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Gölöncsér F, Baranyi M, Tod P, Maácz F, Sperlágh B. P2X7 receptor inhibition alleviates mania-like behavior independently of interleukin-1β. iScience 2024; 27:109284. [PMID: 38444608 PMCID: PMC10914489 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purinergic dysfunctions are associated with mania and depression pathogenesis. P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) mediates the IL-1β maturation via NLRP3 inflammasome activation. We tested in a mouse model of the subchronic amphetamine (AMPH)-induced hyperactivity whether P2X7R inhibition alleviated mania-like behavior through IL-1β. Treatment with JNJ-47965567, a P2X7R antagonist, abolished AMPH-induced hyperlocomotion in wild-type and IL-1α/β-knockout male mice. The NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 failed to reduce AMPH-induced locomotion in WT mice, whereas the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra slightly increased it. AMPH increased IL-10, TNF-α, and TBARS levels, but did not influence BDNF levels, serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline content in brain tissues in either genotypes. JNJ-47965567 and P2rx7-gene deficiency, but not IL-1α/β-gene deficiency, attenuated AMPH-induced [3H]dopamine release from striatal slices. In wild-type and IL-1α/β-knockout female mice, JNJ-47965567 was also effective in attenuating AMPH-induced hyperlocomotion. This study suggests that AMPH-induced hyperactivity is modulated by P2X7Rs, but not through IL-1β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flóra Gölöncsér
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária Baranyi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Tod
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Maácz
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University School of Ph.D Studies, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beáta Sperlágh
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University School of Ph.D Studies, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
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2
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Lv Y, Wen L, Hu WJ, Deng C, Ren HW, Bao YN, Su BW, Gao P, Man ZY, Luo YY, Li CJ, Xiang ZX, Wang B, Luan ZL. Schizophrenia in the genetic era: a review from development history, clinical features and genomic research approaches to insights of susceptibility genes. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:147-171. [PMID: 37542622 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01271-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a devastating neuropsychiatric disorder affecting 1% of the world population and ranks as one of the disorders providing the most severe burden for society. Schizophrenia etiology remains obscure involving multi-risk factors, such as genetic, environmental, nutritional, and developmental factors. Complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia. This review provides an overview of the historical origins, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis, clinical symptoms and corresponding treatment of schizophrenia. In addition, as schizophrenia is a polygenic, genetic disorder caused by the combined action of multiple micro-effective genes, we further detail several approaches, such as candidate gene association study (CGAS) and genome-wide association study (GWAS), which are commonly used in schizophrenia genomics studies. A number of GWASs about schizophrenia have been performed with the hope to identify novel, consistent and influential risk genetic factors. Finally, some schizophrenia susceptibility genes have been identified and reported in recent years and their biological functions are also listed. This review may serve as a summary of past research on schizophrenia genomics and susceptibility genes (NRG1, DISC1, RELN, BDNF, MSI2), which may point the way to future schizophrenia genetics research. In addition, depending on the above discovery of susceptibility genes and their exact function, the development and application of antipsychotic drugs will be promoted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Lv
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lin Wen
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Wen-Juan Hu
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Chong Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Hui-Wen Ren
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Ya-Nan Bao
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Bo-Wei Su
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Ping Gao
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Zi-Yue Man
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Yi-Yang Luo
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Cheng-Jie Li
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Xiang
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Central hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116000, China.
