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Mu E, Gurvich C, Kulkarni J. Estrogen and psychosis - a review and future directions. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024:10.1007/s00737-023-01409-x. [PMID: 38221595 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01409-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The link between sex hormones and schizophrenia has been suspected for over a century; however, scientific evidence supporting the pharmacotherapeutic effects of exogenous estrogen has only started to emerge during the past three decades. Accumulating evidence from epidemiological and basic research suggests that estrogen has a protective effect in women vulnerable to schizophrenia. Such evidence has led multiple researchers to investigate the role of estrogen in schizophrenia and its use in treatment. This narrative review provides an overview of the effects of estrogen as well as summarizes the recent work regarding estrogen as a treatment for schizophrenia, particularly the use of new-generation selective estrogen receptor modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Mu
- HER Centre Australia, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- HER Centre Australia, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jayashri Kulkarni
- HER Centre Australia, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Brand BA, de Boer JN, Marcelis MC, Grootens KP, Luykx JJ, Sommer IE. The Direct and Long-Term Effects of Raloxifene as Adjunctive Treatment for Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:1579-1590. [PMID: 37116866 PMCID: PMC10686337 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Several studies suggest that raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, improves symptoms and cognition in post-menopausal women with Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders (SSD). We aimed to assess the effects of adjunctive raloxifene in women and men with SSD. STUDY DESIGN This parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included adult SSD patients across the Netherlands and Belgium. Participants were stratified by age, sex, and global functioning and randomly assigned 1:1 to 12-week add-on raloxifene or placebo. Primary outcomes were symptom severity at 6, 12, and 38 weeks and cognition at 12 and 38 weeks, as measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, respectively. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed using linear mixed-effect models. STUDY RESULTS We assessed 261 patients for eligibility, of which 102 (28% female) were assigned to raloxifene (n = 52) or placebo (n = 48). Although we found no main effect of raloxifene, secondary sex-specific analysis showed that in women, raloxifene had beneficial effects on negative symptoms at week 6 (LSM -2.92; adjusted P = 0.020) and week 12 (LSM -3.12; adjusted P = 0.030), and on working memory at week 38 (LSM 0.73; adjusted P = 0.040), while having negative effects on working memory at week 38 in men (LSM -0.53; adjusted P = 0.026). The number of adverse events was similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results do not support the use of raloxifene in patients with SSD in general, but suggest female-specific beneficial effects of raloxifene on negative symptoms and working memory. Our findings encourage further research on sex-specific pharmacotherapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodyl A Brand
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janna N de Boer
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Machteld C Marcelis
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Mental Health Care Eindhoven (GGzE), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Koen P Grootens
- Reinier van Arkel Institute for Mental Health Care (RvA), ‘s Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
- Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen J Luykx
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Network Antwerp (ZNA), Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Outpatient Second Opinion Clinic, GGNet Mental Health, Warnsveld, The Netherlands
| | - Iris E Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
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Khan MM. Role of de novo lipogenesis in insulin resistance in first-episode psychosis and therapeutic options. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104919. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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The Effect of Menopause on Antipsychotic Response. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12101342. [PMID: 36291276 PMCID: PMC9599119 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It has been hypothesized that, whenever estrogen levels decline, psychosis symptoms in women increase. At menopause, this can happen in two main ways: (a) the loss of estrogen (mainly estradiol) can directly affect central neurotransmission, leading to increase in schizophrenia-related symptoms, and (b) the loss of estrogen can decrease the synthesis of enzymes that metabolize antipsychotic drugs, thus weakening their efficacy. Aims and Methods: The aim of this narrative review was to investigate the second possibility by searching PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies over the last two decades that investigated the metabolism of antipsychotics and their efficacy before and after menopause in women or that studied systemic and local estrogen level effects on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of individual antipsychotic drugs. Results: The evidence suggests that symptom level in women with schizophrenia rises after menopause for many reasons beyond hormones but, importantly, there is an estrogen-dependent loss of efficacy related to antipsychotic treatment. Conclusion: Effective clinical intervention is challenging; nevertheless, several promising routes forward are suggested.
