1
|
Guida CR, Maia JM, Ferreira LFR, Rahdar A, Branco LGS, Soriano RN. Advancements in addressing drug dependence: A review of promising therapeutic strategies and interventions. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111070. [PMID: 38908501 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111070] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Substance dependence represents a pervasive global concern within the realm of public health. Presently, it is delineated as a persistent and recurrent neurological disorder stemming from drug-triggered neuroadaptations in the brain's reward circuitry. Despite the availability of various therapeutic modalities, there has been a steady escalation in the mortality rate attributed to drug overdoses. Substantial endeavors have been directed towards the exploration of innovative interventions aimed at mitigating cravings and drug-induced repetitive behaviors. Within this review, we encapsulate the most auspicious contemporary treatment methodologies, accentuating meta-analyses of efficacious pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches: including gabapentin, topiramate, prazosin, physical exercise regimens, and cerebral stimulation techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Rodrigues Guida
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG 35032-620, Brazil
| | - Juliana Marino Maia
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG 35032-620, Brazil
| | | | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol 538-98615, Iran
| | - Luiz G S Branco
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-904, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-900, Brazil.
| | - Renato Nery Soriano
- Division of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Basic Life Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG 35020-360, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schimmer J, Patwell R, Küppers S, Grinevich V. The Relationship Between Oxytocin and Alcohol Dependence. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37697074 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is well known for its prosocial, anxiolytic, and ameliorating effects on various psychiatric conditions, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). In this chapter, we will first introduce the basic neurophysiology of the OT system and its interaction with other neuromodulatory and neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Next, we provide an overview over the current state of research examining the effects of acute and chronic alcohol exposure on the OT system as well as the effects of OT system manipulation on alcohol-related behaviors in rodents and humans. In rodent models of AUD, OT has been repeatedly shown to reduce ethanol consumption, particularly in models of acute alcohol exposure. In humans however, the results of OT administration on alcohol-related behaviors are promising but not yet conclusive. Therefore, we further discuss several physiological and methodological limitations to the effective application of OT in the clinic and how they may be mitigated by the application of synthetic OT receptor (OTR) agonists. Finally, we discuss the potential efficacy of cutting-edge pharmacology and gene therapies designed to specifically enhance endogenous OT release and thereby rescue deficient expression of OT in the brains of patients with severe forms of AUD and other incurable mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Schimmer
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ryan Patwell
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie Küppers
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shen G, Yang S, Wu L, Chen Y, Hu Y, Zhou F, Wang W, Liu P, Wu F, Liu Y, Wang F, Chen L. The oxytocin receptor rs2254298 polymorphism and alcohol withdrawal symptoms: a gene-environment interaction in mood disorders. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1085429. [PMID: 37520225 PMCID: PMC10380931 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1085429] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common mental disorder characterized by repeated withdrawal episodes. Negative emotions during withdrawal are the primary factors affecting successful abstinence. Oxytocin is a critical modulator of emotions. OXTR, the oxytocin receptor, may also be a promising candidate for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Previous studies indicated that people with different genotypes of OXTR rs2254298 were reported to suffer from more significant depressive or heightened anxiety symptoms when experiencing early adversity. The present study aims to explore the modulatory role of the polymorphism OXTR rs2254298 on mood disorders during alcohol withdrawal and to help researchers better understand and develop effective relapse prevention and interventions for alcohol use disorders. Methods We recruited 265 adult Chinese Han men with AUD. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Alcohol dependence levels were measured using Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test. Genomic DNA extraction and genotyping from participants' peripheral blood samples. Result First, a multiple linear regression was used to set the alcohol dependence level, OXTR.rs2254298, interaction terms as the primary predictor variable, and depression or anxiety as an outcome; age and educational years were covariates. There was a significant interaction between OXTR rs2254298 and alcohol dependence level on anxiety (B = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.45) but not on depression (B = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.30 - 0.18). The significance region test showed that alcohol-dependent men who are GG homozygous were more likely to experience anxiety symptoms than subjects with the A allele (A allele: β = 0.27, p < 0.001; GG homozygote: β = 0.50, p < 0.001). Finally, re-parameterized regression analysis demonstrated that this gene-environment interaction of OXTR rs2254298 and alcohol dependence on anxiety fits the weak differential susceptibility model (R2 = 0.17, F (5,259) = 13.46, p < 0.001). Conclusion This study reveals a gene-environment interactive effect between OXTR rs2254298 and alcohol withdrawal on anxiety but not depression. From the perspective of gene-environment interactions, this interaction fits the differential susceptibility model; OXTR rs2254298 GG homozygote carriers are susceptible to the environment and are likely to experience anxiety symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Shen
- Wenzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, China
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shizhuo Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Liujun Wu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Applied Psychology (Ningbo) Research Center, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yingjie Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yueling Hu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peining Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fenzan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yanlong Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu Q, Xie Y, Liu X, Liu Y. Oxytocin Impairs the Recognition of Micro-Expressions of Surprise and Disgust. Front Psychol 2022; 13:947418. [PMID: 35846599 PMCID: PMC9277341 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.947418] [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: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As fleeting facial expressions which reveal the emotion that a person tries to conceal, micro-expressions have great application potentials for fields like security, national defense and medical treatment. However, the physiological basis for the recognition of these facial expressions is poorly understood. In the present research, we utilized a double-blind, placebo-controlled, mixed-model experimental design to investigate the effects of oxytocin on the recognition of micro-expressions in three behavioral studies. Specifically, in Studies 1 and 2, participants were asked to perform a laboratory-based standardized micro-expression recognition task after self-administration of a single dose of intranasal oxytocin (40 IU) or placebo (containing all ingredients except for the neuropeptide). In Study 3, we further examined the effects of oxytocin on the recognition of natural micro-expressions. The results showed that intranasal oxytocin decreased the recognition speed for standardized intense micro-expressions of surprise (Study 1) and decreased the recognition accuracy for standardized subtle micro-expressions of disgust (Study 2). The results of Study 3 further revealed that intranasal oxytocin administration significantly reduced the recognition accuracy for natural micro-expressions of surprise and disgust. The present research is the first to investigate the effects of oxytocin on micro-expression recognition. It suggests that the oxytocin mainly plays an inhibiting role in the recognition of micro-expressions and there are fundamental differences in the neurophysiological basis for the recognition of micro-expressions and macro-expressions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wu
- Department of Psychology, School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Wu,
| | - Yanni Xie
- Department of Psychology, School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuanchen Liu
- Department of Psychology, School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yulong Liu
- School of Finance and Management, Changsha Social Work College, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Intranasal Oxytocin Modulates the Salience Network in Aging. Neuroimage 2022; 253:119045. [PMID: 35259525 PMCID: PMC9450112 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119045] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence supports a role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in promoting social cognition and prosocial behavior, possibly via modulation of the salience of social information. The effect of intranasal oxytocin administration on the salience network, however, is not well understood, including in the aging brain. To address this research gap, 42 young (22.52 ± 3.02 years; 24 in the oxytocin group) and 43 older (71.12 ± 5.25 years; 21 in the oxytocin group) participants were randomized to either self-administer intranasal oxytocin or placebo prior to resting-state functional imaging. The salience network was identified using independent component analysis (ICA). Independent t-tests showed that individuals in the oxytocin compared to the placebo group had lower within-network resting-state functional connectivity, both for left amygdala (MNI coordinates: x = −18, y = 0, z = −15; corrected p < 0.05) within a more ventral salience network and for right insula (MNI coordinates: x = 39, y = 6, z = −6; corrected p < 0.05) within a more dorsal salience network. Age moderation analysis furthermore demonstrated that the oxytocin-reduced functional connectivity between the ventral salience network and the left amygdala was only present in older participants. These findings suggest a modulatory role of exogenous oxytocin on resting-state functional connectivity within the salience network and support age-differential effects of acute intranasal oxytocin administration on this network.