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Hosseini SH, Khabbazhosseini ZS, Khatibi S, Yahosseini A, Borhaninejad N, Beheshti F, Kakhki S. Folic acid supplementation improved nicotine withdrawal-induced of memory loss via affecting oxidative status, inflammatory response, cholinergic activity, BDNF and amyloid-B in adolescent male rat. Neurosci Lett 2023; 815:137489. [PMID: 37741611 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137489] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed to assess whether folic acid (FA) have potential to prevent memory impairment caused by nicotine (Nico) withdrawal in adolescent male rats. METHODS AND MATERIALS The experiments were divided into 7 groups: 1) vehicle, 2) Nico (Nico 2 mg/kg injection from 21 to 42 days of ages), 3-5) Nico FA5/10/15 mg/kg (received Nico from 21 to 42 days of ages and received FA at three doses 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg 43-63 days of ages), and 6) received normal saline from 21 to 42 days of age after that received FA 15 mg/kg by oral gavage from 43 to 63 days of age. At 64-69 days of ages, behavioral tests related to memory including Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Object Recognition Test (ORT) were performed and related biochemical analysis including the hippocampal levels of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory indices, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nitrite, amyloid-B and acetylcholinesterase [1] were measured. RESULTS Results showed that nicotine exposure in adolescence followed by withdrawal dramatically impaired learning and memory performance along with affecting a variety of biochemical markers in the hippocampal tissues. In addition, it was observed that administration of FA significantly ameliorated Nico withdrawal-induced adverse effects through restoration of the mentioned biochemical disturbances. CONCLUSION The present study and other relevant researches demonstrated that FA as a well-known, inexpensive, and safe supplement has strong potential to either prevent or ameliorate the detrimental effect of Nico withdrawal. However, further investigation is required to be more elucidated the precise mechanisms underlying memory impairment-induced by Nico withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hossein Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | | | - Seyedamirsadra Khatibi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirreza Yahosseini
- Student Research Committee, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Borhaninejad
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farimah Beheshti
- Neuroscience Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran; Departments of Physiology, School of Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.
| | - Samaneh Kakhki
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.
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Calakos KC, Hillmer AT, Anderson JM, LeVasseur B, Baldassarri SR, Angarita GA, Matuskey D, Kapinos M, Zheng MQ, Huang Y, Cosgrove KP. Cholinergic system adaptations are associated with cognitive function in people recently abstinent from smoking: a (-)-[ 18F]flubatine PET study. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:683-689. [PMID: 36681758 PMCID: PMC9938267 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01535-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The cholinergic system is a critical mediator of cognition in animals. People who smoke cigarettes exhibit cognitive deficits, especially during quit attempts. Few studies jointly examine the cholinergic system and cognition in people while trying to quit smoking. We used positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging with the β2-subunit containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (β2*-nAChR) partial agonist radioligand (-)-[18F]flubatine and the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine to jointly examine the cholinergic system, smoking status, and cognition. (-)-[18F]Flubatine scans and cognitive data were acquired from twenty people who recently stopped smoking cigarettes (aged 38 ± 11 years; 6 female, 14 male; abstinent 7 ± 1 days) and 27 people who never smoked cigarettes (aged 29 ± 8 years; 11 female, 16 male). A subset of fifteen recently abstinent smokers and 21 never smokers received a mid-scan physostigmine challenge to increase acetylcholine levels. Regional volume of distribution (VT) was estimated with equilibrium analysis at "baseline" and post-physostigmine. Participants completed a cognitive battery prior to (-)-[18F]flubatine injection and physostigmine administration assessing executive function (Groton Maze Learning test), verbal learning (International Shopping List test), and working memory (One Back test). Physostigmine significantly decreased cortical (-)-[18F]flubatine VT, consistent with increased cortical acetylcholine levels reducing the number of β2*-nAChR sites available for (-)-[18F]flubatine binding, at comparable magnitudes across groups (p values < 0.05). A larger magnitude of physostigmine-induced decrease in (-)-[18F]flubatine VT was significantly associated with worse executive function in people who recently stopped smoking (p values < 0.05). These findings underscore the role of the cholinergic system in early smoking cessation and highlight the importance of neuroscience-informed treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katina C Calakos
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ansel T Hillmer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Brittany LeVasseur
