1
|
Bertollo AG, Mingoti MED, Ignácio ZM. Neurobiological mechanisms in the kynurenine pathway and major depressive disorder. Rev Neurosci 2024:revneuro-2024-0065. [PMID: 39245854 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2024-0065] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that has damage to people's quality of life. Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin, a critical neurotransmitter in mood modulation. In mammals, most free tryptophan is degraded by the kynurenine pathway (KP), resulting in a range of metabolites involved in inflammation, immune response, and neurotransmission. The imbalance between quinolinic acid (QA), a toxic metabolite, and kynurenic acid (KynA), a protective metabolite, is a relevant phenomenon involved in the pathophysiology of MDD. Proinflammatory cytokines increase the activity of the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), leading to the degradation of tryptophan in the KP and an increase in the release of QA. IDO activates proinflammatory genes, potentiating neuroinflammation and deregulating other physiological mechanisms related to chronic stress and MDD. This review highlights the physiological mechanisms involved with stress and MDD, which are underlying an imbalance of the KP and discuss potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gollo Bertollo
- Laboratory of Physiology, Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Maiqueli Eduarda Dama Mingoti
- Laboratory of Physiology, Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Zuleide Maria Ignácio
- Laboratory of Physiology, Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ishikawa M, Yamamoto Y, Wulaer B, Kunisawa K, Fujigaki H, Ando T, Kimura H, Kushima I, Arioka Y, Torii Y, Mouri A, Ozaki N, Nabeshima T, Saito K. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 deficiency associates with autism-like behavior via dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction. FEBS J 2024; 291:945-964. [PMID: 38037233 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17019] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2) is an enzyme of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway that is constitutively expressed in the brain. To provide insight into the physiological role of IDO2 in the brain, behavioral and neurochemical analyses in IDO2 knockout (KO) mice were performed. IDO2 KO mice showed stereotyped behavior, restricted interest and social deficits, traits that are associated with behavioral endophenotypes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). IDO2 was colocalized immunohistochemically with tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in dopaminergic neurons. In the striatum and amygdala of IDO2 KO mice, decreased dopamine turnover was associated with increased α-synuclein level. Correspondingly, levels of downstream dopamine D1 receptor signaling molecules such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and c-Fos positive proteins were decreased. Furthermore, decreased abundance of ramified-type microglia resulted in increased dendritic spine density in the striatum of IDO2 KO mice. Both chemogenetic activation of dopaminergic neurons and treatment with methylphenidate, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, ameliorated the ASD-like behavior of IDO2 KO mice. Sequencing analysis of exon regions in IDO2 from 309 ASD samples identified a rare canonical splice site variant in one ASD case. These results suggest that the IDO2 gene is, at least in part, a factor closely related to the development of psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Ishikawa
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yasuko Yamamoto
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Bolati Wulaer
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
- Laboratory of Health and Medical Science Innovation, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kunisawa
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hidetsugu Fujigaki
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ando
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuko Arioka
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Youta Torii
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mouri
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Laboratory of Health and Medical Science Innovation, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Murakami Y, Imamura Y, Kasahara Y, Yoshida C, Momono Y, Fang K, Sakai D, Konishi Y, Nishiyama T. Maternal Inflammation with Elevated Kynurenine Metabolites Is Related to the Risk of Abnormal Brain Development and Behavioral Changes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071087. [PMID: 37048160 PMCID: PMC10093447 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies show that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders. Maternal immune activation (MIA) during gestation is considered one of the major environmental factors driving this process. The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (Trp) catabolism in mammalian cells. Activation of the KP following neuro-inflammation can generate various endogenous neuroactive metabolites that may impact brain functions and behaviors. Additionally, neurotoxic metabolites and excitotoxicity cause long-term changes in the trophic support, glutamatergic system, and synaptic function following KP activation. Therefore, investigating the role of KP metabolites during neurodevelopment will likely promote further understanding of additional pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this review, we describe the changes in KP metabolism in the brain during pregnancy and represent how maternal inflammation and genetic factors influence the KP during development. We overview the patients with ASD clinical data and animal models designed to verify the role of perinatal KP elevation in long-lasting biochemical, neuropathological, and behavioral deficits later in life. Our review will help shed light on new therapeutic strategies and interventions targeting the KP for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Murakami
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Yukio Imamura
- Department of Architecture and Architectual Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine/Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kasahara
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Chihiro Yoshida
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yuta Momono
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Ke Fang
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Biology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yukuo Konishi