| | - Zhi-Lin Luan
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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Zhang W, Zhou J, Su H, Zhang X, Song W, Wang Z, Tang C, Uludağ K, Zhao M, Xiong ZQ, Zhai R, Jiang H. Repeated methamphetamine exposure decreases plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in rhesus monkeys. Gen Psychiatr 2023; 36:e101127. [PMID: 37920406 PMCID: PMC10618972 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2023-101127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to prevent methamphetamine (METH)-induced neurotoxicity and plays a role in various stages of METH addiction. However, there is a lack of research with longitudinal design on changes in plasma BDNF levels in active METH-dependent individuals. Aims The aim of the study was to investigate changes in BDNF levels during METH self-administration in monkeys. Methods This study measured plasma BDNF levels in three male rhesus monkeys with continuous METH exposure and four male control rhesus monkeys without METH exposure. Changes in plasma BDNF levels were then assessed longitudinally during 40 sessions of METH self-administration in the three monkeys. Results Repeated METH exposure decreased plasma BDNF levels. Additionally, plasma BDNF decreased with long-term rather than short-term accumulation of METH during METH self-administration. Conclusions These findings may indicate that the changes in peripheral BDNF may reflect the quantity of accumulative METH intake during a frequent drug use period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlei Zhang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahui Zhou
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Su
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Weichen Song
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijing Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengjie Tang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kadir Uludağ
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Haifeng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
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4
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Mohanraj PS, Das A, Sen A, Prithviraj M. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Cannabis Use Disorders - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus 2023; 15:e45960. [PMID: 37900486 PMCID: PMC10600331 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of cannabis use disorders has become a noteworthy global public health issue. Understanding the neurobiological factors associated with cannabis use disorder (CUD) is crucial for creating effective interventions. One such factor, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), has been linked to the onset and persistence of addictive behaviors. This systematic review aims to summarize the existing literature on BDNF levels in individuals with CUD to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence. A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus) for relevant studies. The search approach yielded a total of 785 articles, with 559 located in the PubMed database and 226 in Scopus. Studies reporting BDNF levels in individuals with CUD compared to healthy controls were included in this study. Ultimately, eight articles were included in this systematic review. The primary emphasis of these studies was on individuals who were cannabis users or had a dependency on cannabis. There is considerable variation in the estimated effect size among included studies due to heterogeneity; hence, a random effect model was used for meta-analysis. The findings of our study suggest that the effect size of BDNF levels was 0.25 with 95% CI (-0.55; 1.05) in cannabis users, which was not statistically significant (p-value=0.54). Therefore, it is important to interpret the results with caution, and additional research is warranted to investigate the potential factors contributing to this heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palani S Mohanraj
- Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, IND
| | - Arani Das
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, IND
| | - Aniruddha Sen
- Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, IND
| | - Manoj Prithviraj
- Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, IND
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5
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The Relationship between Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Level and Neurocognitive Functions in Chronic Methamphetamine Users. Neurosci Lett 2022; 772:136478. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Iamjan SA, Thanoi S, Watiktinkorn P, Fachim H, Dalton CF, Nudmamud-Thanoi S, Reynolds GP. Changes of BDNF exon IV DNA methylation are associated with methamphetamine dependence. Epigenomics 2021; 13:953-965. [PMID: 34008409 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: We investigated DNA methylation of BDNF in methamphetamine (METH) dependence in humans and an animal model. Materials & methods: BDNF methylation at exon IV was determined by pyrosequencing of blood DNA from METH-dependent and control subjects, and from rat brain following an escalating dose of METH or vehicle. Bdnf expression was determined in rat brain. Results: BDNF methylation was increased in human METH dependence, greatest in subjects with psychosis and in prefrontal cortex of METH-administered rats; rat hippocampus showed reduced Bdnf methylation and increased gene expression. Conclusion: BDNF methylation is abnormal in human METH dependence, especially METH-dependent psychosis, and in METH-administered rats. This may influence BDNF expression and contribute to the neurotoxic effects of METH exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri-Arun Iamjan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.,Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
| | - Samur Thanoi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.,Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | | | - Helene Fachim
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford M6 8HD, UK
| | - Caroline F Dalton
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Sutisa Nudmamud-Thanoi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.,Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Gavin P Reynolds
- Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.,Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
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7
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Methamphetamine Increases the Proportion of SIV-Infected Microglia/Macrophages, Alters Metabolic Pathways, and Elevates Cell Death Pathways: A Single-Cell Analysis. Viruses 2020; 12:v12111297. [PMID: 33198269 PMCID: PMC7697917 DOI: 10.3390/v12111297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Both substance use disorder and HIV infection continue to affect many individuals. Both have untoward effects on the brain, and the two conditions often co-exist. In the brain, macrophages and microglia are infectable by HIV, and these cells are also targets for the effects of drugs of abuse, such as the psychostimulant methamphetamine. To determine the interaction of HIV and methamphetamine, we isolated microglia and brain macrophages from SIV-infected rhesus monkeys that were treated with or without methamphetamine. Cells were subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing and results were analyzed by statistical and bioinformatic analysis. In the animals treated with methamphetamine, a significantly increased proportion of the microglia and/or macrophages were infected by SIV. In addition, gene encoding functions in cell death pathways were increased, and the brain-derived neurotropic factor pathway was inhibited. The gene expression patterns in infected cells did not cluster separately from uninfected cells, but clusters comprised of microglia and/or macrophages from methamphetamine-treated animals differed in neuroinflammatory and metabolic pathways from those comprised of cells from untreated animals. Methamphetamine increases CNS infection by SIV and has adverse effects on both infected and uninfected microglia and brain macrophages, highlighting the dual and interacting harms of HIV infection and drug abuse on the brain.
