotion, cognition, pain, metabolic function, and aging, and in so doing potentially increasing the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting the KP are discussed. Moreover, electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine, physical exercise, and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatories have been shown to alter kynurenine metabolism, raising the possibility that kynurenine metabolites may have utility as treatment response or therapeutic monitoring biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA.
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA.
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28
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Poletti S, Melloni E, Aggio V, Colombo C, Valtorta F, Benedetti F, Comai S. Grey and white matter structure associates with the activation of the tryptophan to kynurenine pathway in bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2019; 259:404-412. [PMID: 31610997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mental illness characterised by reduced grey matter (GM) volumes and cortical thickness, and disrupted white matter (WM) microstructure. Activation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase following a pro-inflammatory state could increase the amount of tryptophan (Trp) converted to kynurenine (Kyn) possibly leading to the production of detrimental catabolites of the Kyn pathway with neurotoxic effects. We investigated if peripheral levels of Trp-and Kyn and the breakdown of Trp-into Kyn (Kyn/Trp-ratio) are related to WM and GM integrity in BD. METHODS Peripheral levels of Trp-and Kyn were analysed in 72 patients with BD and 33 controls. Patients also underwent MRI in a Philips 3T scanner. RESULTS Patients showed higher Kyn levels and Kyn/Trp-ratio compared to controls. MRI analyses performed in patients with BD showed a negative association between the Kyn/Trp-ratio and the integrity of corpus callosum microstructure, the volume of the amygdala and cortical thickness in fronto-parietal regions. LIMITATION The lack of information on the levels of downstream metabolites of Kyn prevent us to confirm the possible unbalance between quinolinic and kynurenic acids as well as their possible relationship with changes in GM and WM markers. The activation of the Kyn pathway as suggested by the increased Kyn/Trp-ratio may lead to an imbalance of the neurotoxic vs the neuroprotective arm of the biochemical pathway, resulting in significant changes in GM and WM regions of brain areas strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of BD, such as amygdala and corpus callosum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Poletti
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elisa Melloni
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Aggio
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Comai
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, Milan, Italy
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29
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Quintero M, Stanisic D, Cruz G, Pontes JGM, Costa TBBC, Tasic L. Metabolomic Biomarkers in Mental Disorders: Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1118:271-293. [PMID: 30747428 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-05542-4_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are some of the most impairing human diseases. Among them, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are the most common. Both have complicated diagnostics due to their phenotypic, biological, and genetic heterogeneity, unknown etiology, and the underlying biological pathways, and molecular mechanisms are still not completely understood. Given the multifactorial complexity of these disorders, identification and implementation of metabolic biomarkers would assist in their early detection and diagnosis and facilitate disease monitoring and treatment responses. To date, numerous studies have utilized metabolomics to better understand psychiatric disorders, and findings from these studies have begun to converge. In this chapter, we briefly describe some of the metabolomic biomarkers found in these two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Quintero
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danijela Stanisic
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Cruz
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João G M Pontes
- Laboratory of Microbial Chemical Biology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tássia Brena Barroso Carneiro Costa
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ljubica Tasic
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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30
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Dazzan P, Fusté M, Davies W. Do Defective Immune System-Mediated Myelination Processes Increase Postpartum Psychosis Risk? Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:942-949. [PMID: 30348609 PMCID: PMC6224363 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum (or puerperal) psychosis (PP) is a rare, severe psychiatric disorder that affects women shortly after childbirth; risk is particularly high in individuals with a history of bipolar disorder or PP, but the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that immune system (dys)function plays an important role in disorder onset. On the basis of new findings from clinical and animal model studies, we hypothesise that the abundance and/or activity of regulatory T cells, and the efficacy of consequent (re)myelination processes in the brain mediated by CCN proteins, is perturbed in PP; this pathway may be modulated by risk and protective/treatment factors for the disorder, and identifying abnormalities within it could signpost novel predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Dazzan
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Montserrat Fusté
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - William Davies
- Medical Research Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Schools of Medicine and Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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31
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Arnone D, Saraykar S, Salem H, Teixeira AL, Dantzer R, Selvaraj S. Role of Kynurenine pathway and its metabolites in mood disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 92:477-485. [PMID: 29940237 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the kynurenine pathway is one of the described mechanisms by which inflammation can induce depression. It involves multiple pathways including interference with the bioavailability of tryptophan central to the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin. In this systematic review, we examine the relationship between kynurenine metabolites (kynurenine, kynurenic acid, tryptophan, quinolinic acid, the ratio of kynurenine and tryptophan) and mood disorders by conducting a meta-analysis. Fifty-six studies were identified, 21 met inclusion criteria and 14 were deemed suitable (9 investigating unipolar depression and 5 bipolar disorder). We found decreased levels of kynurenine in unipolar major depression vs. healthy controls but studies were significantly heterogeneous in nature. No significant differences were found in tryptophan levels or kynurenine/tryptophan ratios. Kynurenine metabolites are likely to play a role in major depression but an exact etiological role in mood disorder seem complex and requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Arnone