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Maroney M. Management of cognitive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Ment Health Clin 2022; 12:282-299. [DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2022.10.282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Currently available antipsychotics provide only modest benefit in managing the cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia even though these symptoms are often the most impairing in patients' daily lives. Certain antipsychotics may have slight benefits over others, and several nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic adjunctive treatments have been evaluated in recent clinical trials. Recently published meta-analyses and clinical studies of such treatments are reviewed. Potential strategies to manage cognitive and negative symptoms, including deprescribing of medications that may exacerbate these symptoms, are described using theoretical case examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Maroney
- 1 (Corresponding author) Clinical Associate Professor, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey; Clinical Psychiatric Pharmacist, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey,
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Marchant IC, Chabert S, Martínez-Pinto J, Sotomayor-Zárate R, Ramírez-Barrantes R, Acevedo L, Córdova C, Olivero P. Estrogen, Cognitive Performance, and Functional Imaging Studies: What Are We Missing About Neuroprotection? Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:866122. [PMID: 35634466 PMCID: PMC9133497 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.866122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Menopause transition can be interpreted as a vulnerable state characterized by estrogen deficiency with detrimental systemic effects as the low-grade chronic inflammation that appears with aging and partly explains age-related disorders as cancer, diabetes mellitus and increased risk of cognitive impairment. Over the course of a lifetime, estrogen produces several beneficial effects in healthy neurological tissues as well as cardioprotective effects, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, clinical evidence on the efficacy of hormone treatment in menopausal women has failed to confirm the benefit reported in observational studies. Unambiguously, enhanced verbal memory is the most robust finding from longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, what merits consideration for future studies aiming to determine estrogen neuroprotective efficacy. Estrogen related brain activity and functional connectivity remain, however, unexplored. In this context, the resting state paradigm may provide valuable information about reproductive aging and hormonal treatment effects, and their relationship with brain imaging of functional connectivity may be key to understand and anticipate estrogen cognitive protective effects. To go in-depth into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying rapid-to-long lasting protective effects of estrogen, we will provide a comprehensive review of cognitive tasks used in animal studies to evaluate the effect of hormone treatment on cognitive performance and discuss about the tasks best suited to the demonstration of clinically significant differences in cognitive performance to be applied in human studies. Eventually, we will focus on studies evaluating the DMN activity and responsiveness to pharmacological stimulation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanny Carolina Marchant
- Laboratorio de Modelamiento en Medicina, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile
- Centro Interoperativo en Ciencias Odontológicas y Médicas, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- *Correspondence: Ivanny Carolina Marchant
| | - Stéren Chabert
- Millennium Nucleus in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Ingeniería Biomédica, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ingeniería en Salud, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Jonathan Martínez-Pinto
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa, Valparaíso, Chile
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica y Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ramón Sotomayor-Zárate
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa, Valparaíso, Chile
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica y Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | | | - Lilian Acevedo
- Servicio de Neurología Hospital Carlos van Buren, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Claudio Córdova
- Laboratorio de Estructura y Función Celular, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Pablo Olivero
- Centro Interoperativo en Ciencias Odontológicas y Médicas, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Laboratorio de Estructura y Función Celular, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Pablo Olivero
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Hormone Targets for the Treatment of Sleep Disorders in Postmenopausal Women with Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review. Clocks Sleep 2022; 4:52-65. [PMID: 35225953 PMCID: PMC8883931 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep4010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
While the early identification of insomnia in patients with schizophrenia is of clinical relevance, the use of specific compounds to treat insomnia has been studied less in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. We aimed to explore the effects of melatonin, sex hormones, and raloxifene for the treatment of insomnia in these populations. Although melatonin treatment improved the quality and efficiency of the sleep of patients with schizophrenia, few studies have explored its use in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. The estrogen and progesterone pathways are dysregulated in major psychiatric disorders, such as in schizophrenia. While, in the context of menopause, a high testosterone-to-estradiol ratio is associated with higher frequencies of depressive symptoms, the effects of estradiol and other sex hormones on sleep disorders in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia has not been sufficiently investigated. Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has shown positive effects on sleep disorders in postmenopausal women. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of hormonal compounds on insomnia in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia.
