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Chelucci E, Daniele S, Vergassola M, Ceccarelli L, Zucchi S, Boltri L, Martini C. Trazodone counteracts the response of microglial cells to inflammatory stimuli. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:5605-5620. [PMID: 39187397 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Microglia are resident brain cells that regulate neuronal development and innate immunity. Microglia activation participates in the cellular response to neuroinflammation, thus representing a possible target for pharmacological strategies aimed to counteract the onset and progression of brain disorders, including depression. Antidepressant drugs have been reported to reduce neuroinflammation by acting also on glial cells. Herein, the potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of trazodone (TRZ) on the microglial human microglial clone 3 (HMC3) cell line were investigated. HMC3 cells were activated by a double inflammatory stimulus (lipopolysaccharide [LPS] and tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], 24 h each), and the induction of inflammation was demonstrated by (i) the increased expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1), and (ii) the increased release of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). TRZ effects were evaluated by treating HMC3 cells for 24 h before (pre-treatment) and after (post-treatment) the double inflammatory stimulus. Notably, TRZ treatments significantly decreased the expression of NF-kB and IBA-1 and the release of the cytokines IL-6 and TGF-β. Moreover, TRZ prevented and reduced the release of quinolinic acid (QUIN), a known neurotoxic kynurenine metabolite. Finally, cellular supernatants collected from microglial cells pre-treated LPS-TNF-α with TRZ were able to improve neuronal-like cell viability, demonstrating a potential neuroprotective effect. Overall, this study suggests the anti-inflammatory effects of TRZ on human microglia and strives for its neuroprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matteo Vergassola
- Angelini Pharma S.p.A. Global External Innovation & Drug Discovery, Translational Research Department, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Zucchi
- Angelini Pharma S.p.A. Global R&D PLCM Preclinical Development, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luigi Boltri
- Angelini Pharma S.p.A. Global R&D PLCM Preclinical Development, Ancona, Italy
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2
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Campanale A, Inserra A, Comai S. Therapeutic modulation of the kynurenine pathway in severe mental illness and comorbidities: A potential role for serotonergic psychedelics. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111058. [PMID: 38885875 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence points towards a crucial role of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in the altered gut-brain axis (GBA) balance in severe mental illness (SMI, namely depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) and cardiometabolic comorbidities. Preliminary evidence shows that serotonergic psychedelics and their analogues may hold therapeutic potential in addressing the altered KP in the dysregulated GBA in SMI and comorbidities. In fact, aside from their effects on mood, psychedelics elicit therapeutic improvement in preclinical models of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and vascular inflammation, which are highly comorbid with SMI. Here, we review the literature on the therapeutic modulation of the KP in the dysregulated GBA in SMI and comorbidities, and the potential application of psychedelics to address the altered KP in the brain and systemic dysfunction underlying SMI and comorbidities. Psychedelics might therapeutically modulate the KP in the altered GBA in SMI and comorbidities either directly, via altering the metabolic pathway by influencing the rate-limiting enzymes of the KP and affecting the levels of available tryptophan, or indirectly, by affecting the gut microbiome, gut metabolome, metabolism, and the immune system. Despite promising preliminary evidence, the mechanisms and outcomes of the KP modulation with psychedelics in SMI and systemic comorbidities remain largely unknown and require further investigation. Several concerns are discussed surrounding the potential side effects of this approach in specific cohorts of individuals with SMI and systemic comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Inserra
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stefano Comai
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, PD, Italy.; IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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3
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Stone TW, Darlington LG, Badawy AAB, Williams RO. The Complex World of Kynurenic Acid: Reflections on Biological Issues and Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9040. [PMID: 39201726 PMCID: PMC11354734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169040] [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: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been unequivocally established that kynurenic acid has a number of actions in a variety of cells and tissues, raising, in principle, the possibility of targeting its generation, metabolism or sites of action to manipulate those effects to a beneficial therapeutic end. However, many basic aspects of the biology of kynurenic acid remain unclear, potentially leading to some confusion and misinterpretations of data. They include questions of the source, generation, targets, enzyme expression, endogenous concentrations and sites of action. This essay is intended to raise and discuss many of these aspects as a source of reference for more balanced discussion. Those issues are followed by examples of situations in which modulating and correcting kynurenic acid production or activity could bring significant therapeutic benefit, including neurological and psychiatric conditions, inflammatory diseases and cell protection. More information is required to obtain a clear overall view of the pharmacological environment relevant to kynurenic acid, especially with respect to the active concentrations of kynurenine metabolites in vivo and changed levels in disease. The data and ideas presented here should permit a greater confidence in appreciating the sites of action and interaction of kynurenic acid under different local conditions and pathologies, enhancing our understanding of kynurenic acid itself and the many clinical conditions in which manipulating its pharmacology could be of clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK;
| | - L. Gail Darlington
- Worthing Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing BN11 2DH, UK
| | - Abdulla A.-B. Badawy
- Formerly School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK
| | - Richard O. Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK;
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Brouwer A, Carhart‐Harris RL, Raison CL. Psychotomimetic compensation versus sensitization. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2024; 12:e1217. [PMID: 38923845 PMCID: PMC11194300 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
It is a paradox that psychotomimetic drugs can relieve symptoms that increase risk of and cooccur with psychosis, such as attention and motivational deficits (e.g., amphetamines), pain (e.g., cannabis) and symptoms of depression (e.g., psychedelics, dissociatives). We introduce the ideas of psychotomimetic compensation and psychotomimetic sensitization to explain this paradox. Psychotomimetic compensation refers to a short-term stressor or drug-induced compensation against stress that is facilitated by engagement of neurotransmitter/modulator systems (endocannabinoid, serotonergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic) that mediate the effects of common psychotomimetic drugs. Psychotomimetic sensitization occurs after repeated exposure to stress and/or drugs and is evidenced by the gradual intensification and increase of psychotic-like experiences over time. Theoretical and practical implications of this model are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Brouwer
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, School of Human EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Robin L. Carhart‐Harris
- Department of Neurology and PsychiatryUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Charles L. Raison
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Public HealthUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Vail Health Behavioral Health Innovation CenterVailColoradoUSA
- Center for the Study of Human HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Spiritual HealthEmory University Woodruff Health Sciences CenterAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Montgomery TL, Peipert D, Krementsov DN. Modulation of multiple sclerosis risk and pathogenesis by the gut microbiota: Complex interactions between host genetics, bacterial metabolism, and diet. Immunol Rev 2024; 325:131-151. [PMID: 38717158 PMCID: PMC11338732 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, affecting nearly 2 million people worldwide. The etiology of MS is multifactorial: Approximately 30% of the MS risk is genetic, which implies that the remaining ~70% is environmental, with a number of factors proposed. One recently implicated risk factor for MS is the composition of the gut microbiome. Numerous case-control studies have identified changes in gut microbiota composition of people with MS (pwMS) compared with healthy control individuals, and more recent studies in animal models have begun to identify the causative microbes and underlying mechanisms. Here, we review some of these mechanisms, with a specific focus on the role of host genetic variation, dietary inputs, and gut microbial metabolism, with a particular emphasis on short-chain fatty acid and tryptophan metabolism. We put forward a model where, in an individual genetically susceptible to MS, the gut microbiota and diet can synergize as potent environmental modifiers of disease risk and possibly progression, with diet-dependent gut microbial metabolites serving as a key mechanism. We also propose that specific microbial taxa may have divergent effects in individuals carrying distinct variants of MS risk alleles or other polymorphisms, as a consequence of host gene-by-gut microbiota interactions. Finally, we also propose that the effects of specific microbial taxa, especially those that exert their effects through metabolites, are highly dependent on the host dietary intake. What emerges is a complex multifaceted interaction that has been challenging to disentangle in human studies, contributing to the divergence of findings across heterogeneous cohorts with differing geography, dietary preferences, and genetics. Nonetheless, this provides a complex and individualized, yet tractable, model of how the gut microbiota regulate susceptibility to MS, and potentially progression of this disease. Thus, we conclude that prophylactic or therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiome to prevent or treat MS will require a careful and personalized consideration of host genetics, baseline gut microbiota composition, and dietary inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L. Montgomery
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Dan Peipert
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Dimitry N. Krementsov
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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Mohammadgholi-Beiki A, Sheibani M, Jafari-Sabet M, Motevalian M, Rahimi-Moghaddam P. Anti-inflammatory and protective effects of Aripiprazole on TNBS-Induced colitis and associated depression in rats: Role of kynurenine pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112158. [PMID: 38691917 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112158] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of depression is higher in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population. Inflammatory cytokines and the kynurenine pathway (KP) play important roles in IBD and associated depression. Aripiprazole (ARP), an atypical antipsychotic, shows various anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful in treating major depressive disorder. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of ARP on TNBS-induced colitis and subsequent depression in rats, highlighting the role of the KP. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-six male Wistar rats were used, and all groups except for the normal and sham groups received a single dose of intra-rectal TNBS. Three different doses of ARP and dexamethasone were injected intraperitoneally for two weeks in treatment groups. On the 15th day, behavioral tests were performed to evaluate depressive-like behaviors. Colon ulcer index and histological changes were assessed. The tissue levels of inflammatory cytokines, KP markers, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB), and zonula occludens (ZO-1) were evaluated in the colon and hippocampus. RESULTS TNBS effectively induced intestinal damages and subsequent depressive-like symptoms in rats. TNBS treatment significantly elevated the intestinal content of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB expression, dysregulated the KP markers balance in both colon and hippocampus tissues, and increased the serum levels of LPS. However, treatment with ARP for 14 days successfully reversed these alterations, particularly at higher doses. CONCLUSION ARP could alleviate IBD-induced colon damage and associated depressive-like behaviors mainly via suppressing inflammatory cytokines activity, serum LPS concentration, and affecting the NF-κB/kynurenine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Sheibani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Jafari-Sabet