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephen R Baldassarri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, & Sleep Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - David Matuskey
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Ming-Qiang Zheng
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kelly P Cosgrove
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Wessinger CM, Inman CL, Weinstock J, Weiss EP. Effect of Huperzine A on Cognitive Function and Perception of Effort during Exercise: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE 2021; 14:727-741. [PMID: 34567353 PMCID: PMC8439683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Huperzine A has shown the ability to acutely improve cognitive function in certain populations, and therefore is commonly added to pre-workout supplements. However, its effects have not been studied in exercise-trained individuals. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that acute consumption of huperzine A would improve cognitive function during exercise, which may be beneficial for exercise performance. METHODS From January to April, 2018, 15 exercise-trained individuals (11 women [height 166 ± 2 cm, weight 60.5 ± 3.0 kg] and 4 men [height 173 ± 4 cm, weight 82.0 ± 11.0 kg], BMI 23.5 ± 1.4 kg/m2, age 30.4 ± 3.6 years) were studied in a double blind randomized-sequence cross-over study, in which they underwent tests for cognitive function (digit span, verbal/word fluency, and Stroop), neuromuscular performance (sharpened Romberg and dart throwing), and exercise performance (estimated aerobic capacity, hand-grip strength, vertical jump, and push-up) after acute ingestion of huperzine A (200 mcg) or placebo. One week separated the two trials. RESULTS No measures of cognitive function differed between placebo and huperzine A trials (all p ≥ 0.296). Heart rates (157 ± 4 vs. 158 ± 4 bpm; p = 0.518) and ratings of perceived exertion (13.7 ± 0.56 vs. 13.9 ± 0.61; p = 0.582) did not differ between placebo and huperzine A trials, respectively. Ratings of subjective difficulty post-exercise (0-10 scale) were significantly higher (5.7 ± 0.38 vs. 6.8 ± 0.38; p = 0.002) in the huperzine A trial than the placebo trial. No differences were observed for neuromuscular or exercise performance measures between groups (all p ≥ 0.497). CONCLUSIONS Huperzine A does not enhance cognitive function during exercise despite it being marketed as a cognitive enhancer. Because of its inability to enhance cognitive function, its inclusion in pre-workout supplements warrants reconsideration. Other more practical and effective strategies should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadsley M Wessinger
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Cynthia L Inman
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Applied Health, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | | | - Edward P Weiss
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Moerke MJ, McMahon LR, Wilkerson JL. More than Smoke and Patches: The Quest for Pharmacotherapies to Treat Tobacco Use Disorder. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:527-557. [PMID: 32205338 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.018028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco use is a persistent public health issue. It kills up to half its users and is the cause of nearly 90% of all lung cancers. The main psychoactive component of tobacco is nicotine, primarily responsible for its abuse-related effects. Accordingly, most pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), nicotine's major site of action in the brain. The goal of the current review is twofold: first, to provide a brief overview of the most commonly used behavioral procedures for evaluating smoking cessation pharmacotherapies and an introduction to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of nicotine important for consideration in the development of new pharmacotherapies; and second, to discuss current and potential future pharmacological interventions aimed at decreasing tobacco use. Attention will focus on the potential for allosteric modulators of nAChRs to offer an improvement over currently approved pharmacotherapies. Additionally, given increasing public concern for the potential health consequences of using electronic nicotine delivery systems, which allow users to inhale aerosolized solutions as an alternative to smoking tobacco, an effort will be made throughout this review to address the implications of this relatively new form of nicotine delivery, specifically as it relates to smoking cessation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite decades of research that have vastly improved our understanding of nicotine and its effects on the body, only a handful of pharmacotherapies have been successfully developed for use in smoking cessation. Thus, investigation of alternative pharmacological strategies for treating tobacco use disorder remains active; allosteric modulators of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors represent one class of compounds currently under development for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Moerke
- Division of Preclinical Pharmacology, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (M.J.M.) and Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (L.R.M., J.L.W.)
| | - L R McMahon
- Division of Preclinical Pharmacology, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (M.J.M.) and Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (L.R.M., J.L.W.)
| | - J L Wilkerson
- Division of Preclinical Pharmacology, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (M.J.M.) and Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (L.R.M., J.L.W.)