- Center for Baby Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe 619-0225, Japan
- Healthcare and Medical Data Multi-Level Integration Platform Group, RIKEN Medical Sciences Innovation Hub Program, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Nishiyama
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mingoti MED, Bertollo AG, de Oliveira T, Ignácio ZM. Stress and Kynurenine-Inflammation Pathway in Major Depressive Disorder. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1411:163-190. [PMID: 36949310 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7376-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent disorders and causes severe damage to people's quality of life. Lifelong stress is one of the major villains in triggering MDD. Studies have shown that both stress and MDD, especially the more severe conditions of the disorder, are associated with inflammation and neuroinflammation and the relationship to an imbalance in tryptophan metabolism towards the kynurenine pathway (KP) through the enzymes indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which is mainly stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) which is activated primarily by glucocorticoids. Considering that several pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD underlie or interact with biological processes from KP metabolites, this chapter addresses and discusses the function of these mechanisms. Activities triggered by stress and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and immune and inflammatory processes, in addition to epigenetic phenomena and the gut-brain axis (GBA), are addressed. Finally, studies on the function and mechanisms of physical exercise in the KP metabolism and MDD are pointed out and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maiqueli Eduarda Dama Mingoti
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Amanda Gollo Bertollo
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Tácio de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Zuleide Maria Ignácio
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deficiency of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase exacerbates impairment of prepulse inhibition induced by phencyclidine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 629:142-151. [PMID: 36116377 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.09.003] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Phencyclidine (PCP) causes mental symptoms that closely resemble schizophrenia through the inhibition of the glutamatergic system. The kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) generates metabolites that modulate glutamatergic systems such as kynurenic acid (KA), quinolinic acid (QA), and xanthurenic acid (XA). Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) metabolizes KYN to 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), an upstream metabolite of QA and XA. Clinical studies have reported lower KMO mRNA and higher KA levels in the postmortem brains of patients with schizophrenia and exacerbation of symptoms in schizophrenia by PCP. However, the association between KMO deficiency and PCP remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that a non-effective dose of PCP induced impairment of prepulse inhibition (PPI) in KMO KO mice. KA levels were increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP) of KMO KO mice, but 3-HK levels were decreased. In wild-type C57BL/6 N mice, the PPI impairment induced by PCP is exacerbated by KA, while attenuated by 3-HK, QA and XA. Taken together, KMO KO mice were vulnerable to the PPI impairment induced by PCP through an increase in KA and a decrease in 3-HK, suggesting that an increase in the ratio of KA to 3-HK (QA and XA) may play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sathyasaikumar KV, Pérez de la Cruz V, Pineda B, Vázquez Cervantes GI, Ramírez Ortega D, Donley DW, Severson PL, West BL, Giorgini F, Fox JH, Schwarcz R. Cellular Localization of Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase in the Brain: Challenging the Dogma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:315. [PMID: 35204197 PMCID: PMC8868204 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), a key player in the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation, regulates the synthesis of the neuroactive metabolites 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and kynurenic acid (KYNA). KMO activity has been implicated in several major brain diseases including Huntington's disease (HD) and schizophrenia. In the brain, KMO is widely believed to be predominantly localized in microglial cells, but verification in vivo has not been provided so far. Here, we examined KP metabolism in the brain after depleting microglial cells pharmacologically with the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX5622. Young adult mice were fed PLX5622 for 21 days and were euthanized either on the next day or after receiving normal chow for an additional 21 days. Expression of microglial marker genes was dramatically reduced on day 22 but had fully recovered by day 43. In both groups, PLX5622 treatment failed to affect Kmo expression, KMO activity or tissue levels of 3-HK and KYNA in the brain. In a parallel experiment, PLX5622 treatment also did not reduce KMO activity, 3-HK and KYNA in the brain of R6/2 mice (a model of HD with activated microglia). Finally, using freshly isolated mouse cells ex vivo, we found KMO only in microglia and neurons but not in astrocytes. Taken together, these data unexpectedly revealed that neurons contain a large proportion of functional KMO in the adult mouse brain under both physiological and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Korrapati V. Sathyasaikumar
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA;
| | - Verónica Pérez de la Cruz
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - Benjamín Pineda
- Neuroimmunology Department, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico;
| | - Gustavo Ignacio Vázquez Cervantes
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - Daniela Ramírez Ortega
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - David W. Donley
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; (D.W.D.); (J.H.F.)
| | - Paul L. Severson
- Plexxikon Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.L.S.); (B.L.W.)
| | - Brian L. West
- Plexxikon Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.L.S.); (B.L.W.)
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7JA, UK;
| | - Jonathan H. Fox
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; (D.W.D.); (J.H.F.)