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Manijeh Motevalian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Bernardus Saayman JL, Harvey BH, Wegener G, Brink CB. Sildenafil, alone and in combination with imipramine or escitalopram, display antidepressant-like effects in an adrenocorticotropic hormone-induced (ACTH) rodent model of treatment-resistant depression. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 969:176434. [PMID: 38458412 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176434] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) represents a challenge with high prevalence and limited effectiveness of existing treatments, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Innovative strategies and alternative drug targets are therefore necessary. Sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, is known to exert neuroplastic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and is a promising antidepressant drug candidate. AIM To investigate whether sildenafil monotherapy or in combination with a known antidepressant, can elicit antidepressant-like effects in an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-induced rodent model of TRD. METHODS ACTH-naïve and ACTH-treated male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received various sub-acute drug treatments, followed by behavioural tests and biochemical analyses conversant with antidepressant actions. RESULTS Sub-chronic ACTH treatment induced significant depressive-like behaviour in rats, evidenced by increased immobility during the forced swim test (FST). Sub-acute sildenafil (10 mg/kg) (SIL-10) (but not SIL-3), and combinations of imipramine (15 mg/kg) (IMI-15) and sildenafil (3 mg/kg) (SIL-3) or escitalopram (15 mg/kg) (ESC-15) and SIL-3, exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects. ACTH treatment significantly elevated hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin, norepinephrine, kynurenic acid (KYNUA), quinolinic acid (QUINA), and glutathione. The various mono- and combined treatments significantly reversed some of these changes, whereas IMI-15 + SIL-10 significantly increased glutathione disulfide levels. ESC-15 + SIL-3 significantly reduced plasma corticosterone levels. CONCLUSION This study suggests that sildenafil shows promise as a treatment for TRD, either as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with a traditional antidepressant. The neurobiological mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like effects of the different sildenafil mono- and combination therapies reflects a multimodal action and cannot be explained in full by changes in the individually measured biomarker levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juandré Lambertus Bernardus Saayman
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Brian Herbert Harvey
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience on Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Christiaan Beyers Brink
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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8
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Tan Y, Xu M, Lin D. Review of research progress on intestinal microbiota based on metabolism and inflammation for depression. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:146. [PMID: 38462572 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03866-z] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a prevalent mental illness, affecting a significant portion of the global population. Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of the gut microbiota in both metabolic and central nervous health. By reviewing literature from various databases, including Pubmed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus, spanning the years 2005-2023, a comprehensive search was conducted using keywords such as "Depression" and "Gut Microbiota". The gut microbiota acts as a "second brain" in humans and can communicate bidirectionally with the brain through the Brain-gut-microbiota axis pathway. This communication involves the immune and nervous systems. However, there are challenges in detecting and treating depression effectively. To address these limitations, researchers have been exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and depression. Studies have shown that gut microbial metabolites, such as lipopolysaccharides and short-chain fatty acids, can induce pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to neuroinflammation and increase the risk of depression. The kynurenine pathway, triggered by gut microbial metabolites, has also been associated with neuroinflammation. Thus, investigating these microbial metabolites can provide insights into depression treatment. This review focuses on analyzing the connection between gut microbial metabolites, inflammation, and depression. It explores novel mechanisms contributing to depression, specifically focusing on the mediation of inflammation through the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The objective is to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying depression and to propose potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Tan
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Faculty of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Danzhou, 571700, Hainan, China
| | - Mengyu Xu
- Faculty of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Danzhou, 571700, Hainan, China
| | - Deng Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine, Guangzhou, 511466, Guangdong, China.
- Beijing Research Center for Chinese Classic Science and Technology, Beijing, 102425, China.
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Ilavská L, Morvová M, Paduchová Z, Muchová J, Garaiova I, Ďuračková Z, Šikurová L, Trebatická J. The kynurenine and serotonin pathway, neopterin and biopterin in depressed children and adolescents: an impact of omega-3 fatty acids, and association with markers related to depressive disorder. A randomized, blinded, prospective study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1347178. [PMID: 38414497 PMCID: PMC10896889 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1347178] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorder is a severe mental condition. In addition to genetic factors, immunological-inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and disturbances in neurotransmitter metabolism, kynurenine and serotonin pathways may play a role. The exact mechanisms, especially in depressed children and adolescents, are not fully understood. Our primary hypothesis was whether the metabolites of tryptophan degradation in children and adolescents with depressive disorder might be influenced by omega-3 FAs compared to omega-6 FAs during a 12-week supplementation. A secondary hypothesis was to investigate whether tryptophan metabolites in children and adolescents are associated with markers of inflammatory response, oxidative stress, cortisol, and the serum omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio. Metabolites of tryptophan degradation and pteridines, neopterin, and biopterin in urine were analyzed with an HPLC system. Surprisingly, omega-3 FAs stimulated both kynurenine (kynurenine/tryptophan ratio) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptophan) pathways, whereas omega-6 FAs only increased the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio. Neopterin and biopterin were not different from the healthy controls. Biopterin increased after omega-3 FA supplementation. Serotonin was positively correlated with lipoperoxidation and a marker of oxidative protein damage. Of the monitored tryptophan metabolites, only 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid was positively correlated with the severity of depression, total cholesterol, and negatively with brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glutathione peroxidase. In conclusion, in children and adolescents, both supplemented FAs stimulated the kynurenine pathway (kynurenine/tryptophan ratio) and kynurenine formation. However, the serotonin pathway (5-hydroxytryptophan) was stimulated only by omega-3 FA. Tryptophan metabolism is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, total cholesterol, and cortisol. We are the first to point out the association between the kynurenine pathway (KYN/TRP ratio) and the omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio. The metabolite 5-HIAA could play a role in the pathophysiology of depressive disorder in children and adolescents. Clinical Trial Registration https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN81655012, identifier ISRCTN81655012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Ilavská
- Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marcela Morvová
- Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Paduchová
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Muchová
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Iveta Garaiova
- Research and Development Department, Cultech Ltd., Port Talbot, United Kingdom
| | - Zdenka Ďuračková
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Libuša Šikurová
- Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Trebatická
- Department of Paediatric Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University and The National Institute of Children's Diseases, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Sheibani M, Shayan M, Khalilzadeh M, Soltani ZE, Jafari-Sabet M, Ghasemi M, Dehpour AR. Kynurenine pathway and its role in neurologic, psychiatric, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:10409-10425. [PMID: 37848760 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08859-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan metabolism along the kynurenine pathway is of central importance for the immune function. It prevents hyperinflammation and induces long-term immune tolerance. Accumulating evidence also demonstrates cytoprotective and immunomodulatory properties of kynurenine pathway in conditions affecting either central or peripheral nervous system as well as other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although multilevel association exists between the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and various neurologic (e.g., neurodegenerative) disorders, it is believed that the kynurenine pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of both IBD and neurodegenerative disorders. In this setting, there is strong evidence linking the gut-brain axis with intestinal dysfunctions including IBD which is consistent with the fact that the risk of neurodegenerative diseases is higher in IBD patients. This review aims to highlight the role of kynurenine metabolic pathway in various neurologic and psychiatric diseases as well as relationship between IBD and neurodegenerative disorders in the light of the kynurenine metabolic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sheibani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Razi Drug Research Centre, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shayan
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Khalilzadeh
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Ebrahim Soltani
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Jafari-Sabet
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Razi Drug Research Centre, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01803, USA.
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Wang X, Xia Y, Yan R, Sun H, Huang Y, Zou H, Du Y, Hua L, Tang H, Zhou H, Yao Z, Lu Q. The sex differences in anhedonia in major depressive disorder: A resting-state fMRI study. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:555-566. [PMID: 37591350 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The external behavioural manifestations and internal neural mechanisms of anhedonia are sexually dimorphic. This study aimed to explore the sex differences in the regional brain neuroimaging features of anhedonia in the context of major depressive disorder (MDD). METHOD The resting-fMRI by applying amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) method was estimated in 414 patients with MDD (281 high anhedonia [HA], 133 low anhedonia [LA]) and 213 healthy controls (HC). The effects of two factors in patients with MDD were analysed using a 2 (sex: male, female) × 2 (group: HA, LA) ANOVA concerning the brain regions in which statistical differences were identified between patients with MDD and HC. We followed up with patients with HA at baseline, and 43 patients completed a second fMRI scan in remission. Paired t-test was performed to compare the ALFF values of anhedonia-related brain regions between the baseline and remission periods. RESULTS For the sex-by-group interaction, the bilateral insula, right hippocampus, right post cingulum cortex, and left putamen showed significant differences. Furthermore, the abnormally elevated ALFF values in anhedonia-related brain regions at baseline decreased in remission. CONCLUSION Our findings point to the fact that the females showed unique patterns of anhedonia-related brain activity compared to males, which may have clinical implications for interfering with the anhedonia symptoms in MDD. Using task fMRI, we can further examine the distinct characteristics between consumption anhedonia and anticipation anhedonia in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Wang
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yi Xia
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Rui Yan
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hao Sun
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China; Nanjing Brain Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yinghong Huang
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China; Nanjing Brain Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Haowen Zou
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China; Nanjing Brain Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yishan Du
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Lingling Hua
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hao Tang
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hongliang Zhou
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zhijian Yao
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 264 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China; Nanjing Brain Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing 210093, China; School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 sipailou, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Qing Lu
- School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 sipailou, Nanjing 210096, China; Child Development and Learning Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210096, China.