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Bezza K, Laadraoui J, El Gabbas Z, Laaradia M, Oufquir S, Aboufatima R, Gharrassi I, Chait A. Effects of Anacyclus pyrethrum on affective behaviors and memory during withdrawal from cigarette smoke exposure in rats. Pharmacogn Mag 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/pm.pm_279_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Janeczek M, Gefen T, Samimi M, Kim G, Weintraub S, Bigio E, Rogalski E, Mesulam MM, Geula C. Variations in Acetylcholinesterase Activity within Human Cortical Pyramidal Neurons Across Age and Cognitive Trajectories. Cereb Cortex 2019; 28:1329-1337. [PMID: 28334147 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We described an extensive network of cortical pyramidal neurons in the human brain with abundant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Emergence of these neurons during childhood/adolescence, attainment of highest density in early adulthood, and virtual absence in other species led us to hypothesize involvement of AChE within these neurons in higher cortical functions. The current study quantified the density and staining intensity of these neurons using histochemical procedures. Few faintly stained AChE-positive cortical pyramidal neurons were observed in children/adolescents. These neurons attained their highest density and staining intensity in young adulthood. Compared with the young adult group, brains of cognitively normal elderly displayed no significant change in numerical density but a significant decrease in staining intensity of AChE-positive cortical pyramidal neurons. Brains of elderly above age 80 with unusually preserved memory performance (SuperAgers) showed significantly lower staining intensity and density of these neurons when compared with same-age peers. Conceivably, low levels of AChE activity could enhance the impact of acetylcholine on pyramidal neurons to counterbalance other involutional factors that mediate the decline of memory capacity during average aging. We cannot yet tell if elderly with superior memory capacity have constitutively low neuronal AChE levels or if this feature reflects adaptive neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Janeczek
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tamar Gefen
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mehrnoosh Samimi
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Garam Kim
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eileen Bigio
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily Rogalski
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M-Marsel Mesulam
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Changiz Geula
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Evans DE, To CN, Ashare RL. The Role of Cognitive Control in the Self-Regulation and Reinforcement of Smoking Behavior. Nicotine Tob Res 2019; 21:747-754. [PMID: 29432572 PMCID: PMC6528155 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/nty029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive control (CC)-the ability to regulate attention and memory-plays an important role in a variety of health behaviors, including smoking behavior. In this theoretical review of the literature, we propose a CC and smoking behavior framework that includes (1) the positive influence of CC on the self-regulation of smoking, (2) nicotine-induced improvements in CC that may indirectly reinforce smoking (including withdrawal reversal effects), and (3) the long-term effects of smoking on the brain that may result in reduced CC. Integration of these literatures suggests that CC contributes to both self-regulation (ie, brake pedal) and nicotine-related reinforcement (ie, gas pedal) amid the catastrophic effects of long-term smoking, which may reduce self-regulatory control over smoking while also enhancing indirect reinforcement. Supportive evidence and limitations of this approach will be presented, as well as ideas for future research directions that may fully examine this multifaceted modeling of CC in relation to smoking behavior. IMPLICATIONS There is substantial evidence that CC contributes to self-regulation (ie, brake pedal) and reinforcement (ie, gas pedal) of smoking behavior as well as evidence that long-term smoking may cause reduced CC. The proposed model delineates how these opposing influences of CC may mask the unique contribution of self-regulation and reinforcement in maintaining smoking behavior. Targeting CC for treating nicotine dependence will require more nuanced approaches that consider the independent and combined effects of self-regulation and reinforcement to improve smoking cessation success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Evans
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Chan N To
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rebecca L Ashare
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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8
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Neurobiological findings associated with high cognitive performance in older adults: a systematic review. Int Psychogeriatr 2018; 30:1813-1825. [PMID: 29667572 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610218000431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED ABSTRACTObjectives:to perform a comprehensive literature review of studies on older adults with exceptional cognitive performance. DESIGN We performed a systematic review using two major databases (MEDLINE and Web of Science) from January 2002 to November 2017. RESULTS Quantitative analysis included nine of 4,457 studies and revealed that high-performing older adults have global preservation of the cortex, especially the anterior cingulate region, and hippocampal volumes larger than normal agers. Histological analysis of this group also exhibited decreased amyloid burden and neurofibrillary tangles compared to cognitively normal older controls. High performers that maintained memory ability after three years showed reduced amyloid positron emission tomography at baseline compared with high performers that declined. A single study on blood plasma found a set of 12 metabolites predicting memory maintenance of this group. CONCLUSION Structural and molecular brain preservation of older adults with high cognitive performance may be associated with brain maintenance. The operationalized definition of high-performing older adults must be carefully addressed using appropriate age cut-off and cognitive evaluation, including memory and non-memory tests. Further studies with a longitudinal approach that include a younger control group are essential.