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Marszalek-Grabska M, Walczak K, Gawel K, Wicha-Komsta K, Wnorowska S, Wnorowski A, Turski WA. Kynurenine emerges from the shadows – Current knowledge on its fate and function. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107845. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
9
|
Murakami Y, Imamura Y, Kasahara Y, Yoshida C, Momono Y, Fang K, Nishiyama T, Sakai D, Konishi Y. The Effects of Maternal Interleukin-17A on Social Behavior, Cognitive Function, and Depression-Like Behavior in Mice with Altered Kynurenine Metabolites. Int J Tryptophan Res 2021; 14:11786469211026639. [PMID: 34262289 PMCID: PMC8243115 DOI: 10.1177/11786469211026639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infection and chronic maternal inflammation during pregnancy are correlated
with a higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the
pathoetiology of ASD is not fully understood; moreover, the key molecules that
can cross the placenta following maternal inflammation and contribute to the
development of ASD have not been identified. Recently, the pro-inflammatory
cytokine, interleukin-17A (IL-17A) was identified as a potential mediator of
these effects. To investigate the impact of maternal IL-17A on offspring,
C57BL/6J dams were injected with IL-17A-expressing plasmids via
the tail vein on embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5), and maternal IL-17A was expressed
continuously throughout pregnancy. By adulthood, IL-17A-injected offspring
exhibited behavioral abnormalities, including social and cognitive defects.
Additionally, maternal IL-17A promoted metabolism of the essential amino acid
tryptophan, which produces several neuroactive compounds and may affect fetal
neurodevelopment. We observed significantly increased levels of kynurenine in
maternal serum and fetal plasma. Thus, we investigated the effects of high
maternal concentration of kynurenine on offspring by continuously administering
mouse dams with kynurenine from E12.5 during gestation. Obviously, maternal
kynurenine administration rapidly increased kynurenine levels in the fetal
plasma and brain, pointing to the ability of kynurenine to cross the placenta
and change the KP metabolites which are affected as neuroactive compounds in the
fetal brain. Notably, the offspring of kynurenine-injected mice exhibited
behavioral abnormalities similar to those observed in offspring of
IL-17A-conditioned mice. Several tryptophan metabolites were significantly
altered in the prefrontal cortex of the IL-17A-conditioned and
kynurenine-injected adult mice, but not in the hippocampus. Even though we
cannot exclude the possibility or other molecules being related to ASD
pathogenesis and the presence of a much lower degree of pathway activation, our
results suggest that increased kynurenine following maternal inflammation may be
a key factor in changing the balance of KP metabolites in fetal brain during
neuronal development and represents a therapeutic target for
inflammation-induced ASD-like phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Murakami
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukio Imamura
- Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kasahara
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Chihiro Yoshida
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yuta Momono
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Ke Fang
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Nishiyama
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Biology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yukuo Konishi
- Center for Baby Science, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan.,Healthcare and Medical Data Multi-level Integration Platform Group, RIKEN Medical Sciences Innovation Hub Program, Kanagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mori Y, Mouri A, Kunisawa K, Hirakawa M, Kubota H, Kosuge A, Niijima M, Hasegawa M, Kurahashi H, Murakami R, Hoshi M, Nakano T, Fujigaki S, Fujigaki H, Yamamoto Y, Nabeshima T, Saito K. Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase deficiency induces depression-like behavior via enhanced antagonism of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by kynurenic acid. Behav Brain Res 2021; 405:113191. [PMID: 33607168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan (TRP) is metabolized via the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, which is related to the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) is a pivotal enzyme in the metabolism of KYN to 3-hydroxykynurenine. In rodents, KMO deficiency induces a depression-like behavior and increases the levels of kynurenic acid (KA), a KYN metabolite formed by kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs). KA antagonizes α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). Here, we investigated the involvement of KA in depression-like behavior in KMO knockout (KO) mice. KYN, KA, and anthranilic acid but not TRP or 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid were elevated in the prefrontal cortex of KMO KO mice. The mRNA levels of KAT1 and α7nAChR but not KAT2-4, α4nAChR, or β2nAChR were elevated in the prefrontal cortex of KMO KO mice. Nicotine blocked increase in locomotor activity, decrease in social interaction time, and prolonged immobility in a forced swimming test, but it did not decrease sucrose preference in the KMO KO mice. Methyllycaconitine (an α7nAChR antagonist) antagonized the effect of nicotine on decreased social interaction time and prolonged immobility in the forced swimming test, but not increased locomotor activity. Galantamine (an α7nAChR allosteric agonist) blocked the increased locomotor activity and prolonged immobility in the forced swimming test, but not the decreased social interaction time in the KMO KO mice. In conclusion, elevation of KA levels contributes to depression-like behaviors in KMO KO mice by α7nAChR antagonism. The ameliorating effects of nicotine and galantamine on depression-like behaviors in KMO KO mice are associated with the activation of α7nAChR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Mori
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mouri
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Kazuo Kunisawa
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan; Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mami Hirakawa
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hisayoshi Kubota
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Aika Kosuge
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Moe Niijima
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masaya Hasegawa
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hitomi Kurahashi
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Reiko Murakami
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masato Hoshi
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakano
- Department of Computational Biology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Suwako Fujigaki
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hidetsugu Fujigaki
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuko Yamamoto