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ryabinin AE, Zhang Y. Barriers and Breakthroughs in Targeting the Oxytocin System to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:842609. [PMID: 35295777 PMCID: PMC8919088 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.842609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of better treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is urgently needed. One promising opportunity for this development is the potential of targeting the oxytocin peptide system. Preclinical studies showed that administration of exogenous oxytocin or, more recently, stimulation of neurons expressing endogenous oxytocin lead to a decreased alcohol consumption across several rodent models. Initial clinical studies also showed that administration of oxytocin decreased craving for alcohol and heavy alcohol drinking. However, several more recent clinical studies were not able to replicate these effects. Thus, although targeting the oxytocin system holds promise for the treatment of AUD, more nuanced approaches toward development and application of these treatments are needed. In this mini-review we discuss potential caveats resulting in differential success of attempts to use oxytocin for modulating alcohol use disorder-related behaviors in clinical studies and evaluate three directions in which targeting the oxytocin system could be improved: (1) increasing potency of exogenously administered oxytocin, (2) developing oxytocin receptor agonists, and (3) stimulating components of the endogenous oxytocin system. Both advances and potential pitfalls of these directions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey E. Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Romero-Martínez Á, Sarrate-Costa C, Moya-Albiol L. A Systematic Review of the Role of Oxytocin, Cortisol, and Testosterone in Facial Emotional Processing. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:1334. [PMID: 34943249 PMCID: PMC8698823 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A topic of interest is the way decoding and interpreting facial emotional expressions can lead to mutual understanding. Facial emotional expression is a basic source of information that guarantees the functioning of other higher cognitive processes (e.g., empathy, cooperativity, prosociality, or decision-making, among others). In this regard, hormones such as oxytocin, cortisol, and/or testosterone have been found to be important in modifying facial emotion processing. In fact, brain structures that participate in facial emotion processing have been shown to be rich in receptors for these hormones. Nonetheless, much of this research has been based on correlational designs. In recent years, a growing number of researchers have tried to carry out controlled laboratory manipulation of these hormones by administering synthetic forms of these hormones. The main objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of studies that assess whether manipulation of these three hormones effectively promotes significant alterations in facial emotional processing. To carry out this review, PRISMA quality criteria for reviews were followed, using the following digital databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, Dialnet, Psicodoc, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library, and focusing on manuscripts with a robust research design (e.g., randomized, single- or double-blind, and/or placebo-controlled) to increase the value of this systematic review. An initial identification of 6340 abstracts and retrieval of 910 full texts led to the final inclusion of 101 papers that met all the inclusion criteria. Only about 18% of the manuscripts included reported a direct effect of hormone manipulation. In fact, emotional accuracy seemed to be enhanced after oxytocin increases, but it diminished when cortisol and/or testosterone increased. Nonetheless, when emotional valence and participants' gender were included, hormonal manipulation reached significance (in around 53% of the articles). In fact, these studies offered a heterogeneous pattern in the way these hormones altered speed processing, attention, and memory. This study reinforces the idea that these hormones are important, but not the main modulators of facial emotion processing. As our comprehension of hormonal effects on emotional processing improves, the potential to design good treatments to improve this ability will be greater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Romero-Martínez
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (C.S.-C.); (L.M.-A.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alcohol and oxytocin: Scrutinizing the relationship. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:852-864. [PMID: 34102150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The initial enthusiasm towards oxytocin (OXT) as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder has been recently tempered by recognizing existing gaps in literature and the recent appearance of a relatively small number of clinical studies with negative outcomes. On the other hand, several new studies continue to support the OXT system's potential for such treatment. In this review, we thoroughly analyze existing literature assessing both alcohol's effects on the OXT system and OXT's effects on alcohol-related behaviors. Both rodent and clinical research is discussed. We identify areas that have been studied extensively and those that have been undeservingly understudied. OXT's potential effects on tolerance, withdrawal, craving, anxiety and social behaviors, and how these processes ultimately affect alcohol consumption, are critically explored. We conclude that while OXT can affect alcohol consumption in males and females, more comprehensive studies on OXT's effects on alcohol-related tolerance, withdrawal, craving, anxiety and social affiliations in subjects of both sexes and across several levels of analyses are needed.
Collapse
|