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González-Rodríguez A, Guàrdia A, Monreal JA. Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women with Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Are a Population with Specific Needs: A Narrative Review of Current Theories. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11090849. [PMID: 34575626 PMCID: PMC8465365 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090849] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: While gender differences in antipsychotic response have been recognized, the potential role of menopause in changing drug efficacy and clinical outcome in schizophrenia related disorders has been understudied. We aimed to review the relevant literature to test whether optimizing menopausal and post-menopausal treatment and addressing specific health needs of this stage in life will improve outcome. Methods: Non-systematic narrative review using the PubMed database (1900–July 2021) focusing on randomized controlled trial results addressing our question. Forty-nine studies met our criteria. Results: Premenopausal women show significantly better antipsychotic response than postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapies (HRT) should be used in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia with caution. Raloxifene, combined with antipsychotics, is effective for psychotic and cognitive symptoms in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia and related disorders. Medical comorbidities increase after menopause, but the influence of comorbidities on clinical outcomes has been poorly investigated. Preventive strategies include weighing risks and benefits of treatment, preventing medical comorbidities, and enhancing psychosocial support. Ideal treatment settings for this population warrant investigation. Conclusions: Antipsychotic dose adjustment at menopause is recommended for schizophrenia. Raloxifene may play an important role in permitting dose reduction and lessening adverse effects. Prevention of comorbidities will help to reduce the mortality rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, University of Barcelona, 08221 Terrassa, Spain; (A.G.); (J.A.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Armand Guàrdia
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, University of Barcelona, 08221 Terrassa, Spain; (A.G.); (J.A.M.)
| | - José Antonio Monreal
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, University of Barcelona, 08221 Terrassa, Spain; (A.G.); (J.A.M.)
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08211 Terrassa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 08221 Terrassa, Spain
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder with a different, but not necessarily milder clinical presentation in women as compared to men. These sex differences have largely been attributed to the protective role of estrogens. This article reviews the current state of estrogen research in schizophrenia. RECENT FINDINGS Estrogens regulate important pathophysiological pathways in schizophrenia, including dopamine activity, mitochondrial function, and the stress system. Estrogen deficiency is common in both sexes and is associated with increases in psychotic symptoms. Hyperprolactinemia causes secondary estrogen deficiency and can be a reaction to stress, or secondary to prolactin-raising antipsychotics. Therefore, prolactin-sparing antipsychotics should be preferred especially in premenopausal women, who are more prone to hyperprolactinemia. Premenopausal women furthermore require lower doses of antipsychotics than men, since estrogens raise the availability and efficacy of antipsychotics. SUMMARY The past years have established the importance of estrogens in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and have shown its relevance to clinical practice through its influence on antipsychotic drug efficacy. Future research should focus on the neurobiological and clinical effect of contraceptives in premenopausal women with schizophrenia. Furthermore, the potential of estrogen-like augmentation with raloxifene and phytoestrogens in schizophrenia should be established in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodyl A. Brand
- University of Groningen, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen
| | - Janna N. de Boer
- University of Groningen, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Iris E.C. Sommer
- University of Groningen, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review was to summarize the recent literature on the clinical symptoms, functioning, outcomes and treatments for older adults with chronic schizophrenia. RECENT FINDINGS The number and proportion of older adults with schizophrenia is rapidly increasing. Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder and older adults with schizophrenia display significant variability in symptom severity, quality of life and overall outcomes. Many achieve stable disease remission, some display persistent nonremission and others experience fluctuating symptoms. Depression is commonly reported, and although rates of suicide are higher when compared with age-matched peers, the excess mortality seen in this population is mainly attributed to natural causes of death. Cognitive decline and reduced illness awareness have important implications for functional status and quality of life. Antipsychotics remain essential in the treatment regimen, although elderly patients with chronic disease may be good candidates for gradual dose reduction. Interdisciplinary treatment approaches as well as nonpharmacologic psychosocial interventions play a critical adjunctive role in the treatment of older adults with schizophrenia. SUMMARY Research focusing on schizophrenia in late life is sparse. Too often, older patients are eliminated from research studies or averaged in with all age groups. Thus, there continues to be gaps in our understanding of modifiable predictors of remission and recovery, and the most efficacious and safest treatment approaches for this age group.