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Matsuura H, Ohnishi M, Yoshioka Y, Togami Y, Hosomi S, Umemura Y, Ebihara T, Shimizu K, Ogura H, Shimazu T. Original experimental rat model of blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury: a pilot study. Brain Inj 2021; 35:368-381. [PMID: 33455463 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1861653] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diagnosing blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is difficult due to minimal imaging findings. This study aimed to establish a rat model of behavioral abnormality caused by blast-induced mTBI and detect new findings for therapeutic intervention. METHODS We used a bench-top blast wave generator with the blast wave exiting through a 20-mm I.D. nozzle aimed at the focused target. The blast wave was directed at the head of male Wistar rats under general anesthesia positioned prone 2.5 cm below the nozzle. Peak shock wave pressure was 646.2 ± 70.3 kPa. RESULTS After blast injury, mTBI rats did not show the findings of brain hemorrhage or contusion macroscopically and on hematoxylin-eosin-stained frozen sections but did show anorexia and weight loss in the early post-injury phase. Behavioral experiments revealed short-term memory impairment at 2 weeks and depression-like behavior at 2 and 6 weeks. Diffusion-weighted ex vivo MRI showed high-intensity areas in layers of the bilateral hippocampus. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed accumulation of reactive microglia and GFAP-positive astrocytes in the same region and loss of NeuN-positive neurons in the hippocampal pyramidal cell layer. CONCLUSIONS This model can reflect the pathophysiology of blast-induced mTBI and could potentially be used to develop therapeutic interventions in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Matsuura
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Ohnishi
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshichika Yoshioka
- Center for Information and Neural Networks (Cinet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), and Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Togami
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sanae Hosomi
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Umemura
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ebihara
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kentaro Shimizu
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ogura
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shimazu
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pawlowski T, Pawlak D, Inglot M, Zalewska M, Marciniak D, Bugajska J, Janocha-Litwin J, Malyszczak K. The role of anthranilic acid in the increase of depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder during treatment for hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-α2a and oral ribavirin. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E166-E175. [PMID: 33464780 PMCID: PMC7955854 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.190139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway is considered the link between the immune and endocrine systems. Dysregulation of serotonergic transmission can stem from the direct influence of interferon-α on the activity of serotonergic receptors 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A, and from its indirect effect on tryptophan metabolism. Induction of the kynurenine pathway increases the concentration of neurotoxic kynurenine metabolites, and the activity of kynurenine derivatives is linked to the onset of depression. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationships between depressive symptoms and kynurenine, tryptophan, anthranilic acid and kynurenic acid concentrations, indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity and tryptophan availability to the brain. METHODS The study followed a prospective longitudinal cohort design. We evaluated 101 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were treated with pegylated interferon-α2a, and 40 controls who were awaiting treatment. We evaluated the relationships between total score on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and kynurenine, tryptophan, anthranilic acid and kynurenic acid concentrations, IDO activity and tryptophan availability to the brain. A logistic regression model was adapted for the diagnosis of major depressive disorder at each time point, taking into account changes in parameters of the kynurenine pathway between a given time point and the baseline measurement. RESULTS Of the treated patients, 44% fulfilled the criteria for major depressive disorder at least once during the 24 weeks of treatment. Anthranilic acid concentrations were significantly increased compared to baseline for all time points except week 2. Tryptophan availability showed a significant decrease (β = -0.09, p = 0.01) only in week 12 of treatment. Over time, kynurenine, tryptophan and anthranilic acid concentrations, as well as IDO activity and tryptophan availability to the brain, were significantly associated with total score on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. A logistic regression model revealed that participants with decreased tryptophan availability to the brain at 12 weeks of treatment and participants with increased anthranilic acid concentrations at week 24 of treatment were at increased risk for diagnosis of major depressive disorder (odds ratios 2.92 and 3.59, respectively). LIMITATIONS This study had an open-label design in a population receiving naturalistic treatment. CONCLUSION The present study provides the first direct evidence of the role of anthranilic acid in the pathogenesis of inflammation-induced major depressive disorder during treatment for hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-α2a.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Pawlowski
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Dariusz Pawlak
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Malgorzata Inglot
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Malgorzata Zalewska
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Dominik Marciniak
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Jolanta Bugajska
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Justyna Janocha-Litwin
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Krzysztof Malyszczak
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Suento WJ, Kunisawa K, Wulaer B, Kosuge A, Iida T, Fujigaki S, Fujigaki H, Yamamoto Y, Tanra AJ, Saito K, Mouri A, Nabeshima T. Prefrontal cortex miR-874-3p prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced depression-like behavior through inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 expression in mice. J Neurochem 2020; 157:1963-1978. [PMID: 33095942 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is the first rate-limiting enzyme that metabolizes tryptophan to the kynurenine pathway. Its activity is highly inducible by pro-inflammatory cytokines and correlates with the severity of major depressive disorder (MDD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in gene regulation and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders including MDD. However, the role of miRNAs in targeting IDO1 in the pathophysiology of MDD is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of novel miRNAs in the regulation of IDO1 activity and its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behavior in mice. LPS up-regulated miR-874-3p concomitantly with increase in IDO1 expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), increase in immobility in the forced swimming test as depression-like behavior and decrease in locomotor activity as sickness behavior without motor dysfunction. The miR-874-3p increased in both neuron and microglia after LPS. Its mimic significantly suppressed LPS-induced IDO1 expression in the PFC. Infusion of IDO1 inhibitor (1-methyl-l-tryptophan) and miR-874-3p into PFC prevented an increase in immobility in the forced swimming test, but did not decrease in locomotor activity induced by LPS. These results suggest that miR-874-3p may play an important role in preventing the LPS-induced depression-like behavior through inhibition of IDO1 expression. This may also serve as a novel potential target molecule for the treatment of MDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willy Jaya Suento