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12
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Parolisi S, Montanari C, Borghi E, Cazzorla C, Zuvadelli J, Tosi M, Barone R, Bensi G, Bonfanti C, Dionisi Vici C, Biasucci G, Burlina A, Carbone MT, Verduci E. Possible role of tryptophan metabolism along the microbiota-gut-brain axis on cognitive & behavioral aspects in Phenylketonuria. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106952. [PMID: 37804926 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106952] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive and psychiatric disorders are well documented across the lifetime of patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). Gut microbiota impacts behavior and cognitive functions through the gut-brain axis (GBA). According to recent research, a broad spectrum of GBA disorders may be influenced by a perturbed Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and are associated with alterations in composition or function of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, early-life diets may influence children's neurodevelopment and cognitive deficits in adulthood. In Phenylketonuria (PKU), since the main therapeutic intervention is based on a life-long restrictive diet, important alterations of gut microbiota have been observed. Studies on PKU highlight the impact of alterations of gut microbiota on the central nervous system (CNS), also investigating the involvement of metabolic pathways, such as Trp and kynurenine (KYN) metabolisms, involved in numerous neurodegenerative disorders. An alteration of Trp metabolism with an imbalance of the KYN pathway towards the production of neurotoxic metabolites implicated in numerous neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases has been observed in PKU patients supplemented with Phe-free amino acid medical foods (AA-MF). The present review investigates the possible link between gut microbiota and the brain in IEMs, focusing on Trp metabolism in PKU. Considering the evidence collected, cognitive and behavioral well-being should always be monitored in routine IEMs clinical management. Further studies are required to evaluate the possible impact of Trp metabolism, through gut microbiota, on cognitive and behavioral functions in IEMs, to identify innovative dietetic strategies and improve quality of life and mental health of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Parolisi
- UOSD Metabolic Diseases, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Montanari
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Cazzorla
- Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, DIDAS Department of Diagnostic Services, University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Juri Zuvadelli
- Clinical Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Tosi
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Barone
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico "G.Rodolico-San Marco", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Bensi
- Paediatrics & Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Cristina Bonfanti
- Rare metabolic disease unit, Pediatric Department, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Paediatrics & Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Alberto Burlina
- Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, DIDAS Department of Diagnostic Services, University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria T Carbone
- UOSD Metabolic Diseases, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Yildirim V, Simsek S, Cetin I, Dokuyucu R. Kynurenine, Kynurenic Acid, Quinolinic Acid and Interleukin-6 Levels in the Serum of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1906. [PMID: 38003955 PMCID: PMC10673218 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59111906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: It is known that inflammatory processes play a role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is also reported that immune activation induces the kynurenine pathway (KP), as known as the tryptophan destruction pathway. In our study, we aimed to investigate whether the serum levels of KP products and interleukin (IL)-6 activating indolamine 2-3 dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme are different in healthy developing children and children with ASD. Materials and Methods: Forty-three ASD children aged 2-9 were included in this study. Forty-two healthy developing children, similar to the patient group in terms of age and gender, were selected as the control group. Serum levels of kynurenic acid, kynurenine, quinolinic acid and IL-6 were analyzed using the ELISA method. ASD severity was evaluated with the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Results: The mean age of children with ASD was 42.4 ± 20.5 months, and that of healthy controls was 48.1 ± 15.8 months. While the serum levels of kynurenic acid, kynurenine and interleukin-6 were higher in the group with ASD (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in terms of the quinolinic acid level. There was no significant difference between the ABC total and subscale scores of children with ASD and biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We conclude that these biomarkers must be measured in all ASD cases. They may be important for the diagnosis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veli Yildirim
- Special Clinic, Department of Child Psychiatry, Yenişehir, Mersin 33110, Turkey;
| | - Seref Simsek
- Special Clinic, Department of Child Psychiatry, Antalya 07000, Turkey;
| | - Ihsan Cetin
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Batman University, Batman 72040, Turkey;
| | - Recep Dokuyucu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Atlas University, Istanbul 34413, Turkey
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14
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Ou W, Chen Y, Ju Y, Ma M, Qin Y, Bi Y, Liao M, Liu B, Liu J, Zhang Y, Li L. The kynurenine pathway in major depressive disorder under different disease states: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 339:624-632. [PMID: 37467793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.078] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A disruption of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway may exist in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the changing pattern of the KYN pathway across the different disease states in MDD is unclear. Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to examine the differences in KYN metabolites between patients in the current episode of MDD (cMDD) and patients in remission (rMDD), as well as the changes after treatments. METHODS Literature was systematically searched from electronic databases, from inception up to September 2022. Random-effect models were used to quantify the differences in KYN metabolites between patients with MDD across acute depressive episode and remission phases, as well as the changes after treatments. RESULTS Fifty-one studies involving 7056 participants were included. Tryptophan (TRP), KYN, kynurenic acid (KYNA), KYNA/quinolinic acid (QA), KYNA/3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), and KYNA/KYN were significantly lower, while KYN/TRP was significantly higher in patients with cMDD. Moreover, these effect sizes were generally larger in medication-free patients. No significant differences were found between patients with rMDD and HCs. Additionally, KYNA was found negatively correlated with depression severity and significantly increased after treatments, while the alteration was not found in QA. LIMITATIONS The number of included studies of patients with rMDD and longitudinal studies investigating the change of the KYN metabolites after treatment with antidepressants was limited. In addition, the heterogeneity across included studies was relatively high. CONCLUSIONS These findings showed a comprehensive image of the unique dysfunction pattern of the KYN pathway across different MDD states and highlighted KYNA as a potentially sensitive biomarker of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Ou
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yumeng Ju
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Mohan Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqi Qin
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Bi
- Xiangya Medical School, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mei Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Bangshan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Lingjiang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
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15
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Monchaux de Oliveira C, Morael J, Guille A, Amadieu C, Vancassel S, Gaudout D, Capuron L, Pourtau L, Castanon N. Saffron extract interferes with lipopolysaccharide-induced brain activation of the kynurenine pathway and impairment of monoamine neurotransmission in mice. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1267839. [PMID: 37867499 PMCID: PMC10585275 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1267839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although activation of inflammatory processes is essential to fight infections, its prolonged impact on brain function is well known to contribute to the pathophysiology of many medical conditions, including neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, identifying novel strategies to selectively counter the harmful effects of neuroinflammation appears as a major health concern. In that context, this study aimed to test the relevance of a nutritional intervention with saffron, a spice known for centuries for its beneficial effect on health. Methods For this purpose, the impact of an acute oral administration of a standardized saffron extract, which was previously shown to display neuromodulatory properties and reduce depressive-like behavior, was measured in mice challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 830 μg/kg, ip). Results Pretreatment with saffron extract (6.5 mg/kg, per os) did not reduce LPS-induced sickness behavior, preserving therefore this adaptive behavioral response essential for host defense. However, it interfered with delayed changes of expression of cytokines, chemokines and markers of microglial activation measured 24 h post-LPS treatment in key brain areas for behavior and mood control (frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum). Importantly, this pretreatment also counteracted by that time the impact of LPS on several neurobiological processes contributing to inflammation-induced emotional alterations, in particular the activation of the kynurenine pathway, assessed through the expression of its main enzymes, as well as concomitant impairment of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Conclusion Altogether, this study provides important clues on how saffron extract interferes with brain function in conditions of immune stimulation and supports the relevance of saffron-based nutritional interventions to improve the management of inflammation-related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Monchaux de Oliveira
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
- Activ’Inside, Beychac-et-Caillau, France
| | - Jennifer Morael
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexandrine Guille
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Camille Amadieu
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sylvie Vancassel
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Lucile Capuron
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Nathalie Castanon
- INRAE, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux IPB, Bordeaux, France
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16
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Yang D, Zhou H, Pu J, Liu Y, Gui S, Wang D, Tao X, Li Z, Zhong X, Tao W, Chen W, Chen X, Chen Y, Chen X, Xie P. Integrated pathway and network analyses of metabolomic alterations in peripheral blood of patients with depression. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2199-2209. [PMID: 37300637 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01244-0] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a serious mental illness, but the molecular mechanisms of depression remain unclear. Previous research has reported metabolomic changes in the blood of patients with depression, while integrated analysis based on these altered metabolites was still lacking. The objective of this study was to integrate metabolomic changes to reveal the underlying molecular alternations of depression. We retrieved altered metabolites in the blood of patients with depression from the MENDA database. Pathway analysis was conducted to explore enriched pathways based on candidate metabolites. Pathway crosstalk analysis was performed to explore potential correlations of these enriched pathways, based on their shared candidate metabolites. Moreover, potential interactions of candidate metabolites with other biomolecules such as proteins were assessed by network analysis. A total of 854 differential metabolite entries were retrieved in peripheral blood of patients with depression, including 555 unique candidate metabolites. Pathway analysis identified 215 significantly enriched pathways, then pathway crosstalk analysis revealed that these pathways were clustered into four modules, including amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, energy metabolism and others. Additionally, eight molecular networks were identified in the molecular network analysis. The main functions of these networks involved amino acid metabolism, molecular transport, inflammatory responses and others. Based on integrated analysis, our study revealed pathway-based modules and molecular networks associated with depression. These results will contribute to the underlying knowledge of the molecular mechanisms in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Haipeng Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Juncai Pu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yiyun Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Siwen Gui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Dongfang Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiangkun Tao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhuocan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiaogang Zhong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wei Tao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiaopeng Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yue Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Peng Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- The Jin Feng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
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17
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Ben-Porat T, Alberga A, Audet MC, Belleville S, Cohen TR, Garneau PY, Lavoie KL, Marion P, Mellah S, Pescarus R, Rahme E, Santosa S, Studer AS, Vuckovic D, Woods R, Yousefi R, Bacon SL. Understanding the impact of radical changes in diet and the gut microbiota on brain function and structure: rationale and design of the EMBRACE study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2023; 19:1000-1012. [PMID: 37088645 DOI: 10.1016/j.soard.2023.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery leads to profound changes in gut microbiota and dietary patterns, both of which may interact to impact gut-brain communication. Though cognitive function improves postsurgery, there is a large variability in outcomes. How bariatric surgery-induced modifications in the gut microbiota and dietary patterns influence the variability in cognitive function is still unclear. OBJECTIVES To elucidate the associations between bariatric surgery-induced changes in dietary and gut microbiota patterns with cognition and brain structure. SETTING University hospital. METHODS A total of 120 adult patients (≥30 years) scheduled to undergo a primary bariatric surgery along with 60 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched patients on the surgery waitlist will undergo assessments 3-months presurgery and 6- and 12-month postsurgery (or an equivalent time for the waitlist group). Additionally, 60 age-and sex-matched nonbariatric surgery eligible individuals will complete the presurgical assessments only. Evaluations will include sociodemographic and health behavior questionnaires, physiological assessments (anthropometrics, blood-, urine-, and fecal-based measures), neuropsychological cognitive tests, and structural magnetic resonance imaging. Cluster analyses of the dietary and gut microbiota changes will define the various dietary patterns and microbiota profiles, then using repeated measures mixed models, their associations with global cognitive and structural brain alterations will be explored. RESULTS The coordinating study site (Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, QC, Canada), provided the primary ethical approval (Research Ethics Board#: MP-32-2022-2412). CONCLUSIONS The insights generated from this study can be used to develop individually-targeted neurodegenerative disease prevention strategies, as well as providing critical mechanistic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tair Ben-Porat
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre (MBMC), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Quebec, Canada
| | - Angela Alberga
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Audet
- School of Nutrition Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sylvie Belleville
- Research centre of the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-CSMTL), Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tamara R Cohen
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pierre Y Garneau
- Division of Bariatric Surgery, CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Kim L Lavoie
- Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre (MBMC), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université du Québec a Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patrick Marion
- Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre (MBMC), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Quebec, Canada
| | - Samira Mellah
- Research centre of the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-CSMTL), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Radu Pescarus
- Division of Bariatric Surgery, CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Elham Rahme
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvia Santosa
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Metabolism, Obesity and Nutrition Lab, PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Research Centre, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Studer
- Division of Bariatric Surgery, CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Dajana Vuckovic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robbie Woods
- Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre (MBMC), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Reyhaneh Yousefi
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre (MBMC), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Quebec, Canada
| | - Simon L Bacon
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre (MBMC), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Quebec, Canada.