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8
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Custodio RJP, Sayson LV, Botanas CJ, Abiero A, You KY, Kim M, Lee HJ, Yoo SY, Lee KW, Lee YS, Seo J, Ryu IS, Kim HJ, Cheong JH. 25B-NBOMe, a novel N-2-methoxybenzyl-phenethylamine (NBOMe) derivative, may induce rewarding and reinforcing effects via a dopaminergic mechanism: Evidence of abuse potential. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12850. [PMID: 31749223 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of N-2-methoxybenzyl-phenethylamine (NBOMe) derivatives are being misused worldwide, including the potent hallucinogen 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25B-NBOMe). However, the number of studies characterizing the abuse potential and psychopharmacological properties of 25B-NBOMe is limited; thus, we examined its rewarding and reinforcing effects using conditioned place preference (CPP) and self-administration (SA) tests. Pretreatment with SCH23390 (SCH), Haloperidol (HAL), and ketanserin (KS), antagonists of dopamine D1 (DRD1 ), dopamine D2 (DRD2 ), and serotonin 2A (5-HT2A receptor) receptors, respectively, was utilized during a CPP test to investigate the involvement of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in 25B-NBOMe-mediated effects. We also examined the effects of 25B-NBOMe on the expression of dopamine-related proteins in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Then, we measured the dopamine level, phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB), deltaFosB (ΔFosB), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the NAcc. In addition, we explored the involvement of 5-HT2A receptors in the 25B-NBOMe-induced head twitch response (HTR). We also examined the effects of 25B-NBOMe on brain wave activity using electroencephalography. 25B-NBOMe elicited CPP and SA. SCH and HAL blocked 25B-NBOMe-induced CPP, whereas KS did not. Moreover, 25B-NBOMe altered the DRD1 , DRD2 , and dopamine transporter expression and increased dopamine levels. It also induced changes in p-CREB, ΔFosB, and BDNF expression. 25B-NBOMe induced HTR and increased 5-HT2A receptor mRNA levels, effects inhibited by KS. Furthermore, 25B-NBOMe altered delta and gamma wave activity, which was normalized by SCH and HAL. These findings show that 25B-NBOMe may induce rewarding and reinforcing effects via a dopaminergic mechanism, suggesting its abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raly James Perez Custodio
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Leandro Val Sayson
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Arvie Abiero
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Yi You
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Lee
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yeun Yoo
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Kyung Hee University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Kun Won Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Kyung Hee University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Kyung Hee University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Joung‐Wook Seo
- Center for Safety Pharmacology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - In Soo Ryu
- Center for Safety Pharmacology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul Republic of Korea
- School of Pharmacy Chonbuk National University Jeonju‐si Republic of Korea
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Rehman NU, Esmaeilpour K, Joushi S, Abbas M, Al-Rashida M, Rauf K, Masoumi-Ardakani Y. Effect of 4-Fluoro-N-(4-sulfamoylbenzyl) Benzene Sulfonamide on cognitive deficits and hippocampal plasticity during nicotine withdrawal in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110783. [PMID: 33152941 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Withdrawal from chronic nicotine has damaging effects on a variety of learning and memory tasks. Various Sulfonamides that act as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have documented role in modulation of various cognitive, learning, and memory processing. We investigated the effects of 4-Fluoro-N-(4-sulfamoylbenzyl) Benzene Sulfonamide (4-FBS) on nicotine withdrawal impairments in rats using Morris water maze (MWM), Novel object recognition, Passive avoidance, and open field tasks. Also, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) profiling and in vivo field potential recording were assessed. Rats were exposed to saline or chronic nicotine 3.8 mg/kg subcutaneously for 14 days in four divided doses, spontaneous nicotine withdrawal was induced by quitting nicotine for 72 h (hrs). Animals received 4-FBS at 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg after 72 h of withdrawal in various behavioral and electrophysiological paradigms. Nicotine withdrawal causes a deficit in learning and long-term memory in the MWM task. No significant difference was found in novel object recognition tasks among all groups while in passive avoidance task nicotine withdrawal resulted in a deficit of hippocampus-dependent fear learning. Anxiety like behavior was observed during nicotine withdrawal. Plasma BDNF level was reduced during nicotine withdrawal as compared to the saline group reflecting mild cognitive impairment, stress, and depression. Withdrawal from chronic nicotine altered hippocampal plasticity, caused suppression of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. Our results showed that 4-FBS at 40 and 60 mg/kg significantly prevented nicotine withdrawal-induced cognitive deficits in behavioral as well as electrophysiological studies. 