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Hasanuddin University Faculty of Medicine, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Kazuo Kunisawa
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Bolati Wulaer
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan.,Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Aika Kosuge
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Iida
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Suwako Fujigaki
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hidetsugu Fujigaki
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuko Yamamoto
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan
| | - Andi Jayalangkara Tanra
- Department of Psychiatry, Hasanuddin University Faculty of Medicine, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan.,Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan.,Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mouri
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan.,Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi, Japan.,Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Klausing AD, Fukuwatari T, Bucci DJ, Schwarcz R. Stress-induced impairment in fear discrimination is causally related to increased kynurenic acid formation in the prefrontal cortex. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1931-1941. [PMID: 32215686 PMCID: PMC7308198 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05507-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stress is related to cognitive impairments which are observed in most major brain diseases. Prior studies showed that the brain concentration of the tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) is modulated by stress, and that changes in cerebral KYNA levels impact cognition. However, the link between these phenomena has not been tested directly so far. OBJECTIVES To investigate a possible causal relationship between acute stress, KYNA, and fear discrimination. METHODS Adult rats were exposed to one of three acute stressors-predator odor, restraint, or inescapable foot shocks (ISS)-and KYNA in the prefrontal cortex was measured using microdialysis. Corticosterone was analyzed in a subset of rats. Another cohort underwent a fear discrimination procedure immediately after experiencing stress. Different auditory conditioned stimuli (CSs) were either paired with foot shock (CS+) or were non-reinforced (CS-). One week later, fear was assessed by re-exposing rats to each CS. Finally, to test whether stress-induced changes in KYNA causally impacted fear discrimination, a group of rats that received ISS were pre-treated with the selective KYNA synthesis inhibitor PF-04859989. RESULTS ISS caused the greatest increase in circulating corticosterone levels and raised extracellular KYNA levels by ~ 85%. The two other stressors affected KYNA much less (< 25% increase). Moreover, only rats that received ISS were unable to discriminate between CS+ and CS-. PF-04859989 abolished the stress-induced KYNA increase and also prevented the impairment in fear discrimination in animals that experienced ISS. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate a causal connection between stress-induced KYNA increases and cognitive deficits. Pharmacological manipulation of KYNA synthesis therefore offers a novel approach to modulate cognitive processes in stress-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex D Klausing
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 55 Wade Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21228, USA
| | - Tsutomu Fukuwatari
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 55 Wade Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21228, USA
- Department of Nutrition, School of Human Cultures, The University of Shiga Prefecture, 2500 Hassaka, Hikone, Shiga, 522-8533, Japan
| | - David J Bucci
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 55 Wade Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21228, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sakurai M, Yamamoto Y, Kanayama N, Hasegawa M, Mouri A, Takemura M, Matsunami H, Miyauchi T, Tokura T, Kimura H, Ito M, Umemura E, Boku AS, Nagashima W, Tonoike T, Kurita K, Ozaki N, Nabeshima T, Saito K. Serum Metabolic Profiles of the Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway in the high risk subjects of major depressive disorder. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1961. [PMID: 32029791 PMCID: PMC7005270 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58806-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous reports have shown that during chronic inflammation, the tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) pathway plays a pivotal role in the onset of depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the serum TRP-KYN pathway metabolite profile in high-risk subjects of major depressive disorder (HRMDD) defined by depression scores. The concentrations of TRP-KYN pathway metabolites {TRP, KYN, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HK), kynurenic acid (KYNA) and anthranilic acid (AA)} were assessed in serum from HRMDD, chronic pain disorder patients and healthy controls. In serum from HRMDD, elevated levels of AA and decreased levels of TRP were observed, but the levels of other metabolites were not changed. Furthermore, the change in the AA2nd/AA1st ratio in subjects who progressed from a health. y state to a depressive state was correlated with an increase in the CES-D score. The level of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) was negatively correlated with that of AA. Interestingly, we confirmed AA as a possible biomarker for depression-related symptoms, since the metabolite profiles in the chronic pain disorder group and chronic unpredictable mild stress model mice were similar to those in the HRMDD. These results suggest that AA may be an effective marker for HRMDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Sakurai
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yasuko Yamamoto
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan. .,Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Noriyo Kanayama
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masaya Hasegawa
- Department of Regulatory Science, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mouri
- Department of Regulatory Science, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan.,Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, 468-0069, Japan
| | - Masao Takemura
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan
| | | | - Tomoya Miyauchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Tokura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Mikiko Ito
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Surgery, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, 470-0195, Japan
| | - Eri Umemura
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Surgery, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, 470-0195, Japan
| | - Aiji Sato Boku
- Department of Anesthesiology, Aichi Gakuin, University, Nagoya, 470-0195, Japan
| | - Wataru Nagashima
- Department of Psychopathology and Psychotherapy/Center for Student Counseling, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Takashi Tonoike