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18
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Liu Z, Jin L, Ma Z, Nizhamuding X, Zeng J, Zhang T, Zhang J, Zhou W, Zhang C. Abnormal kynurenine-pathway metabolites in gout: Biomarkers exploration based on orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 549:117531. [PMID: 37673380 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117531] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate serological characteristics of kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites in healthy controls (HC) and gout patients and explore possible differential metabolites. METHODS A total of 191 individual fresh residual sera was collected from 129 HC and 62 gout patients. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was fully validated to measure 6 metabolites, including tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), kynurenic acid (KA), xanthurenic acid (XA), and neopterin (NEO). Supervised orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and differential metabolite screening with fold change (FC) were performed to identify intrinsic variations and differential levels of KP metabolites between the HC and gout groups. Logistic regression was used to assess the contributions of KP metabolites to gout. RESULTS There were significant decreases of TRP, 5HT, XA, and NEO and increases of KYN, KA, KA/KYN, and KYN/TRP in gout patients compared to the HC group (all p < 0.05). KP metabolites of the gout group showed good discrimination from those of the HC group (Q2: 0.892). Two distinct different metabolites were identified in gout, i.e., XA (FC: 0.56, p < 0.01) and NEO (FC: 0.34, p < 0.01). Of the KP metabolites, KYN was strongly associated with gout (OR: 7.91, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal levels of serum KP metabolites were observed in gout. XA and NEO are promising biomarkers that were relevant to the status of gout. The level of KYN could be an attractive checkpoint for the management of gout. Continuous monitoring of KP metabolism in gout provides new opportunities to predict therapeutic efficacy and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenni Liu
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lizi Jin
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zijia Ma
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaerbanu Nizhamuding
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jie Zeng
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China
| | - Tianjiao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiangtao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China
| | - Weiyan Zhou
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China.
| | - Chuanbao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
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19
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Wang S, van Schooten FJ, Jin H, Jonkers D, Godschalk R. The Involvement of Intestinal Tryptophan Metabolism in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Identified by a Meta-Analysis of the Transcriptome and a Systematic Review of the Metabolome. Nutrients 2023; 15:2886. [PMID: 37447212 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence is emerging for the role of intestinal tryptophan metabolism in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In order to identify the role of altered intestinal tryptophan metabolism in IBD pathogenesis, a meta-analysis of the transcriptome was performed to identify differentially expressed genes involved in the tryptophan metabolism pathways in intestinal biopsies of IBD as compared to non-IBD controls. Moreover, a systematic review of the metabolome was performed to identify the concurrent changes in tryptophan metabolites. Integration of the transcriptome and metabolome identified various alterations in intestinal tryptophan metabolism during active disease in IBD patients, including decreased intestinal tryptophan absorption, enhanced kynurenine pathway, increased interstitial serotonin availability, changed indole pathway, and activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling. Therefore, a network of intestinal tryptophan metabolism pathways in IBD could be established, helping to assess the potential of genes and metabolites involved in these pathways as diagnostic markers and targets for IBD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik-Jan van Schooten
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Han Jin
- Department of Pathology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+), 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daisy Jonkers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Gastroenterology-Hepatology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Roger Godschalk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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20
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Savonije K, Meek A, Weaver DF. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase as a Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease and Geriatric Depression. Brain Sci 2023; 13:852. [PMID: 37371332 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroimmune-triggered neuroinflammation of the central nervous system is emerging as an important aetiopathogenic factor for multiple neurological disorders, including depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and others. Tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenic pathway, which is initiated by the indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1) enzyme, is a key regulator of the neuroimmune system and its associated neuroinflammatory effects. As discussed in this review, targeting the production of immunopathic and potentially neurotoxic kynurenine metabolites by inhibitory downregulation of IDO-1 may prove a viable target against inflammation-induced neurological conditions, particularly depression and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Savonije
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Autumn Meek
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Donald F Weaver
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Departments of Chemistry and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
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21
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Paul ER, Östman L, Heilig M, Mayberg HS, Hamilton JP. Towards a multilevel model of major depression: genes, immuno-metabolic function, and cortico-striatal signaling. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:171. [PMID: 37208333 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological assay and imaging techniques have made visible a great deal of the machinery of mental illness. Over fifty years of investigation of mood disorders using these technologies has identified several biological regularities in these disorders. Here we present a narrative connecting genetic, cytokine, neurotransmitter, and neural-systems-level findings in major depressive disorder (MDD). Specifically, we connect recent genome-wide findings in MDD to metabolic and immunological disturbance in this disorder and then detail links between immunological abnormalities and dopaminergic signaling within cortico-striatal circuitry. Following this, we discuss implications of reduced dopaminergic tone for cortico-striatal signal conduction in MDD. Finally, we specify some of the flaws in the current model and propose ways forward for advancing multilevel formulations of MDD most efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth R Paul
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lars Östman
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - J Paul Hamilton
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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22
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Siddiqui F, Gallagher D, Shuster-Hyman H, Lopez L, Gauthier-Fisher A, Librach CL. First trimester human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVC) modulate the kynurenine pathway and glutamate neurotransmission in an LPS-induced mouse model of neuroinflammation. J Inflamm (Lond) 2023; 20:15. [PMID: 37127610 PMCID: PMC10152638 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-023-00340-3] [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: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Kynurenine Pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation and glutamate toxicity is implicated in several neurological disorders, including depression. The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), owing to their well documented phagocytosis-driven mechanism of immunomodulation and neuroprotection, has been tested in many neurological disorders. However, their potential to influence KP and the glutamatergic system has not yet been investigated. Hence, this study sought to investigate the effect of HUCPVC, a rich and potent source of MSC, on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated KP metabolites, KP enzymes, and key components of glutamate neurotransmission. METHODS The immunomodulatory effect of peripherally administered HUCPVC on the expression profile of kynurenine pathway metabolites and enzymes was assessed in the plasma and brain of mice treated with LPS using LCMS and QPCR. An assessment of the glutamatergic system, including selected receptors, transporters and related proteins was also conducted by QPCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS HUCPVC were found to modulate LPS-induced activation of KP enzymes and metabolites in the brain associated with neurotoxicity. Moreover, the reduced expression of the glutamatergic components due to LPS was also found to be significantly improved by HUCPVC. CONCLUSIONS The immunomodulatory properties of HUCPVC appear to confer neuroprotection, at least in part, through their ability to modulate the KP in the brain. This KP modulation enhances neuroprotective regulators and downregulates neurotoxic consequences, including glutamate neurotoxicity, which is associated with neuroinflammation and depressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fyyaz Siddiqui
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada.
| | - Denis Gallagher
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada
| | - Hannah Shuster-Hyman
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lianet Lopez
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada
| | | | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toronto, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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23
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Tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic characterization in the gut and brain of depressive-like rats induced by chronic restraint stress. J Affect Disord 2023; 328:273-286. [PMID: 36746244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence revealed the role of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, especially its kynurenine pathway (KP), in the communication along the gut-brain axis. However, the underlying characterization of such interaction was not precise. In the present study, the rat depression model was induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS). After depression behavior tests, seven segments (cortex, hippocampus, striatum, hypothalamus, serum, cecum, and colon) along the gut-brain axis were collected to characterize their KP metabolism. mRNA expression of IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-10 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) enzyme revealed a general inflammatory response and region-specific activated IDO1 along the gut-brain axis. Determination of KP metabolites and enzymes displayed a general KP activation with region-specificity, especially in the hippocampus and colon, where the changes were more pronounced. KYN and 3-HK were increased dramatically along the gut-brain axis; hippocampal KA revealed a significant decrease while colonic KA showed a notable increase, evidenced by the same alternation trends of the corresponding enzymes. The expression of quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT), the crucial enzyme to produce NAD+ from QA, was significantly upregulated in the gut but not changed in the brain. Pearson's correlation analysis suggested that kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxycaninuric acid (3-HK), serotonin (5-HT), TRP and kynurenic acid (KA) significantly correlated with depressive behaviors in rats. Furthermore, western blot analysis on nod-like receptor protein 3/2 (NLRP3/NLRP2) inflammasome signaling displayed that NLRP3 and cleaved IL-1β/caspase-1 were significantly activated in the hippocampus and colon of CRS rats. However, NLRP2 was only activated in the hippocampus. These results revealed CRS induced inflammatory responses along the brain-gut axis of rats might be controlled through the NLRP3/NLRP2 inflammasome signaling pathway, which may be the underlying regulator for CRS-induced TRP-KYN metabolic changes. This study provides a new experimental background for developing stress-related health products.