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Valentine G, Sofuoglu M. Cognitive Effects of Nicotine: Recent Progress. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:403-414. [PMID: 29110618 PMCID: PMC6018192 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171103152136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking is the main cause of preventable death in developed countries. While the direct positive behavioral reinforcing effect of nicotine has historically been considered the primary mechanism driving the development of TUD, accumulating contemporary research suggests that the cognitive-enhancing effects of nicotine may also significantly contribute to the initiation and maintenance of TUD, especially in individuals with pre-existing cognitive deficits. METHODS We provide a selective overview of recent advances in understanding nicotine's effects on cognitive function, a discussion of the role of cognitive function in vulnerability to TUD, followed by an overview of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the cognitive effects of nicotine. RESULTS Preclinical models and human studies have demonstrated that nicotine has cognitiveenhancing effects. Attention, working memory, fine motor skills and episodic memory functions are particularly sensitive to nicotine's effects. Recent studies have demonstrated that the α4, β2, and α7 subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) participate in the cognitive-enhancing effects of nicotine. Imaging studies have been instrumental in identifying brain regions where nicotine is active, and research on the dynamics of large-scale networks after activation by, or withdrawal from, nicotine hold promise for improved understanding of the complex actions of nicotine on human cognition. CONCLUSION Because poor cognitive performance at baseline predicts relapse among smokers who are attempting to quit smoking, studies examining the potential efficacy of cognitive-enhancement as strategy for the treatment of TUD may lead to the development of more efficacious interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehmet Sofuoglu
- Address correspondence to this author at the Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Tel: 1 203 737 4882; Fax: 1 203 737 3591; E-mail:
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11
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Perry CJ, Lawrence AJ. Addiction, cognitive decline and therapy: seeking ways to escape a vicious cycle. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 16:205-218. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. J. Perry
- Behavioural Neuroscience Division; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; Melbourne VIC Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health; University of Melbourne; Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - A. J. Lawrence
- Behavioural Neuroscience Division; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; Melbourne VIC Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health; University of Melbourne; Melbourne VIC Australia
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Repeated administration of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor attenuates nicotine taking in rats and smoking behavior in human smokers. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e713. [PMID: 26784967 PMCID: PMC5068882 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide and current smoking cessation medications have limited efficacy. Thus, there is a clear need for translational research focused on identifying novel pharmacotherapies for nicotine addiction. Our previous studies demonstrated that acute administration of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) attenuates nicotine taking and seeking in rats and suggest that AChEIs could be repurposed for smoking cessation. Here, we expand upon these findings with experiments designed to determine the effects of repeated AChEI administration on voluntary nicotine taking in rats as well as smoking behavior in human smokers. Rats were trained to self-administer intravenous infusions of nicotine (0.03 mg kg(-1) per 0.59 ml) on a fixed-ratio-5 schedule of reinforcement. Once rats maintained stable nicotine taking, galantamine or donepezil was administered before 10 consecutive daily nicotine self-administration sessions. Repeated administration of 5.0 mg kg(-1) galantamine and 3.0 mg kg(-1) donepezil attenuated nicotine self-administration in rats. These effects were reinforcer-specific and not due to adverse malaise-like effects of drug treatment as repeated galantamine and donepezil administration had no effects on sucrose self-administration, ad libitum food intake and pica. The effects of repeated galantamine (versus placebo) on cigarette smoking were also tested in human treatment-seeking smokers. Two weeks of daily galantamine treatment (8.0 mg (week 1) and 16.0 mg (week 2)) significantly reduced smoking rate as well as smoking satisfaction and reward compared with placebo. This translational study indicates that repeated AChEI administration reduces nicotine reinforcement in rats and smoking behavior in humans at doses not associated with tolerance and/or adverse effects.