- Faculty of Psychological and Physical Sciences, Health Service Center, Aichi Gakuin University, Nisshin, Japan
| | - Kenichi Kurita
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Surgery, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, 470-0195, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, 468-0069, Japan.,Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.,Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan.,Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, 468-0069, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Murakami Y, Imamura Y, Saito K, Sakai D, Motoyama J. Altered kynurenine pathway metabolites in a mouse model of human attention-deficit hyperactivity/autism spectrum disorders: A potential new biological diagnostic marker. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13182. [PMID: 31515500 PMCID: PMC6742629 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Deleterious mutations in patchd1 domain containing 1 (PTCHD1) gene have been identified in patients with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To clarify the causal relationship between Ptchd1 deficiency and behavioral defects relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders, we generated global Ptchd1 knockout (KO) mice. Ptchd1 KO mice displayed hyperlocomotion, increased impulsivity, and lower recognition memory, which resemble attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behaviors. Acute or chronic treatment with atomoxetine ameliorated almost all behavioral deficits in Pthcd1 KO mice. We next determined possible involvement of the kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites in neurodevelopmental disorders in Ptchd1 KO mice and assessed the potential of KP metabolites as biomarkers for ADHD and/or ASD. Ptchd1 KO mice showed drastic changes in KP metabolite concentrations in the serum and the brain, indicating that the activated KP is associated with ADHD-like behaviors. Our findings indicate that Ptchd1 KO mice can be used as an animal model of human ADHD and/or ASD, and KP metabolites are potential diagnostic biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Murakami
- Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan. .,Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, 573-1010, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Yukio Imamura
- Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan.,Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan.,Division of General Education, Biology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Jun Motoyama
- Laboratory of Development Neurobiology, Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Teshigawara T, Mouri A, Kubo H, Nakamura Y, Shiino T, Okada T, Morikawa M, Nabeshima T, Ozaki N, Yamamoto Y, Saito K. Changes in tryptophan metabolism during pregnancy and postpartum periods: Potential involvement in postpartum depressive symptoms. J Affect Disord 2019; 255:168-176. [PMID: 31158779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many women experience depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum periods. These depressive symptoms are often accompanied by other inflammatory morbidities present during pregnancy. Tryptophan (TRP) metabolism has attracted considerable attention due to its influence on the onset of depression via induction of inflammation. We examined the changes in plasma levels of TRP metabolites in pregnant women with depressive symptoms during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. METHODS In line with a previous analysis using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), participants were divided into a non-depressive (ND) group, a postpartum depressive (PD) group, a temporary gestational depressive (TG) group, and a continuous depressive (CD) group. Blood samples were collected before and 1 month after delivery. The concentrations of plasma TRP metabolites were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS There are differences in plasma levels of TRP metabolites during pregnancy and postpartum periods between the ND group and the PD group, but not the TG or CD group. In the PD group, plasma levels of kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KA), and KYN/TRP and KA/KYN ratio during the pregnancy period were higher and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA) during the postpartum period was lower than those in the ND group. LIMITATIONS Histories regarding mood disorders before pregnancy were not assessed. CONCLUSIONS The higher plasma levels of KYN and KA, and KYN/TRP and KA/KYN ratio during pregnancy period and lower plasma level of 3HAA during the postpartum period could be useful predictive and diagnostic markers of postpartum depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Teshigawara
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mouri
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi 468-0069, Japan
| | - Hisako Kubo
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yukako Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shiino
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Mako Morikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi 468-0069, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yasuko Yamamoto
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Aichi 468-0069, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The ‘Yin’ and the ‘Yang’ of the kynurenine pathway: excitotoxicity and neuroprotection imbalance in stress-induced disorders. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 30:163-186. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
19
|
Linking phencyclidine intoxication to the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway: Therapeutic implications for schizophrenia. Neurochem Int 2019; 125:1-6. [PMID: 30731185 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative anesthetic that induces psychotic symptoms and neurocognitive deficits in rodents similar to those observed in schizophrenia patients. PCP administration in healthy human subjects induces schizophrenia-like symptoms such as positive and negative symptoms, and a range of cognitive deficits. It has been reported that PCP, ketamine, and related drugs such as N-methyl-D-aspartate-type (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonists, induce behavioral effects by blocking neurotransmission at NMDA receptors. Further, NMDA receptor antagonists reproduce specific aspects of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Neurochemical models based on the actions of PCP are well established, with increased focus on glutamatergic dysfunction as a basis for both symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. On the other hand, the endogenous NMDA receptor antagonist, kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is a product of tryptophan-kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolism, is involved in schizophrenia pathogenesis. KYNA concentrations are elevated in the prefrontal cortex and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with schizophrenia. KYNA elevation affects neurotransmitter release in a similar manner to that of psychotomimetic agents such as PCP, underscoring a molecular basis of its involvement in schizophrenia pathophysiology. This review will highlight the relationship between PCP and KP metabolites based on evidence that both exogenous and endogenous NMDA receptor antagonists are involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, and discuss our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying dysfunctional glutamatergic signaling as potential therapeutic targets for schizophrenia.