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Hwang WJ, Lee TY, Kim NS, Kwon JS. The Role of Estrogen Receptors and Their Signaling across Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010373. [PMID: 33396472 PMCID: PMC7794990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests estrogen and estrogen signaling pathway disturbances across psychiatric disorders. Estrogens are not only crucial in sexual maturation and reproduction but are also highly involved in a wide range of brain functions, such as cognition, memory, neurodevelopment, and neuroplasticity. To add more, the recent findings of its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects have grown interested in investigating its potential therapeutic use to psychiatric disorders. In this review, we analyze the emerging literature on estrogen receptors and psychiatric disorders in cellular, preclinical, and clinical studies. Specifically, we discuss the contribution of estrogen receptor and estrogen signaling to cognition and neuroprotection via mediating multiple neural systems, such as dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic systems. Then, we assess their disruptions and their potential implications for pathophysiologies in psychiatric disorders. Further, in this review, current treatment strategies involving estrogen and estrogen signaling are evaluated to suggest a future direction in identifying novel treatment strategies in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Jeong Hwang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (W.J.H.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Tae Young Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea;
- Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-360-2468
| | - Nahrie Suk Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea;
| | - Jun Soo Kwon
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (W.J.H.); (J.S.K.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Brand BA, de Boer JN, Oude Ophuis SB, Slot MI, De Wilde B, Catthoor KC, Goverde AJ, Bakker PR, Marcelis MC, Grootens KP, Luykx JJ, Heringa SM, Weickert CS, Sommer IE, Weickert TW. Raloxifene augmentation in men and women with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder: A study protocol. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2020; 20:100681. [PMID: 33364517 PMCID: PMC7750317 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although acute psychotic symptoms are often reduced by antipsychotic treatment, many patients with schizophrenia are impaired in daily functioning due to the persistence of negative and cognitive symptoms. Raloxifene, a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) has been shown to be an effective adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia. Yet, there is a paucity in evidence for raloxifene efficacy in men and premenopausal women. We report the design of a study that aims to replicate earlier findings concerning the efficacy of raloxifene augmentation in reducing persisting symptoms and cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women, and to extend these findings to a male and peri/premenopausal population of patients with schizophrenia. The study is a multisite, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised clinical trial in approximately 110 adult men and women with schizophrenia. Participants are randomised 1:1 to adjunctive raloxifene 120 mg or placebo daily during 12 weeks. The treatment phase includes measurements at three time points (week 0, 6 and 12), followed by a follow-up period of two years. The primary outcome measure is change in symptom severity, as measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and cognition, as measured with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Secondary outcome measures include social functioning and quality of life. Genetic, hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers are measured to assess potential associations with treatment effects. If it becomes apparent that raloxifene reduces psychotic symptoms and/or improves cognition, social functioning and/or quality of life as compared to placebo, implementation of raloxifene in clinical psychiatric practice can be considered.
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Key Words
- AE, Adverse event
- AF, alkaline phosphatase
- ALAT, alanine aminotransferase
- ANOVA, analysis of variance
- ANSS, positive and negative syndrome scale
- APTT, activated partial thrombin time
- ASAT, aspartate aminotransferase
- Antipsychotic medication
- BACS, Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia
- BDI, Beck's Depression Inventory
- BNSS, Brief Negative Symptom scale
- CRP, C-reactive protein
- DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone
- DNA, Deoxyribonucleic acid
- DSMB, Data Safety Monitoring Board
- EQ-5D-5L, Euro Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Levels
- Estrogen
- FSH, follicle stimulating hormone
- GGZ Centraal, Psychiatric Center Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Centraal
- GGzE, Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Eindhoven
- HDL, high-density lipoprotein
- ICH-GCP, the International Conference on Harmonization – Good Clinical Practice
- IMCJE, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors
- LDL, low-density lipoprotein
- LHT, lithium heparin tube
- MINI, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus
- PSP, Personal and Social Performance
- QALYs, Quality Adjusted Life Years
- Raloxifene
- Randomised controlled trial
- RvA, Reinier van Arkel Institute for Mental Health Care
- SAE, Serious Adverse Event
- SCT, sodium citrate tube
- SERM, selective estrogen receptor modulator
- SHBG, sex hormone-binding globulin
- SMD, standard mean difference
- SST, serum separator tube
- SUSAR, Suspected Unexpected Serious Adverse Reaction
- Schizophrenia
- TALD, Thought And Language Disorder scale
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- UMCG, University Medical Center Groningen
- UMCU, University Medical Center Utrecht
- WOCBP, Women of child bearing potential
- ZNA, Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen
- eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate
- iMTA-MCQ, institute for Medical Technology Assessment's Medical Consumption Questionnaire
- iMTA-PCQ, institute for Medical Technology Assessment's Productivity Cost Questionnaire
- psychotic disorder NOS, psychotic disorder not otherwise specified
- β-HCG, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodyl A. Brand
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janna N. de Boer
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastianus B.J. Oude Ophuis
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Margot I.E. Slot
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kirsten C.E.E.R. Catthoor
- Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen (ZNA), Antwerp, Belgium
- The Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angelique J. Goverde
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - P. Roberto Bakker
- Arkin, Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Machteld C. Marcelis
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Institute for Mental Health Care Eindhoven (GGzE), Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Koen P. Grootens
- Reinier van Arkel Institute for Mental Health Care (RvA), ‘s Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Jurjen J. Luykx
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen (ZNA), Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Outpatient Second Opinion Clinic, GGNet Mental Health, Warnsveld, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie M. Heringa
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Isala, Department of Medical Psychology, Zwolle, the Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Iris E.C. Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas W. Weickert
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Women with Schizophrenia over the Life Span: Health Promotion, Treatment and Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155594. [PMID: 32756418 PMCID: PMC7432627 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Women with schizophrenia show sex-specific health needs that differ according to stage of life. The aim of this narrative review is to resolve important questions concerning the treatment of women with schizophrenia at different periods of their life—paying special attention to reproductive and post-reproductive stages. Review results suggest that menstrual cycle-dependent treatments may be a useful option for many women and that recommendations re contraceptive options need always to be part of care provision. The pregnancy and the postpartum periods—while constituting vulnerable time periods for the mother—require special attention to antipsychotic effects on the fetus and neonate. Menopause and aging are further vulnerable times, with extra challenges posed by associated health risks. Pregnancy complications, neurodevelopmental difficulties of offspring, cancer risk and cognitive defects are indirect results of the interplay of hormones and antipsychotic treatment of women over the course of the lifespan. The literature recommends that health promotion strategies need to be directed at lifestyle modifications, prevention of medical comorbidities and increased psychosocial support. Careful monitoring of pharmacological treatment has been shown to be critical during periods of hormonal transition. Not only does treatment of women with schizophrenia often need to be different than that of their male peers, but it also needs to vary over the course of life.
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González-Rodríguez A, Guàrdia A, Palao DJ, Labad J, Seeman MV. Moderators and mediators of antipsychotic response in delusional disorder: Further steps are needed. World J Psychiatry 2020; 10:34-45. [PMID: 32399397 PMCID: PMC7203082 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v10.i4.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Delusional disorder (DD) has been traditionally considered a relatively rare and treatment-resistant psychotic disorder. In the last decade, increasing attention has focused on therapeutic outcomes of individuals affected by this disorder. The aim of this paper is to provide a synthesis of the literature addressing two very important questions arising from DD research: (1) For which patients with DD do antipsychotic medications work best (the moderators of response); and (2) What variables best explain the relationship between such treatments and their effectiveness (the mediators of response). We searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases for English, German, French and Spanish language papers published since 2000. We also included a few classic earlier papers addressing this topic. Variables potentially moderating antipsychotic response in DD are gender, reproductive status, age, duration of illness, the presence of comorbidity (especially psychiatric comorbidity) and its treatment, brain structure, and genetics of neurochemical receptors and drug metabolizing enzymes. Antipsychotic and hormonal blood levels during treatment, as well as functional brain changes, are potential mediating variables. Some, but not all, patients with DD benefit from antipsychotic treatment. Understanding the circumstances under which treatment works best can serve to guide optimal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí University Hospital, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Sabadell 08280, Spain
| | - Armand Guàrdia
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí University Hospital, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Sabadell 08280, Spain
| | - Diego José Palao
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí University Hospital, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Sabadell 08280, Spain
| | - Javier Labad
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí University Hospital, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Sabadell 08280, Spain
| | - Mary V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5P 3L6, Canada
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