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Abstract
Nicotine dependence is a chronic, relapsing disorder with complex biological mechanisms underlying the motivational basis for this behavior. Although more than 70 % of current smokers express a desire to quit, most relapse within one year, underscoring the need for novel treatments. A key focus of translational research models addressing nicotine dependence has been on cross-validation of human and animal models in order to improve the predictive value of medication screening paradigms. In this chapter, we review several lines of research highlighting the utility of cross-validation models in elucidating the biological underpinnings of nicotine reward and reinforcement, identifying factors which may influence individual response to treatment, and facilitating rapid translation of findings to practice.
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Poole RL, Connor DA, Gould TJ. Donepezil reverses nicotine withdrawal-induced deficits in contextual fear conditioning in C57BL/6J mice. Behav Neurosci 2014; 128:588-93. [PMID: 24911319 PMCID: PMC4172524 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Withdrawal from chronic nicotine is associated with cognitive deficits. Therapies that ameliorate cognitive deficits during withdrawal aid in preventing relapse during quit attempts. Withdrawal-induced deficits in contextual learning are associated with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor upregulation. The aim of the present study was to determine if the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil has the ability to reverse nicotine withdrawal-induced deficits in contextual learning. Results demonstrated that low doses of donepezil, which do not enhance contextual learning or alter locomotor activity/anxiety-related behavior, can reverse nicotine withdrawal-induced deficits in contextual learning. Thus, donepezil may have therapeutic value for ameliorating cognitive deficits associated with nicotine withdrawal and for preventing relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Poole
- Department of Psychology Neuroscience Program, Temple University
| | - David A Connor
- Department of Psychology Neuroscience Program, Temple University
| | - Thomas J Gould
- Department of Psychology Neuroscience Program, Temple University
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Kimmey BA, Rupprecht LE, Hayes MR, Schmidt HD. Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, attenuates nicotine self-administration and reinstatement of nicotine seeking in rats. Addict Biol 2014; 19:539-51. [PMID: 23231479 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine craving and cognitive impairments represent core symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and predict relapse in abstinent smokers. Current smoking cessation pharmacotherapies have limited efficacy in preventing relapse and maintaining abstinence during withdrawal. Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that has been shown previously to improve cognition in healthy non-treatment-seeking smokers. However, there are no studies examining the effects of donepezil on nicotine self-administration and/or the reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior in rodents. The present experiments were designed to determine the effects of acute donepezil administration on nicotine taking and the reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior, an animal model of relapse in abstinent human smokers. Moreover, the effects of acute donepezil administration on sucrose self-administration and sucrose seeking were also investigated in order to determine whether donepezil's effects generalized to other reinforced behaviors. Acute donepezil administration (1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated nicotine, but not sucrose self-administration maintained on a fixed-ratio 5 schedule of reinforcement. Donepezil administration also dose-dependently attenuated the reinstatement of both nicotine- and sucrose-seeking behaviors. Commonly reported adverse effects of donepezil treatment in humans are nausea and vomiting. However, at doses required to attenuate nicotine self-administration in rodents, no effects of donepezil on nausea/malaise as measured by pica were observed. Collectively, these results indicate that increased extracellular acetylcholine levels are sufficient to attenuate nicotine taking and seeking in rats and that these effects are not due to adverse malaise symptoms such as nausea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A. Kimmey
- Department of Psychiatry; Perelman School of Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Laura E. Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry; Perelman School of Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Matthew R. Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry; Perelman School of Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Heath D. Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry; Perelman School of Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA USA