Collapse
|
20
|
Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase-Dependent Neurotoxic Kynurenine Metabolism Contributes to Poststroke Depression Induced in Mice by Ischemic Stroke along with Spatial Restraint Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:2413841. [PMID: 30693061 PMCID: PMC6332926 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2413841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aim Poststroke depression (PSD), which occurs in approximately one-third of stroke survivors, is clinically important because of its association with slow functional recovery and increased mortality. In addition, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still poorly understood. Methods We used a mouse model of PSD to examine the neurobiological mechanisms of PSD and the beneficial effects of aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic drug. PSD was induced in mice by combining middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with spatial restraint stress. The body weight, sucrose preference, and forced swim tests were performed at 5, 7, and 9 weeks and the Morris water maze test at 10 weeks after completing MCAO and spatial restraint stress. Results Mice subjected to MCAO and spatial restraint stress showed significant depressive-like behavior in the sucrose preference test and forced swim test as well as cognitive impairment in the Morris water maze test. The PSD-like phenotype was accompanied by an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression increase in the nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, but not in the striatum. Furthermore, the increased IDO1 levels were localized in Iba-1(+) cells but not in NeuN(+) or GFAP(+) cells, indicating that microglia-induced IDO1 expression was prominent in the PSD mouse brain. Moreover, 3-hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase (HAAO), quinolinic acid (QUIN), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly increased in the nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, and hypothalamus of PSD mice. Importantly, a 2-week aripiprazole (1 mg/kg, per os) regimen, which was initiated 1 day after MCAO, ameliorated depressive-like behavior and impairment of cognitive functions in PSD mice that was accompanied by downregulation of IDO1, HAAO, QUIN, and ROS. Conclusions Our results suggest that the IDO1-dependent neurotoxic kynurenine metabolism induced by microglia functions in PSD pathogenesis. The beneficial effect of aripiprazole on depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment may be mediated by inhibition of IDO1, HAAO, QUIN, and ROS.
Collapse
|
21
|
Beggiato S, Notarangelo FM, Sathyasaikumar KV, Giorgini F, Schwarcz R. Maternal genotype determines kynurenic acid levels in the fetal brain: Implications for the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 32:1223-1232. [PMID: 30354938 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118805492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies suggest a pathophysiologically relevant association between increased brain levels of the neuroinhibitory tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid and cognitive dysfunctions in people with schizophrenia. Elevated kynurenic acid in schizophrenia may be secondary to a genetic alteration of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase, a pivotal enzyme in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation. In rats, prenatal exposure to kynurenine, the direct bioprecursor of kynurenic acid, induces cognitive impairments reminiscent of schizophrenia in adulthood, suggesting a developmental dimension to the link between kynurenic acid and schizophrenia. AIM The purpose of this study was to explore the possible impact of the maternal genotype on kynurenine pathway metabolism. METHODS We exposed pregnant wild-type ( Kmo+/+ ) and heterozygous ( Kmo+/-) mice to kynurenine (10 mg/day) during the last week of gestation and determined the levels of kynurenic acid and two other neuroactive kynurenine pathway metabolites, 3-hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid, in fetal brain and placenta on embryonic day 17/18. RESULTS Maternal kynurenine treatment raised kynurenic acid levels significantly more in the brain of heterozygous offspring of Kmo+/- than in the brain of Kmo+/+ offspring. Conversely, 3-hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid levels in the fetal brain tended to be lower in heterozygous animals derived from kynurenine-treated Kmo+/- mice than in corresponding Kmo+/+ offspring. Genotype-related effects on the placenta were qualitatively similar but less pronounced. Kynurenine treatment also caused a preferential elevation in cerebral kynurenic acid levels in Kmo+/- compared to Kmo+/+ dams. CONCLUSIONS The disproportionate kynurenic acid increase in the brain of Kmo+/- animals indicates that the maternal Kmo genotype may play a key role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Beggiato
- 1 Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,2 Laboratory for the Technology of Advanced Therapies (LTTA Centre), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca M Notarangelo
- 3 Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Flaviano Giorgini