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24
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Johnston JN, Greenwald MS, Henter ID, Kraus C, Mkrtchian A, Clark NG, Park LT, Gold P, Zarate CA, Kadriu B. Inflammation, stress and depression: An exploration of ketamine's therapeutic profile. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103518. [PMID: 36758932 PMCID: PMC10050119 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Well-established animal models of depression have described a proximal relationship between stress and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation - a relationship mirrored in the peripheral inflammatory biomarkers of individuals with depression. Evidence also suggests that stress-induced proinflammatory states can contribute to the neurobiology of treatment-resistant depression. Interestingly, ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant, can partially exert its therapeutic effects via anti-inflammatory actions on the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, the kynurenine pathway or by cytokine suppression. Further investigations into the relationship between ketamine, inflammation and stress could provide insight into ketamine's unique therapeutic mechanisms and stimulate efforts to develop rapid-acting, anti-inflammatory-based antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenessa N Johnston
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Maximillian S Greenwald
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ioline D Henter
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christoph Kraus
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anahit Mkrtchian
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Neil G Clark
- US School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lawrence T Park
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Philip Gold
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bashkim Kadriu
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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25
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VanderZwaag J, Halvorson T, Dolhan K, Šimončičová E, Ben-Azu B, Tremblay MÈ. The Missing Piece? A Case for Microglia's Prominent Role in the Therapeutic Action of Anesthetics, Ketamine, and Psychedelics. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1129-1166. [PMID: 36327017 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03772-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
There is much excitement surrounding recent research of promising, mechanistically novel psychotherapeutics - psychedelic, anesthetic, and dissociative agents - as they have demonstrated surprising efficacy in treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as mood disorders and addiction. However, the mechanisms by which these drugs provide such profound psychological benefits are still to be fully elucidated. Microglia, the CNS's resident innate immune cells, are emerging as a cellular target for psychiatric disorders because of their critical role in regulating neuroplasticity and the inflammatory environment of the brain. The following paper is a review of recent literature surrounding these neuropharmacological therapies and their demonstrated or hypothesized interactions with microglia. Through investigating the mechanism of action of psychedelics, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide, ketamine, and propofol, we demonstrate a largely under-investigated role for microglia in much of the emerging research surrounding these pharmacological agents. Among others, we detail sigma-1 receptors, serotonergic and γ-aminobutyric acid signalling, and tryptophan metabolism as pathways through which these agents modulate microglial phagocytic activity and inflammatory mediator release, inducing their therapeutic effects. The current review includes a discussion on future directions in the field of microglial pharmacology and covers bidirectional implications of microglia and these novel pharmacological agents in aging and age-related disease, glial cell heterogeneity, and state-of-the-art methodologies in microglial research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared VanderZwaag
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Torin Halvorson
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kira Dolhan
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eva Šimončičová
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Benneth Ben-Azu
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Institute for Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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26
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Chojnacki C, Gąsiorowska A, Popławski T, Konrad P, Chojnacki M, Fila M, Blasiak J. Beneficial Effect of Increased Tryptophan Intake on Its Metabolism and Mental State of the Elderly. Nutrients 2023; 15:847. [PMID: 36839204 PMCID: PMC9961537 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The elderly often suffer from sleep disorders and depression, which contribute to mood disorders. In our previous work, we showed that elderly individuals with mood disorders had a lower intake of TRP and recommended a TRP-based dietary intervention to improve the mental state of such individuals. In this work, we assessed the impact of a TRP-rich diet on the mental state of, and TRP metabolism in, elderly individuals with mood disorders. Forty elderly individuals with depression and sleep disorders and an equal number of elderly subjects without mood disorders were enrolled in this study. TRP intake was evaluated with the nutrition calculator. Patients with mood disorders had a lower TRP intake than their normal counterparts and received a TRP-rich diet with TRP content of 25 mg per kilogram of the body per day for 12 weeks. The mental state was assessed before and after this dietary intervention with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). At those times, urinary levels of TRP and its metabolites 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), L-kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and quinolinic acid (QA) were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and related to creatinine level. After TRP-based dietary intervention, the score of ISI and HAM-D decreased by more than half. A correlation analysis reveals that TRP, 5-HIAA, and KYNA might have anti-depressive action, while KYN and QA-pro-depressive. The levels of TRP, 5-HIAA, and KYNA in urine of mood disorder patients increased, while the levels of KYN and QA decreased. In conclusion, dietary consumption of adequate amount of tryptophan has a beneficial effect on mental health of the elderly with mood disorders and improves metabolism of this amino acid. Therefore, a TRP-enriched diet may be considered as a component of the treatment of elderly individuals with mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cezary Chojnacki
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anita Gąsiorowska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Popławski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Konrad
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Chojnacki
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Michal Fila
- Department of Developmental Neurology and Epileptology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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27
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Yang C, Liao C, Zhao J, Guan Q, Wang G, Han Q. Dysregulation of tryptophan metabolism and distortion of cell signaling after oral exposure to ethanol and Kynurenic acid. Gene 2023; 852:147061. [PMID: 36423775 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147061] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA), an unavoidable tryptophan metabolite during fermentation is naturally blended with alcohol in all alcoholic beverages. Thus, alcohol drinking inevitably results in co-intake of KYNA. Effects of alcohol or KYNA on human health have been widely studied. However, the combined effects of both remain unknown. Here we report that alcohol and KYNA have a synergistic impact of on global gene expression, especially the gene sets related to tryptophan metabolism and cell signaling. Adult mice were exposed to alcohol (ethanol) and/or KYNA daily for a week. Transcriptomes of the brain, kidney and liver were profiled via bulk RNA sequencing. Results indicate that while KYNA alone largely promotes, and alcohol alone mostly inhibits gene expression, alcohol and KYNA co-administration has a stronger inhibition of global gene expression. Tryptophan metabolism is severely skewed towards kynurenine pathway by decreasing tryptophan hydroxylase 2 and increasing tryptophan dioxygenase. Quantification of tryptophan metabolic enzymes corroborates the transcriptional changes of these enzymes. Furthermore, the co-administration greatly enhances the GnRH signaling pathway. This research provides critical data to better understand the effects of alcohol and KYNA in mix on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Yang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Chenghong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Qingfeng Guan
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Guoshun Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
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28
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Bao C, Huang J, Wu H, Ma Y, Zhou H, Chen L, Yang D, Liu H, Shi Y, Lu Y. Moxibustion alleviates depression-like behavior in rats with Crohn's disease by inhibiting the kynurenine pathway metabolism in the gut-brain axis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1019590. [PMID: 36570839 PMCID: PMC9768219 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1019590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Moxibustion is a potential therapy for inflammatory bowel disease-related depression, but its specific mechanism of action is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which moxibustion alleviates depressive behavior in rats with Crohn's disease (CD). Methods The CD rat model was established with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Treatment with moxibustion was applied to Tianshu (ST25, bilateral), Qihai (CV6), and Baihui (GV20) acupoints, and the effect of moxibustion was compared with that of the combination of moxibustion plus indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor, 1-methyltryptophan (1-MT). The effects of moxibustion and moxibustion plus 1-MT combination on colonic inflammation and depressive behavior (assessed by forced swimming test, sucrose preference test, and open field test) were investigated. The changes in IDO1, TNF-α, and IL-1β in rat colon and hippocampus were assessed by Western blot (WB). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence staining, and WB were applied to detect kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites, hippocampal neuronal activity, and microglia activation, respectively. Results Both moxibustion and moxibustion plus 1-MT combination significantly alleviated intestinal inflammation and depressive behavior, downregulated the levels of IDO1 in the colon and hippocampus, and inhibited inflammation-inducing factors IL-1β and TNF-α, as well as the kynurenine/tryptophan (KYN/TRP) ratio of KP metabolites, and upregulated the kynurenic acid (KYNA)/KYN ratio and the KYNA/quinolinic acid (QUIN) ratio in the hippocampus in rats with CD; Hippocampal ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1), c-fos protein expression, activated microglia, and neuronal activation was also significantly reduced by moxibustion and moxibustion plus 1-MT. The addition of 1-MT did not significantly increase the therapeutic effect of moxibustion. Conclusion Moxibustion can improve depressive behavior in rats with CD, which may be related to its regulation of KP metabolism in the gut-brain axis and inhibition of hippocampal microglia activation and neuronal activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Bao
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huangan Wu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueying Ma
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liming Chen
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huirong Liu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin Shi
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yin Shi,
| | - Yuan Lu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Yuan Lu,
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Yun Y, Zhang Q, Zhao W, Ma T, Fan H, Bai L, Ma B, Qi S, Wang Z, An H, Yang F. Relationship between the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway and painful physical symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder. J Psychosom Res 2022; 163:111069. [PMID: 36335711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.111069] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between the tryptophan-kynurenine (TRP-KYN) pathway and painful physical symptoms (PPS) in major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS Eighty-four patients with MDD (40 patients with PPS and 44 without PPS) and forty-six healthy controls (HC) were recruited. The serum levels of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine(KYN), kynurenic acid (KA), quinolinic acid (QA), 3-hydroxy-kynurenine (3-HK), serotonin (5-HT) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Depression, anxiety and pain were assessed using Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SFMPQ) respectively. RESULTS Patients in the MDD group exhibited significantly lower KA and 5-HT levels than HC, whereas MDD patients with PPS showed higher KYN and QA levels, and a higher KYN/TRP ratio than those without. There was a positive correlation between the scores of SFMPQ and QA levels and a negative correlation between the scores of SFMPQ and TRP levels or KA/QA ratios in MDD patients with PPS group. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the KYN/TRP ratios, the KA/QA ratios, and the HAMD scores were significant predictor factors for SFMPQ scores. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that the TRP-KYN pathway may play a role in the pathophysiology of pain in patients with major depressive disorder, suggesting that further studies of this pathway as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Yun
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Wuxi Mental Health Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Wenxuan Zhao