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Smita Saraykar
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1941 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, United States
| | - Haitham Salem
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1941 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, United States
| | - Antonio L Teixeira
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1941 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, United States
| | - Robert Dantzer
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Symptom Research, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit # 1450, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Sudhakar Selvaraj
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1941 East Rd., Houston, TX 77054, United States; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Symptom Research, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit # 1450, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
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32
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Meier TB, Drevets WC, Teague TK, Wurfel BE, Mueller SC, Bodurka J, Dantzer R, Savitz J. Kynurenic acid is reduced in females and oral contraceptive users: Implications for depression. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 67:59-64. [PMID: 28867283 PMCID: PMC5696064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of depression is approximately 2-fold greater in women than men but the biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. One potential mechanism that has been understudied is immune function, which is modulated by sex hormones and differs considerably between males and females. The immune-regulating kynurenine pathway previously has been implicated in the pathogenesis of mood disorders. In particular, a decreased ratio of neuroprotective (kynurenic acid; KynA) to neurotoxic (3-hydroxykynurenine; 3HK and quinolinic acid; QA) kynurenine pathway metabolites has been reported in several mood disorder subtypes. Yet there is a paucity of research investigating sex differences in the kynurenine pathway in the context of depression. Similarly, oral contraceptive (OC) use has been shown to be a risk factor for depression but to our knowledge this epidemiological relationship has not been considered within the framework of immune dysfunction. Here, we compared the concentrations of c-reactive protein (CRP) and kynurenine pathway metabolites in a combined sample of subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and healthy controls (HC) comprising 130 men and 350 women. CRP was measured in a CLIA-certified hospital laboratory. Kynurenine metabolites were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Estradiol and progesterone were quantified with the Mesoscale Discovery (MSD) platform. After controlling for diagnosis, age, sex, BMI, analysis batch, and self-reported childhood trauma we found that women had significantly lower KynA/3HK and KynA/QA ratios than men, and that these results were driven by a decrease in KynA. There was no significant difference between males and females in the concentration of CRP. Further, women taking OC showed significantly higher levels of CRP and lower ratios of KynA/3HK and KynA/QA compared with women on no form of contraception. Moreover, among women using OC, progesterone concentrations were positively correlated with KynA, KynA/3HK, and KynA/QA. Although preliminary, our results indicate that on average, healthy women show the same pattern of kynurenine pathway metabolism as that observed in subjects with depression. This finding raises the possibility that a reduction in KynA concentrations in women may constitute a vulnerability factor that partly explains the higher incidence of depression in females. Further, the significant association between OC use and reduced KynA as well as increased CRP, could conceivably partially account for the epidemiological association between OC use and depression. Nonetheless, because of the cross-sectional nature of this study, these hypotheses need to be more rigorously tested with longitudinal designs and/or large epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy B. Meier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Wayne C. Drevets
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC., of Johnson & Johnson, Inc., Titusville, NJ, USA
| | - T. Kent Teague
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Tulsa, OK, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Tulsa, OK, USA,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Tulsa, OK, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | - Sven C. Mueller
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Jerzy Bodurka
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA,College of Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Robert Dantzer
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Symptom Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA.
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33
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Averill LA, Purohit P, Averill CL, Boesl MA, Krystal JH, Abdallah CG. Glutamate dysregulation and glutamatergic therapeutics for PTSD: Evidence from human studies. Neurosci Lett 2016; 649:147-155. [PMID: 27916636 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.11.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and debilitating psychiatric disorder afflicting millions of individuals across the world. While the availability of robust pharmacologic interventions is quite lacking, our understanding of the putative neurobiological underpinnings of PTSD has significantly increased over the past two decades. Accumulating evidence demonstrates aberrant glutamatergic function in mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders and dysfunction in glutamate neurotransmission is increasingly considered a cardinal feature of stress-related psychiatric disorders including PTSD. As part of a PTSD Special Issue, this mini-review provides a concise discussion of (1) evidence of glutamatergic abnormalities in PTSD, with emphasis on human subjects data; (2) glutamate-modulating agents as potential alternative pharmacologic treatments for PTSD; and (3) selected gaps in the literature and related future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynnette A Averill
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| | - Prerana Purohit
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Christopher L Averill
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Markus A Boesl
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - John H Krystal
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Chadi G Abdallah
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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