4-FBS at 60 mg/kg upsurge nicotine withdrawal-induced decrease in plasma BDNF. We conclude that 4-FBS at 40 and 60 mg /kg effectively prevented chronic nicotine withdrawal-induced impairment in long term potentiation and cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeem Ur Rehman
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Pakistan
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Sara Joushi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Muzaffar Abbas
- Department of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mariya Al-Rashida
- Department of Chemistry, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Ferozepur Road, Lahore, 54600, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Rauf
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Pakistan.
| | - Yaser Masoumi-Ardakani
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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10
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Dai N, Jie H, Duan Y, Xiong P, Xu X, Chen P, Kang M, Li M, Li T, Huang Z, Chen H. Different serum protein factor levels in first-episode drug-naive patients with schizophrenia characterized by positive and negative symptoms. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 74:472-479. [PMID: 32478952 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM The clinical features of schizophrenia can be mainly divided into two symptom domains: positive and negative. Patients in each symptom domain respond differently to treatments, and their prognoses vary accordingly. Serum protein factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and the calcium-binding protein, S100β, have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. However, their roles in the positive and negative symptom domains have not been determined. In this study, we investigated whether the serum levels of these five protein factors differed among first-episode drug-naive schizophrenia patients in each symptom domain and in healthy controls. METHODS Double-antibody sandwich ELISA were used to quantify the amounts of the five protein factors in serum. RESULTS Compared with the levels in the controls (n = 60), increased serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and S100β and decreased serum levels of NGF and NT-3 were observed in first-episode drug-naive schizophrenia patients. Additionally, the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly higher in schizophrenia patients characterized by negative symptoms (negative group, n = 37) than in those characterized by positive symptoms (positive group, n = 46). Based on multivariate regression analyses, serum levels of IL-1β were positively associated with the Negative Symptom subscore of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in the negative group and in all patients with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION The two subtypes of schizophrenia may have different pathological mechanisms. Patients characterized by negative symptoms probably have more serious disturbances in neuroimmunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Dai
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Huijin Jie
- The Third People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, China
| | - Yong Duan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Peng Xiong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiufeng Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Peng Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Minmin Kang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ming Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ting Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhengyuan Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hongxu Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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11