- 4 Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- 3 Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Vancassel S, Capuron L, Castanon N. Brain Kynurenine and BH4 Pathways: Relevance to the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Inflammation-Driven Depressive Symptoms. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:499. [PMID: 30140200 PMCID: PMC6095005 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of depressive disorders is growing worldwide, notably due to stagnation in the development of drugs with greater antidepressant efficacy, the continuous large proportion of patients who do not respond to conventional antidepressants, and the increasing rate of chronic medical conditions associated with an increased vulnerability to depressive comorbidities. Accordingly, better knowledge on the pathophysiology of depression and mechanisms underlying depressive comorbidities in chronic medical conditions appears urgently needed, in order to help in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. In this review, we present evidence pointing to inflammatory processes as key players in the pathophysiology and treatment of depressive symptoms. In particular, we report preclinical and clinical findings showing that inflammation-driven alterations in specific metabolic pathways, namely kynurenine and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) pathways, leads to substantial alterations in the metabolism of serotonin, glutamate and dopamine that are likely to contribute to the development of key depressive symptom dimensions. Accordingly, anti-inflammatory interventions targeting kynurenine and BH4 pathways may be effective as novel treatment or as adjuvants of conventional medications rather directed to monoamines, notably when depressive symptomatology and inflammation are comorbid in treated patients. This notion is discussed in the light of recent findings illustrating the tight interactions between known antidepressant drugs and inflammatory processes, as well as their therapeutic implications. Altogether, this review provides valuable findings for moving toward more adapted and personalized therapeutic strategies to treat inflammation-related depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Vancassel
- UMR 1286, Laboratory of Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), INRA, Bordeaux, France
- UMR 1286, Laboratory of Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Lucile Capuron
- UMR 1286, Laboratory of Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), INRA, Bordeaux, France
- UMR 1286, Laboratory of Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nathalie Castanon
- UMR 1286, Laboratory of Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), INRA, Bordeaux, France
- UMR 1286, Laboratory of Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology (NutriNeuro), Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sathyasaikumar KV, Breda C, Schwarcz R, Giorgini F. Assessing and Modulating Kynurenine Pathway Dynamics in Huntington's Disease: Focus on Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1780:397-413. [PMID: 29856028 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7825-0_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The link between disturbances in kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolism and Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis has been explored for a number of years. Several novel genetic and pharmacological tools have recently been developed to modulate key regulatory steps in the KP such as the reaction catalyzed by the enzyme kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO). This insight has offered new options for exploring the mechanistic link between this metabolic pathway and HD, and provided novel opportunities for the development of candidate drug-like compounds. Here, we present an overview of the field, focusing on some novel approaches for interrogating the pathway experimentally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Korrapati V Sathyasaikumar
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carlo Breda
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Oxenkrug G, van der Hart M, Roeser J, Summergrad P. Peripheral kynurenine-3-monooxygenase deficiency as a potential risk factor for metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 1. [PMID: 28748226 PMCID: PMC5523985 DOI: 10.15761/icm.1000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Increased predisposition of schizophrenia patients (SP) to development of obesity and insulin resistance suggested common signaling pathway between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and schizophrenia. Deficiency of kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO), enzyme catalyzing formation of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) from kynurenine (Kyn), a tryptophan (Trp) metabolite, might contribute to development of MetS as suggested by non-expression of KMO genes in human fat tissue and elevated serum concentrations of Kyn and its metabolites, kynurenic (KYNA) and anthranilic (ANA) acids, in diabetic patients and Zucker fatty rats (ZFR). Markers of KMO deficiency: decreased 3-HK and elevated Kyn, KYNA and ANA, were observed in brains and spinal fluids of SP, and in brains and serum of experimental animals with genetically- or pharmacologically-induced KMO deficiency. However, elevated concentrations of ANA and decreased 3-HK were reported in serum of SP without concurrent increase of Kyn and KYNA. Present study aimed to re-assess serum Kyn metabolites (HPLC-MS) in a sub-group of SP with elevated KYNA. We found increased Kyn concentrations (by 30%) and Kyn:Trp ratio (by 20%) in serum of SP with elevated KYNA concentrations (by 40%). Obtained results and our previous data suggest that peripheral KMO deficiency might be manifested by, at least, two different patterns: elevated ANA with decreased 3-HK; and elevated KYNA and KYN. The latter pattern was previously described in type 2 diabetes patients and might underline increased predisposition of SP to development of MetS. Assessment of peripheral KMO deficiency might identify SP predisposed to MetS. Attenuation of the consequences of peripheral KMO deficiency might be a new target for prevention/treatment of obesity and diabetes in SP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Oxenkrug
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, USA
| | | | | | - Paul Summergrad
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, USA
| |
Collapse
|