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Ashare RL, Schmidt HD. Optimizing treatments for nicotine dependence by increasing cognitive performance during withdrawal. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 9:579-94. [PMID: 24707983 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.908180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current FDA-approved smoking cessation pharmacotherapies have limited efficacy and are associated with high rates of relapse. Therefore, there is a clear need to develop novel antismoking medications. Nicotine withdrawal is associated with cognitive impairments that predict smoking relapse. It has been proposed that these cognitive deficits are a hallmark of nicotine withdrawal that could be targeted in order to prevent smoking relapse. Thus, pharmacotherapies that increase cognitive performance during nicotine withdrawal may represent potential smoking cessation agents. AREAS COVERED The authors review the clinical literature demonstrating that nicotine withdrawal is associated with deficits in working memory, attention and response inhibition. They then briefly summarize different classes of compounds and strategies to increase cognitive performance during nicotine withdrawal. Particular emphasis has been placed on translational research in order to highlight areas for which there is strong rationale for pilot clinical trials of potential smoking cessation medications. EXPERT OPINION There is emerging evidence that supports deficits in cognitive function as a plausible nicotine withdrawal phenotype. The authors furthermore believe that the translational paradigms presented here may represent efficient and valid means for the evaluation of cognitive-enhancing medications as possible treatments for nicotine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Ashare
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Nicotine Addiction, Department of Psychiatry , 3535 Market St, Suite 4100, Philadelphia, PA 19104 , USA +1 215 746 5789 ;
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Pharmacologically, are smokers the same as non-smokers? Curr Opin Pharmacol 2014; 14:42-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Perkins KA, Karelitz JL, Jao NC, Gur RC, Lerman C. Effects of bupropion on cognitive performance during initial tobacco abstinence. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 133:283-6. [PMID: 23726977 PMCID: PMC3786016 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bupropion may aid tobacco abstinence by quickly relieving symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, perhaps including impaired cognitive performance. We examined whether bupropion would attenuate abstinence-induced cognitive deficits on the first day of a brief quit attempt, when smokers are most likely to relapse. METHODS Smokers (N=24) with high quit interest were recruited for within-subjects cross-over test of bupropion vs placebo on ability to abstain during separate short-term practice quit smoking attempts. After introduction to working memory (N-back) and sustained attention (continuous performance task; CPT) tasks during the pre-quit smoking baseline, performance on these tasks was assessed after abstaining overnight (CO<10 ppm) on the first day of each quit attempt, while on bupropion and on placebo. RESULTS Compared to placebo, bupropion after abstinence improved correct response times for working memory (p=.01 for medication by memory load interaction) and for one measure of sustained attention (numbers, but not letters; p<.05). DISCUSSION Bupropion may attenuate some features of impaired cognitive performance due to withdrawal on the first day of a quit attempt. Future studies could examine whether this effect of bupropion contributes to its efficacy for longer-term smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Perkins
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Ashare RL, Falcone M, Lerman C. Cognitive function during nicotine withdrawal: Implications for nicotine dependence treatment. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt B:581-91. [PMID: 23639437 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine withdrawal is associated with deficits in neurocognitive function including sustained attention, working memory, and response inhibition. Several convergent lines of evidence suggest that these deficits may represent a core dependence phenotype and a target for treatment development efforts. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying withdrawal-related cognitive deficits may lead to improve nicotine dependence treatment. We begin with an overview of the neurocognitive effects of withdrawal in rodent and human models, followed by discussion of the neurobehavioral mechanisms that are thought to underlie these effects. We then review individual differences in withdrawal-related neurocognitive effects including genetics, gender, and psychiatric comorbidity. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of this research for developing improved therapies, both pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatments, that target cognitive symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'NIDA 40th Anniversary Issue'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Ashare
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Nicotine Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Suite 4100, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Hu S, Cui W, Mak S, Tang J, Choi C, Pang Y, Han Y. Bis(propyl)-cognitin protects against glutamate-induced neuro-excitotoxicity via concurrent regulation of NO, MAPK/ERK and PI3-K/Akt/GSK3β pathways. Neurochem Int 2013; 62:468-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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