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Chen K, Phan T, Lin A, Sardo L, Mele AR, Nonnemacher MR, Klase Z. Morphine exposure exacerbates HIV-1 Tat driven changes to neuroinflammatory factors in cultured astrocytes. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230563. [PMID: 32210470 PMCID: PMC7094849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite antiretroviral therapy human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection results in neuroinflammation of the central nervous system that can cause HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The molecular mechanisms involved in the development of HAND are unclear, however, they are likely due to both direct and indirect consequences of HIV-1 infection and inflammation of the central nervous system. Additionally, opioid abuse in infected individuals has the potential to exacerbate HIV-comorbidities, such as HAND. Although restricted for productive HIV replication, astrocytes (comprising 40-70% of all brain cells) likely play a significant role in neuropathogenesis in infected individuals due to the production and response of viral proteins. The HIV-1 protein Tat is critical for viral transcription, causes neuroinflammation, and can be secreted from infected cells to affect uninfected bystander cells. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade plays an integral role in restricting HIV-1 infection in part by negatively regulating HIV-1 Tat function. Conversely, Tat can overcome this negative regulation and inhibit β-catenin signaling by sequestering the critical transcription factor TCF-4 from binding to β-catenin. Here, we aimed to explore how opiate exposure affects Tat-mediated suppression of β-catenin in astrocytes and the downstream modulation of neuroinflammatory genes. We observed that morphine can potentiate Tat suppression of β-catenin activity in human astrocytes. In contrast, Tat mutants deficient in secretion, and lacking neurotoxic effects, do not affect β-catenin activity in the presence or absence of morphine. Finally, morphine treatment of astrocytes was sufficient to reduce the expression of genes involved in neuroinflammation. Examining the molecular mechanisms of how HIV-1 infection and opiate exposure exacerbate neuroinflammation may help us inform or predict disease progression prior to HAND development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Thienlong Phan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Angel Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Luca Sardo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Current institution – Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Anthony R. Mele
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Nonnemacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zachary Klase
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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MMP-9-BDNF pathway is implicated in cognitive impairment of male individuals with methamphetamine addiction during early withdrawal. Behav Brain Res 2019; 366:29-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Bastos JR, Perico KM, Marciano Vieira ÉL, Teixeira AL, Machado FS, de Miranda AS, Moreira FA. Inhibition of the dopamine transporter as an animal model of bipolar disorder mania: Locomotor response, neuroimmunological profile and pharmacological modulation. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 102:142-149. [PMID: 29656188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of dopamine transporter (DAT) by GBR12909 has been proposed as a pharmacological model of mania related to bipolar disorder (BD). Here we tested the hypothesis that GBR12909 injection impairs habituation and induces hyperlocomotion in mice, along with changes in cytokines and neurotrophic factors levels, as observed in BD patients. We also tested if lithium carbonate, sodium valproate and aripiprazole prevent GBR12909-induced locomotion. Male Swiss mice received GBR12909 (15 mg/kg) injections and locomotor responses were quantified in an open field. Cytokines and neurotrophic factors levels were assessed in the prefrontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus 30 min and 24 h after injections. Pre-treatments with lithium, valproate or aripiprazole were performed with single and repeated injection protocols. GBR12909 prevented motoric habituation and increased basal locomotion in habituated mice in the open field. This compound also induced changes in IL-2 and BDNF levels in prefrontal cortex; IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in striatum; and IL-10, IL-4, IFN-γ and NGF in hippocampus. GBR12909-induced hyperlocomotion was attenuated by lithium (12.5-100 mg/kg), but not valproate (75-300 mg/kg), and prevented by aripiprazole (0.1-10 mg/kg). Repeated injections of these drugs (twice a day for 3 days), however, failed to inhibit hyperlocomotion. The main limitations of the protocols in this study are the analysis of locomotion as the only behavioral parameter, changes in immune factors that may overlap with other psychiatric disorders and the lack chronic drug injections. Despite of these limitations, this study adds to previous literature suggesting DAT inhibition as a potential animal model of mania related to BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana R Bastos
- Grad School in Neuroscience, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Katherinne M Perico
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Érica L Marciano Vieira