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Ma
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongzhen Fan
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyuan Bai
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Botao Ma
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Siyuan Qi
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiren Wang
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Huimei An
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Fude Yang
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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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
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Milić J. How to design a reliable and practical biomarker: the electrophysiologic coefficient of depressiveness - δEPCD. Biomarkers 2022; 27:711-714. [PMID: 36196689 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2022.2122565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Milić
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia, Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Centar for Informatics and Biostatistics in Health Care
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32
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Almulla AF, Thipakorn Y, Vasupanrajit A, Tunvirachaisakul C, Oxenkrug G, Al-Hakeim HK, Maes M. The Tryptophan Catabolite or Kynurenine Pathway in a Major Depressive Episode with Melancholia, Psychotic Features and Suicidal Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cells 2022; 11:3112. [PMID: 36231075 PMCID: PMC9563030 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) with melancholia and psychotic features and suicidal behaviors are accompanied by activated immune-inflammatory and oxidative pathways, which may stimulate indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway resulting in increased tryptophan degradation and elevated tryptophan catabolites (TRYCTAs). The purpose of the current study is to systematically review and meta-analyze levels of TRP, its competing amino acids (CAAs) and TRYCATs in patients with severe affective disorders. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar and SciFinder were searched in the present study and we recruited 35 studies to examine 4647 participants including 2332 unipolar (MDD) and bipolar (BD) depressed patients and 2315 healthy controls. Severe patients showed significant lower (p < 0.0001) TRP (standardized mean difference, SMD = -0.517, 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.735; -0.299) and TRP/CAAs (SMD = -0.617, CI: -0.957; -0.277) levels with moderate effect sizes, while no significant difference in CAAs were found. Kynurenine (KYN) levels were unaltered in severe MDD/BD phenotypes, while the KYN/TRP ratio showed a significant increase only in patients with psychotic features (SMD = 0.224, CI: 0.012; 0.436). Quinolinic acid (QA) was significantly increased (SMD = 0.358, CI: 0.015; 0.701) and kynurenic acid (KA) significantly decreased (SMD = -0.260, CI: -0.487; -0.034) in severe MDD/BD. Patients with affective disorders with melancholic and psychotic features and suicidal behaviors showed normal IDO enzyme activity but a lowered availability of plasma/serum TRP to the brain, which is probably due to other processes such as low albumin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas F. Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf 31001, Iraq
| | - Yanin Thipakorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Asara Vasupanrajit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chavit Tunvirachaisakul
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Gregory Oxenkrug
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Hussein K. Al-Hakeim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Kufa, Kufa 54002, Iraq
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- School of Medicine, Barwon Health, IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia
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Savitz J, Ford BN, Yeh HW, Akeman E, Cosgrove K, Clausen AN, Martell C, Kirlic N, Santiago J, Teague TK, Irwin MR, Paulus MP, Aupperle RL. Behavioral activation therapy for depression is associated with a reduction in the concentration of circulating quinolinic acid. Psychol Med 2022; 52:2500-2509. [PMID: 33234171 PMCID: PMC8144244 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720004389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An inflammation-induced imbalance in the kynurenine pathway (KP) has been reported in major depressive disorder but the utility of these metabolites as predictive or therapeutic biomarkers of behavioral activation (BA) therapy is unknown. METHODS Serum samples were provided by 56 depressed individuals before BA therapy and 29 of these individuals also provided samples after 10 weeks of therapy to measure cytokines and KP metabolites. The PROMIS Depression Scale (PROMIS-D) and the Sheehan Disability Scale were administered weekly and the Beck depression inventory was administered pre- and post-therapy. Data were analyzed with linear mixed-effect, general linear, and logistic regression models. The primary outcome for the biomarker analyses was the ratio of kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid (KynA/QA). RESULTS BA decreased depression and disability scores (p's < 0.001, Cohen's d's > 0.5). KynA/QA significantly increased at post-therapy relative to baseline (p < 0.001, d = 2.2), an effect driven by a decrease in QA post-therapy (p < 0.001, uncorrected, d = 3.39). A trend towards a decrease in the ratio of kynurenine to tryptophan (KYN/TRP) was also observed (p = 0.054, uncorrected, d = 0.78). Neither the change in KynA/QA, nor baseline KynA/QA were associated with response to BA therapy. CONCLUSION The current findings together with previous research show that electronconvulsive therapy, escitalopram, and ketamine decrease concentrations of the neurotoxin, QA, raise the possibility that a common therapeutic mechanism underlies diverse forms of anti-depressant treatment but future controlled studies are needed to test this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa OK
| | - Bart N. Ford
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
| | | | | | - Kelly Cosgrove
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa OK
| | - Ashley N. Clausen
- Kansas City VA Healthcare System, Kansas City, MO
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO
| | - Christopher Martell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst
| | - Namik Kirlic
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
| | | | - T. Kent Teague
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Tulsa, OK
| | - Michael R. Irwin
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology at UCLA, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Martin P. Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa OK
| | - Robin L. Aupperle
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa OK
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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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ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN DEPRESSION: UNDERSTANDING MOLECULAR PATHWAYS, RECENT RESEARCH, AND FUTURE DIRECTION. Behav Brain Res 2022; 436:114081. [PMID: 36037843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gut microbiota, also known as the "second brain" in humans because of the regulatory role it has on the central nervous system via neuronal, chemical and immune pathways. It has been proven that there exists a bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. Increasing evidence supports that this crosstalk is linked to the etiology and treatment of depression. Reports suggest that the gut microbiota control the host epigenetic machinery in depression and gut dysbiosis causes negative epigenetic modifications via mechanisms like histone acetylation, DNA methylation and non-coding RNA mediated gene inhibition. The gut microbiome can be a promising approach for the management of depression. The diet and dietary metabolites like kynurenine, tryptophan, and propionic acid also greatly influence the microbiome composition and thereby, the physiological activities. This review gives a bird-eye view on the pathological updates and currently used treatment approaches targeting the gut microbiota in depression.
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Tryptophan-rich diet ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress induced depression- and anxiety-like behavior in mice: The potential involvement of gut-brain axis. Food Res Int 2022; 157:111289. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Doney E, Cadoret A, Dion‐Albert L, Lebel M, Menard C. Inflammation-driven brain and gut barrier dysfunction in stress and mood disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:2851-2894. [PMID: 33876886 PMCID: PMC9290537 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of emotions is generally associated exclusively with the brain. However, there is evidence that peripheral systems are also involved in mood, stress vulnerability vs. resilience, and emotion-related memory encoding. Prevalence of stress and mood disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder is increasing in our modern societies. Unfortunately, 30%-50% of individuals respond poorly to currently available treatments highlighting the need to further investigate emotion-related biology to gain mechanistic insights that could lead to innovative therapies. Here, we provide an overview of inflammation-related mechanisms involved in mood regulation and stress responses discovered using animal models. If clinical studies are available, we discuss translational value of these findings including limitations. Neuroimmune mechanisms of depression and maladaptive stress responses have been receiving increasing attention, and thus, the first part is centered on inflammation and dysregulation of brain and circulating cytokines in stress and mood disorders. Next, recent studies supporting a role for inflammation-driven leakiness of the blood-brain and gut barriers in emotion regulation and mood are highlighted. Stress-induced exacerbated inflammation fragilizes these barriers which become hyperpermeable through loss of integrity and altered biology. At the gut level, this could be associated with dysbiosis, an imbalance in microbial communities, and alteration of the gut-brain axis which is central to production of mood-related neurotransmitter serotonin. Novel therapeutic approaches such as anti-inflammatory drugs, the fast-acting antidepressant ketamine, and probiotics could directly act on the mechanisms described here improving mood disorder-associated symptomatology. Discovery of biomarkers has been a challenging quest in psychiatry, and we end by listing promising targets worth further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Doney
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuroscienceFaculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research CenterUniversité LavalQCCanada
| | - Alice Cadoret
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuroscienceFaculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research CenterUniversité LavalQCCanada
| | - Laurence Dion‐Albert
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuroscienceFaculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research CenterUniversité LavalQCCanada
| | - Manon Lebel
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuroscienceFaculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research CenterUniversité LavalQCCanada
| | - Caroline Menard
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuroscienceFaculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research CenterUniversité LavalQCCanada
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Zou Y, Grigorian A, Karthikeyan S, Goldstein BI. Elevated C-reactive protein among symptomatic youth with bipolar disorder. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:645-652. [PMID: 35574908 PMCID: PMC9127784 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221093796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Increased levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with mood symptoms in adults with bipolar disorder (BD). The few studies on this topic in youth with BD have not included controls. We, therefore, examined CRP levels in relation to symptomatic status in youth with and without BD. METHODS Participants included 154 youth (mean age 17 years; 48 asymptomatic BD, 39 symptomatic BD, 67 healthy controls (HC)). Rank analysis of covariance test examined group differences in CRP, controlling for age and sex. Correlation between CRP and mood symptom severity was examined using Spearman's correlation within the BD group. RESULTS There were significant group differences in CRP levels (F(2,151) = 5.06, p = 0.007, ηp2=0.06); post hoc analyses showed higher CRP levels in the symptomatic BD group compared with HC (p = 0.01). In sensitivity analyses, this finding was no longer significant after controlling for body mass index (BMI). CRP was not significantly associated with symptomatic severity. CONCLUSIONS CRP levels are elevated among symptomatic youth with BD, partly related to BMI. As elevated BMI is associated with mood symptom burden, prospective studies are warranted to parse the associations among mood symptoms, BMI, and inflammation. Given the proportion of time that youth with BD are symptomatic, present findings raise concern about the long-term impact of elevated CRP on blood vessels, brain, and related clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zou
- Department of Pharmacology &
Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder,
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anahit Grigorian
- Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder,
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sudhir Karthikeyan
- Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder,
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin I Goldstein
- Department of Pharmacology &
Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder,
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of
Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Benjamin I Goldstein, Centre for Youth
Bipolar Disorder, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way,
Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada.