- Grad School in Neuroscience, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Antônio L Teixeira
- Grad School in Neuroscience, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fabiana S Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Aline S de Miranda
- Grad School in Neuroscience, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabrício A Moreira
- Grad School in Neuroscience, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Topiramate via NMDA, AMPA/kainate, GABA A and Alpha2 receptors and by modulation of CREB/BDNF and Akt/GSK3 signaling pathway exerts neuroprotective effects against methylphenidate-induced neurotoxicity in rats. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 124:1369-1387. [PMID: 28795276 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1771-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic abuse of methylphenidate (MPH) often causes neuronal cell death. Topiramate (TPM) carries neuroprotective effects, but its exact mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, the role of various doses of TPM and its possible mechanisms, receptors and signaling pathways involved against MPH-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration were evaluated in vivo. Thus, domoic acid (DOM) was used as AMPA/kainate receptor agonist, bicuculline (BIC) as GABAA receptor antagonist, ketamine (KET) as NMDA receptor antagonist, yohimbine (YOH) as α2 adrenergic receptor antagonist and haloperidol (HAL) was used as dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. Open field test (OFT) was used to investigate the disturbances in motor activity. Hippocampal neurodegenerative parameters were evaluated. Protein expressions of CREB/BDNF and Akt/GSK3 signaling pathways were also evaluated. Cresyl violet staining was performed to show and confirm the changes in the shape of the cells. TPM (70 and 100 mg/kg) reduced MPH-induced rise in lipid peroxidation, oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG), IL-1β and TNF-α levels, Bax expression and motor activity disturbances. In addition, TPM treatment increased Bcl-2 expression, the level of reduced form of glutathione (GSH) and the levels and activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes. TPM also inhibited MPH-induced hippocampal degeneration. Pretreatment of animals with DOM, BIC, KET and YOH inhibited TPM-induced neuroprotection and increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuroapoptosis and neurodegeneration while reducing CREB, BDNF and Akt protein expressions. Also pretreatment with DOM, BIC, KET and YOH inhibited TPM-induced decreases in GSK3. It can be concluded that the mentioned receptors by modulation of CREB/BDNF and Akt/GSK3 pathways, are involved in neuroprotection of TPM against MPH-induced neurodegeneration.
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Wang Z, Qiu Z, Gao C, Sun Y, Dong W, Zhang Y, Chen R, Qi Y, Li S, Guo Y, Piao Y, Li S, Piao F. 2,5-hexanedione downregulates nerve growth factor and induces neuron apoptosis in the spinal cord of rats via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179388. [PMID: 28654704 PMCID: PMC5487034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) is the main active metabolite of n-hexane and induces apoptosis in nerve tissue, however, the mechanism of which remains unclear. In the present study, neuropathic animal models were successfully constructed in rats by injecting 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg 2,5-HD intraperitoneally for 5 weeks. Rats exposed to 2,5-HD exhibited progressive gait abnormalities and slower motor neural response in a dose-dependent manner. TUNEL analysis and immunofluorescence dual labeling revealed that the spinal cord of the 2,5-HD treated rats underwent significantly more apoptosis in the cells of spinal cord than that of the control group. The neuron apoptosis index in spinal cord was 4.1%, 6.7%, 9.8% respectively in rats exposed to 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg 2,5-HD, compared with 1.1% in the control group (p < 0.05). Biochemical analysis showed that 2,5-HD exposure downregulated NGF expression in the spinal cord of the intoxicated rats; inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and Bad, two key players in PI3K/Akt pathway downstream of NGF; increased the dimerization of Bad with Bcl-xL in the mitochondrial fraction, followed by the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3 in the spinal cord of rats. In vitro study showed that the NGF expression decreased significantly in VSC4.1 cells dosed with 5.0, 10.0 mM 2,5-HD in comparison with the control group. It was also found that NGF supplement repressed the induced apoptosis, and increased p-Akt and p-Bad level in 2,5-HD treated VSC4.1 cells, which could be antagonized by PI3K kinase (the upstream member of Akt) inhibitor LY294002. Taken together, our experimental results indicate that 2,5-HD may induce apoptosis in the spinal cord of rats via downregulating NGF expression and subsequently repressing PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhemin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zewen Qiu
- Laboratory Animal center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chenxue Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yijie Sun
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ruolin Chen
- Department of Sexually Transmitted Disease, Heping Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Qi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuangyue Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanjie Guo
- Department of Biochemistry, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yongjun Piao
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- * E-mail: (FP); (SL)
| | - Fengyuan Piao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- * E-mail: (FP); (SL)
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Motaghinejad M, Motevalian M, Fatima S. Mediatory role of NMDA, AMPA/kainate, GABA A and Alpha 2 receptors in topiramate neuroprotective effects against methylphenidate induced neurotoxicity in rat. Life Sci 2017; 179:37-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Ruda-Kucerova J, Babinska Z, Stark T, Micale V. Suppression of Methamphetamine Self-Administration by Ketamine Pre-treatment Is Absent in the Methylazoxymethanol (MAM) Rat Model of Schizophrenia. Neurotox Res 2017; 32:121-133. [PMID: 28421529 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9718-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine may prove to be a potential candidate in treating the widespread drug addiction/substance abuse epidemic among patients with schizophrenia. Clinical studies have shown ketamine to reduce cocaine and heroin cravings. However, the use of ketamine remains controversial as it may exacerbate the symptoms of schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of this study is to characterize the effects of ketamine on drug addiction in schizophrenia using the methylazoxymethanol (MAM) acetate rat model on operant IV methamphetamine (METH) self-administration. MAM was administered intraperitoneally (22 mg/kg) on gestational day 17. Locomotor activity test and later IV self-administration (IVSA) were then performed in the male offspring followed by a period of forced abstinence and relapse of METH taking. After reaching stable intakes in the relapse phase, ketamine (5 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min prior to the self-administration session. As documented previously, the MAM rats showed a lack of habituation in the locomotor activity test but developed stable maintenance of METH self-administration with no difference in operant behaviour to control animals. Results show that ketamine treatment significantly reduced the METH intake in the control animals but not in MAM animals. Ketamine effect on METH self-administration may be explained by increased glutamatergic signalling in the prefrontal cortex caused by the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonism and disinhibition of GABA interneurons which was shown to be impaired in the MAM rats. This mechanism may at least partly explain the clinically proven anti-craving potential of ketamine and allow development of more specific anti-craving medications with fewer risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Zuzana Babinska
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in physiological and pathological conditions. Clin Sci (Lond) 2016; 131:123-138. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20160009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays a key role in the central nervous system, promoting synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis and neuroprotection. The BDNF gene structure is very complex and consists of multiple 5′-non-coding exons, which give rise to differently spliced transcripts, and one coding exon at the 3′-end. These multiple transcripts, together with the complex transcriptional regulatory machinery, lead to a complex and fine regulation of BDNF expression that can be tissue and stimulus specific. BDNF effects are mainly mediated by the high-affinity, tropomyosin-related, kinase B receptor and involve the activation of several downstream cascades, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase, phospholipase C-γ and phosphoinositide-3-kinase pathways. BDNF exerts a wide range of effects on neuronal function, including the modulation of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. Importantly, alterations in BDNF expression and function are involved in different brain disorders and represent a major downstream mechanism for stress response, which has important implications in psychiatric diseases, such as major depressive disorders and schizophrenia. In the present review, we have summarized the main features of BDNF in relation to neuronal plasticity, stress response and pathological conditions, and discussed the role of BDNF as a possible target for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in the context of psychiatric illnesses.