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Meier TB, Savitz J. The Kynurenine Pathway in Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Psychiatric Outcomes. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:449-458. [PMID: 34266671 PMCID: PMC8630076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an established risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, especially depression and anxiety. However, the mechanistic pathways underlying this risk remain unclear, limiting treatment options and hindering the identification of clinically useful biomarkers. One salient pathophysiological process implicated in both primary psychiatric disorders and TBI is inflammation. An important consequence of inflammation is the increased breakdown of tryptophan to kynurenine and, subsequently, the metabolism of kynurenine into several neuroactive metabolites, including the neurotoxic NMDA receptor agonist quinolinic acid and the neuroprotective NMDA receptor antagonist kynurenic acid. Here, we review studies of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in TBI and examine their potential clinical implications. The weight of the literature suggests that there is increased production of neurotoxic kynurenines such as quinolinic acid in TBI of all severities and that elevated quinolinic acid concentrations in both the cerebrospinal fluid and blood are a negative prognostic indicator, being associated with death, magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, increased depressive and anxiety symptoms, and prolonged recovery. We hypothesize that an imbalance in KP metabolism is also one molecular pathway through which the TBI-induced neurometabolic cascade may predispose to the development of psychiatric sequelae. If this model is correct, KP metabolites could serve to predict who is likely to develop psychiatric illness while drugs that target the KP could help to prevent or treat depression and anxiety arising in the context of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy B. Meier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Corresponding author: Timothy Meier, PhD, 414-955-7310, , Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma,Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
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Paul ER, Schwieler L, Erhardt S, Boda S, Trepci A, Kämpe R, Asratian A, Holm L, Yngve A, Dantzer R, Heilig M, Hamilton JP, Samuelsson M. Peripheral and central kynurenine pathway abnormalities in major depression. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:136-145. [PMID: 34999196 PMCID: PMC9045681 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable data relate major depressive disorder (MDD) with aberrant immune system functioning. Pro-inflammatory cytokines facilitate metabolism of tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway (KP) putatively resulting in reduced neuroprotective and increased neurotoxic KP metabolites in MDD, in addition to modulating metabolic and immune function. This central nervous system hypothesis has, however, only been tested in the periphery. Here, we measured KP-metabolite levels in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of depressed patients (n = 63/36 respectively) and healthy controls (n = 48/33). Further, we assessed the relation between KP abnormalities and brain-structure volumes, as well as body mass index (BMI), an index of metabolic disturbance associated with atypical depression. Plasma levels of picolinic acid (PIC), the kynurenic/quinolinic acid ratio (KYNA/QUIN), and PIC/QUIN were lower in MDD, but QUIN levels were increased. In the CSF, we found lower PIC in MDD. Confirming previous work, MDD patients had lower hippocampal, and amygdalar volumes. Hippocampal and amygdalar volumes were correlated positively with plasma KYNA/QUIN ratio in MDD patients. BMI was increased in the MDD group relative to the control group. Moreover, BMI was inversely correlated with plasma and CSF PIC and PIC/QUIN, and positively correlated with plasma QUIN levels in MDD. Our results partially confirm previous peripheral KP findings and extend them to the CSF in MDD. We present the novel finding that abnormalities in KP metabolites are related to metabolic disturbances in depression, but the relation between KP metabolites and depression-associated brain atrophy might not be as direct as previously hypothesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth R Paul
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Boda
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ada Trepci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robin Kämpe
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Asratian
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lovisa Holm
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Adam Yngve
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Dantzer
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | - J Paul Hamilton
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Martin Samuelsson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
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Prevention of Stress-Induced Depressive-like Behavior by Saffron Extract Is Associated with Modulation of Kynurenine Pathway and Monoamine Neurotransmission. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122155. [PMID: 34959434 PMCID: PMC8709346 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders are a major public health concern. Despite currently available treatment options, their prevalence steadily increases, and a high rate of therapeutic failure is often reported, together with important antidepressant-related side effects. This highlights the need to improve existing therapeutic strategies, including by using nutritional interventions. In that context, saffron recently received particular attention for its beneficial effects on mood, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study investigated in mice the impact of a saffron extract (Safr’Inside™; 6.25 mg/kg, per os) on acute restraint stress (ARS)-induced depressive-like behavior and related neurobiological alterations, by focusing on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, inflammation-related metabolic pathways, and monoaminergic systems, all known to be altered by stress and involved in depressive disorder pathophysiology. When given before stress onset, Safr’Inside administration attenuated ARS-induced depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. Importantly, it concomitantly reversed several stress-induced monoamine dysregulations and modulated the expression of key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway, likely reducing kynurenine-related neurotoxicity. These results show that saffron pretreatment prevents the development of stress-induced depressive symptoms and improves our understanding about the underlying mechanisms, which is a central issue to validate the therapeutic relevance of nutritional interventions with saffron in depressed patients.
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Bou Khalil R, El Khoury R. δ EPCD: the electrophysiologic coefficient of depressiveness. Biomarkers 2021; 26:752-759. [PMID: 34664533 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2021.1995497] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite research advances, recently identified biological markers for depression are either non-specific or impractical in daily clinical practice. Hence, we aim to identify a novel biomarker: δEPCD, the electrophysiologic coefficient of depressiveness. δEPCD must be sensitive and specific to the vulnerability towards depression. It should also detect the presence of a depressive clinical state and be able to quantify its severity. Moreover, it should be easily accessible and cost-effective. Accordingly, combining high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), which reflects a reduction in vagal tone, and tryptophan metabolism, which influences serotonin synthesis pathway, may have a good diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in depression. δEPCD is the multiplication of the intrinsic difference between state 0 (rest) and state 1 (exposure to stress) of HF-HRV and the plasma concentration ratio between quinolinic acid and kynurenine. δEPCD theoretically fluctuates between -1000 and 0 where being closer to 0 signifies no vulnerability to depression. Individuals with a score between -16.7 and -167 have a high vulnerability to depression. Finally, individuals with a δEPCD closer to -1000 have the most severe forms of depression. δEPCD is theoretically conceived to be easy to assess and monitor which makes it a candidate for further evaluation of reliability and validity.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEDepression is currently diagnosed based on emotional and behavioural symptoms; however there is currently a rising interest in the field of neurobiological markers that could improve diagnostic accuracy.Many current biological approaches are primarily based on single neurobiological markers that are either non-specific or impractical in daily clinical practice.Among other neurological effects, depression may modify the parasympathetic nervous system tone and disturb the tryptophan metabolism.The electrophysiological coefficient of depressiveness δEPCD combines heart rate variability (HRV) and tryptophan metabolism to reflect the intrinsic individual vulnerability towards depression and the inherent severity of an index depressive disorder.δEPCD is the intrinsic difference between state 0 (without stress) and state 1 (exposed to a stressful task) of the high-frequency heart rate variability multiplied by the intrinsic difference between both states, e.g. state 0 and 1, of the plasma concentration ratio of quinolinic acid over kynurenine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Bou Khalil
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Psychiatry, Hotel Dieu de France hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rhéa El Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Psychiatry, Hotel Dieu de France hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
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Wyckelsma VL, Trepci A, Schwieler L, Venckunas T, Brazaitis M, Kamandulis S, Paulauskas H, Gapeyeva H, Pääsuke M, Gastaldello S, Imbeault S, Westerblad H, Erhardt S, Andersson DC. Vitamin C and E Treatment Blocks Changes in Kynurenine Metabolism Triggered by Three Weeks of Sprint Interval Training in Recreationally Active Elderly Humans. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091443. [PMID: 34573075 PMCID: PMC8465740 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is gaining attention in several clinical fields. Recent studies show that physical exercise offers a therapeutic way to improve ratios of neurotoxic to neuroprotective KP metabolites. Antioxidant supplementation can blunt beneficial responses to physical exercise. We here studied the effects of endurance training in the form of sprint interval training (SIT; three sessions of 4–6 × 30 s cycling sprints per week for three weeks) in elderly (~65 years) men exposed to either placebo (n = 9) or the antioxidants vitamin C (1 g/day) and E (235 mg/day) (n = 11). Blood samples and muscle biopsies were taken under resting conditions in association with the first (untrained state) and last (trained state) SIT sessions. In the placebo group, the blood plasma level of the neurotoxic quinolinic acid was lower (~30%) and the neuroprotective kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid ratio was higher (~50%) in the trained than in the untrained state. Moreover, muscle biopsies showed a training-induced increase in kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) III in the placebo group. All these training effects were absent in the vitamin-treated group. In conclusion, KP metabolism was shifted towards neuroprotection after three weeks of SIT in elderly men and this shift was blocked by antioxidant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L. Wyckelsma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.L.W.); (A.T.); (L.S.); (S.G.); (S.I.); (H.W.); (S.E.)
| | - Ada Trepci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.L.W.); (A.T.); (L.S.); (S.G.); (S.I.); (H.W.); (S.E.)
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.V.); (M.B.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.L.W.); (A.T.); (L.S.); (S.G.); (S.I.); (H.W.); (S.E.)
| | - Tomas Venckunas
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.V.); (M.B.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
| | - Marius Brazaitis
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.V.); (M.B.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
| | - Sigitas Kamandulis
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.V.); (M.B.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
| | - Henrikas Paulauskas
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.V.); (M.B.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
| | - Helena Gapeyeva
- Clinic of Medical Rehabilitation, Inpatient Rehabilitation Centre, East Tallinn Central Hospital, 10138 Tallinn, Estonia;
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Mati Pääsuke
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Stefano Gastaldello
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.L.W.); (A.T.); (L.S.); (S.G.); (S.I.); (H.W.); (S.E.)
| | - Sophie Imbeault
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.L.W.); (A.T.); (L.S.); (S.G.); (S.I.); (H.W.); (S.E.)
| | - Håkan Westerblad
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.L.W.); (A.T.); (L.S.); (S.G.); (S.I.); (H.W.); (S.E.)
- Institute of Sports Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.V.); (M.B.); (S.K.); (H.P.)
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.L.W.); (A.T.); (L.S.); (S.G.); (S.I.); (H.W.); (S.E.)
| | - Daniel C. Andersson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (V.L.W.); (A.T.); (L.S.); (S.G.); (S.I.); (H.W.); (S.E.)
- Cardiology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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Ely BA, Nguyen TNB, Tobe RH, Walker AM, Gabbay V. Multimodal Investigations of Reward Circuitry and Anhedonia in Adolescent Depression. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:678709. [PMID: 34366915 PMCID: PMC8345280 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.678709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a highly prevalent condition with devastating personal and public health consequences that often first manifests during adolescence. Though extensively studied, the pathogenesis of depression remains poorly understood, and efforts to stratify risks and identify optimal interventions have proceeded slowly. A major impediment has been the reliance on an all-or-nothing categorical diagnostic scheme based solely on whether a patient endorses an arbitrary number of common symptoms for a sufficiently long period. This approach masks the well-documented heterogeneity of depression, a disorder that is highly variable in presentation, severity, and course between individuals and is frequently comorbid with other psychiatric conditions. In this targeted review, we outline the limitations of traditional diagnosis-based research and instead advocate an alternative approach centered around symptoms as unique dimensions of clinical dysfunction that span across disorders and more closely reflect underlying neurobiological abnormalities. In particular, we highlight anhedonia-the reduced ability to anticipate and experience pleasure-as a specific, quantifiable index of reward dysfunction and an ideal candidate for dimensional investigation. Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression but also a salient feature of numerous other conditions, and its severity varies widely within clinical and even healthy populations. Similarly, reward dysfunction is a hallmark of depression but is evident across many psychiatric conditions. Reward function is especially relevant in adolescence, a period characterized by exaggerated reward-seeking behaviors and rapid maturation of neural reward circuitry. We detail extensive work by our research group and others to investigate the neural and systemic factors contributing to reward dysfunction in youth, including our cumulative findings using multiple neuroimaging and immunological measures to study depressed adolescents but also trans-diagnostic cohorts with diverse psychiatric symptoms. We describe convergent evidence that reward dysfunction: (a) predicts worse clinical outcomes, (b) is associated with functional and chemical abnormalities within and beyond the neural reward circuitry, (c) is linked to elevated peripheral levels of inflammatory biomarkers, and (d) manifests early in the course of illness. Emphasis is placed on high-resolution neuroimaging techniques, comprehensive immunological assays, and data-driven analyses to fully capture and characterize the complex, interconnected nature of these systems and their contributions to adolescent reward dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A. Ely
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Tram N. B. Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Russell H. Tobe
- Department of Clinical Research, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Audrey M. Walker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Vilma Gabbay
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Clinical Research, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
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Mithaiwala MN, Santana-Coelho D, Porter GA, O’Connor JC. Neuroinflammation and the Kynurenine Pathway in CNS Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Cells 2021; 10:1548. [PMID: 34205235 PMCID: PMC8235708 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) remain a significant health, social and economic problem around the globe. The development of therapeutic strategies for CNS conditions has suffered due to a poor understanding of the underlying pathologies that manifest them. Understanding common etiological origins at the cellular and molecular level is essential to enhance the development of efficacious and targeted treatment options. Over the years, neuroinflammation has been posited as a common link between multiple neurological, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Processes that precipitate neuroinflammatory conditions including genetics, infections, physical injury and psychosocial factors, like stress and trauma, closely link dysregulation in kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan metabolism as a possible pathophysiological factor that 'fuel the fire' in CNS diseases. In this study, we aim to review emerging evidence that provide mechanistic insights between different CNS disorders, neuroinflammation and the KP. We provide a thorough overview of the different branches of the KP pertinent to CNS disease pathology that have therapeutic implications for the development of selected and efficacious treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa N. Mithaiwala
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.M.); (D.S.-C.); (G.A.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Mail Code 8864, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Danielle Santana-Coelho
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.M.); (D.S.-C.); (G.A.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Mail Code 8864, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Grace A. Porter
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.M.); (D.S.-C.); (G.A.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Mail Code 8864, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Jason C. O’Connor
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.M.); (D.S.-C.); (G.A.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Mail Code 8864, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Research, Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, South Texas Veterans Heath System, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Chen LM, Bao CH, Wu Y, Liang SH, Wang D, Wu LY, Huang Y, Liu HR, Wu HG. Tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism: a link between the gut and brain for depression in inflammatory bowel disease. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:135. [PMID: 34127024 PMCID: PMC8204445 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02175-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which mainly includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a group of chronic bowel diseases that are characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. IBD is strongly associated with depression, and its patients have a higher incidence of depression than the general population. Depression also adversely affects the quality of life and disease prognosis of patients with IBD. The tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathway degrades more than 90% of tryptophan (TRP) throughout the body, with indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the key metabolic enzyme, being activated in the inflammatory environment. A series of metabolites of the pathway are neurologically active, among which kynerunic acid (KYNA) and quinolinic acid (QUIN) are molecules of great interest in recent studies on the mechanisms of inflammation-induced depression. In this review, the relationship between depression in IBD and the tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathway is overviewed in the light of recent publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ming Chen
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110 Ganhe Road, Shanghai, 200437, China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 650 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Chun-Hui Bao
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110 Ganhe Road, Shanghai, 200437, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 650 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Yu Wu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110 Ganhe Road, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Shi-Hua Liang
- Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Nettelbosje 2, Groningen, 9747 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Di Wang
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110 Ganhe Road, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Lu-Yi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 650 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 650 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hui-Rong Liu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110 Ganhe Road, Shanghai, 200437, China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 650 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Huan-Gan Wu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110 Ganhe Road, Shanghai, 200437, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 650 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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Sandi D, Fricska-Nagy Z, Bencsik K, Vécsei L. Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms of Silent Progression, Biomarkers and Neuroprotective Therapy-Kynurenines Are Important Players. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113423. [PMID: 34198750 PMCID: PMC8201043 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is one of the driving forces behind the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Progression without activity, pathopsychological disturbances (cognitive impairment, depression, fatigue) and even optic neuropathy seems to be mainly routed in this mechanism. In this article, we aim to give a comprehensive review of the clinical aspects and symptomology, radiological and molecular markers and potential therapeutic targets of neurodegeneration in connection with MS. As the kynurenine pathway (KP) was evidenced to play an important role in the pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative conditions (even implied to have a causative role in some of these diseases) and more and more recent evidence suggest the same central role in the neurodegenerative processes of MS as well, we pay special attention to the KP. Metabolites of the pathway are researched as biomarkers of the disease and new, promising data arising from clinical evaluations show the possible therapeutic capability of KP metabolites as neuroprotective drugs in MS. Our conclusion is that the kynurenine pathway is a highly important route of research both for diagnostic and for therapeutic values and is expected to yield concrete results for everyday medicine in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dániel Sandi
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (D.S.); (Z.F.-N.); (K.B.)
| | - Zsanett Fricska-Nagy
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (D.S.); (Z.F.-N.); (K.B.)
| | - Krisztina Bencsik
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (D.S.); (Z.F.-N.); (K.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (D.S.); (Z.F.-N.); (K.B.)
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-384; Fax: +36-62-545-597
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Zádor F, Joca S, Nagy-Grócz G, Dvorácskó S, Szűcs E, Tömböly C, Benyhe S, Vécsei L. Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Potential Links between the Endocannabinoid System and the Kynurenine Pathway in Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115903. [PMID: 34072767 PMCID: PMC8199129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use/abuse is one of the main causes of depressive symptoms. Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids in particular gained significant popularity in the past years. There is an increasing amount of clinical data associating such compounds with the inflammatory component of depression, indicated by the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are also well-known to regulate the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway (KP), which is responsible for metabolizing tryptophan, a precursor in serotonin synthesis. Enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels may over-activate the KP, leading to tryptophan depletion and reduced serotonin levels, which can subsequently precipitate depressive symptoms. Therefore, such mechanism might represent a possible link between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the KP in depression, via the inflammatory and dysregulated serotonergic component of the disorder. This review will summarize the data regarding those natural and synthetic cannabinoids that increase pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the data on such cytokines associated with KP activation will be further reviewed accordingly. The interaction of the ECS and the KP has been postulated and demonstrated in some studies previously. This review will further contribute to this yet less explored connection and propose the KP to be the missing link between cannabinoid-induced inflammation and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Zádor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Gábor Nagy-Grócz
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Edina Szűcs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
- Doctoral School of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-351
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The kynurenine pathway in major depression: What we know and where to next. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:917-927. [PMID: 34029552 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Major depression is a serious psychiatric disorder, occurring in up to 20 % of the population. Despite its devastating burden, the neurobiological changes associated with depression are not fully understood. A growing body of evidence suggests the kynurenine pathway is implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. In this review, we bring together the literature examining elements of the kynurenine pathway in depression and explore the implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of depression, while highlighting the gaps in the current knowledge. Current research indicates an increased potential for neurotoxic activity of the kynurenine pathway in peripheral blood samples but an increased activation of the putative neuroprotective arm in some brain regions in depression. The disconnect between these findings requires further investigation, with a greater research effort on elucidating the central effects of the kynurenine pathway in driving depression symptomology. Research investigating the benefits of targeting the kynurenine pathway centred on human brain findings and the heterogenous subtypes of depression will help guide the identification of effective drug targets in depression.
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Coplan JD, George R, Syed SA, Rozenboym AV, Tang JE, Fulton SL, Perera TD. Early Life Stress and the Fate of Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:636144. [PMID: 33994977 PMCID: PMC8117097 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.636144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) precedes alterations to neuro-immune activation, which may mediate an increased risk for stress-related psychiatric disorders, potentially through alterations of central kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites, the latter being relatively unexplored. We hypothesized that ELS in a non-human primate model would lead to a reduction of neuroprotective and increases of neurotoxic KP metabolites. Twelve adult female bonnet macaques reared under conditions of maternal variable foraging demand (VFD) were compared to 27 age- and weight-matched non-VFD-exposed female controls. Baseline behavioral observations of social affiliation were taken over a 12-week period followed by the first cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample. Subjects were then either exposed to a 12-week repeated separation paradigm (RSP) or assigned to a “no-RSP” condition followed by a second CSF. We used high-performance liquid chromatography for kynurenine (KYN), tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, kynurenic acid (KYNA), and anthranilic acid (ANTH) as a proxy for quinolinic acid determination. At baseline, social affiliation scores were reduced in VFD-reared versus control subjects. CSF log KYNA and log KYNA/KYN ratio were lower in VFD-reared versus control subjects. CSF log KYNA/KYN was positively correlated with CSF log ANTH in VFD only (r = 0.82). Controlling for log KYNA/KYN, log ANTH was elevated in VFD-reared subjects versus controls. CSF log KYNA/KYN obtained post-RSP was positively correlated with mean social affiliation scores during RSP, specifically in VFD. ELS is associated with a reduced neuroprotective and increased neurotoxic pathway products. That the two contrasting processes are paradoxically correlated following ELS suggests a cross-talk between two opposing KP enzymatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Coplan
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Roza George
- Firstox Laboratories, Irving, TX, United States
| | - Shariful A Syed
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Annalam V Rozenboym
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kingsborough Community College, CUNY, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Jean E Tang
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sasha L Fulton
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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