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Fries GR, Valvassori SS, Bock H, Stertz L, Magalhães PVDS, Mariot E, Varela RB, Kauer-Sant'Anna M, Quevedo J, Kapczinski F, Saraiva-Pereira ML. Memory and brain-derived neurotrophic factor after subchronic or chronic amphetamine treatment in an animal model of mania. J Psychiatr Res 2015; 68:329-36. [PMID: 26026487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Progression of bipolar disorder (BD) has been associated with cognitive impairment and changes in neuroplasticity, including a decrease in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, no study could examine BDNF levels directly in different brain regions after repeated mood episodes to date. The proposed animal model was designed to mimic several manic episodes and evaluate whether the performance in memory tasks and BDNF levels in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala would change after repeated amphetamine (AMPH) exposure. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into subchronic (AMPH for 7 days) and chronic groups (35 days), mimicking manic episodes at early and late stages of BD, respectively. After open field habituation or inhibitory avoidance test, rats were killed, brain regions were isolated, and BDNF mRNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. AMPH impaired habituation memory in both subchronic and chronic groups, and the impairment was worse in the chronic group. This was accompanied by increased Bdnf mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala region, as well as reduced BDNF protein in the hippocampus. In the inhibitory avoidance, AMPH significantly decreased the change from training to test when compared to saline. No difference was observed between subchronic and chronic groups, although chronically AMPH-treated rats presented increased Bdnf mRNA levels and decreased protein levels in hippocampus when compared to the subchronic group. Our results suggest that the cognitive impairment related to BD neuroprogression may be associated with BDNF alterations in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel R Fries
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Laboratory of Genetic Identification and Medical Genetic Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; INCT of Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Center for Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Samira S Valvassori
- INCT of Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Av. Universitária, 1105, 88806-000, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Hugo Bock
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification and Medical Genetic Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Laura Stertz
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; INCT of Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Center for Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Pedro Vieira da Silva Magalhães
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; INCT of Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Edimilson Mariot
- INCT of Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Av. Universitária, 1105, 88806-000, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Roger B Varela
- INCT of Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Av. Universitária, 1105, 88806-000, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Marcia Kauer-Sant'Anna
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; INCT of Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - João Quevedo
- INCT of Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Center for Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Laboratory of Neurosciences, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Av. Universitária, 1105, 88806-000, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Flávio Kapczinski
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; INCT of Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Center for Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Maria Luiza Saraiva-Pereira
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification and Medical Genetic Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Xue X, Shao S, Wang W, Shao F. Maternal separation induces alterations in reversal learning and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in adult rats. Neuropsychobiology 2014; 68:243-9. [PMID: 24280707 DOI: 10.1159/000356188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Early postnatal maternal and/or sibling separation (MS) can play an important role in the development of psychopathologies during ontogeny. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of repeated MS on the cognitive and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) function of rats. METHODS We investigated the effects of repeated MS that lasted 3 h/day during postnatal days 1-21 on spatial learning and reversal learning in Morris water maze tests in male rats. The rats were tested in 4 trials. Moreover, we examined the effects of MS on BDNF protein expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the nucleus accumbens, and the hippocampus via immunohistochemistry measurements. RESULTS We found that repeated MS modestly disrupted reversal learning performance in the Morris water maze and decreased BDNF protein expression in the mPFC. CONCLUSION The present study enhances our understanding of the neurobiological and behavioral consequences of repeated episodes of MS in rats to some degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Xue
- Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Hutson PH, Tarazi FI, Madhoo M, Slawecki C, Patkar AA. Preclinical pharmacology of amphetamine: Implications for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 143:253-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Dimatelis JJ, Russell VA, Stein DJ, Daniels WM. Methamphetamine reversed maternal separation-induced decrease in nerve growth factor in the ventral hippocampus. Metab Brain Dis 2014; 29:433-9. [PMID: 24407463 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-014-9481-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Stress has been suggested to predispose individuals to drug abuse. The early life stress of maternal separation (MS) is known to alter the response to drugs of abuse later in life. Exposure to either stress or methamphetamine has been shown to alter neurotrophic factors in the brain. Changes in neurotrophin levels may contribute to the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for drug use- and stress-induced behaviours. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the individual effects of MS and methamphetamine administration during adolescence and the combined effects of both stressors on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus (HC) in adulthood. Methamphetamine administration (1 mg/kg, daily from postnatal day (PND) 33 to 36 and from PND 39 to 42), MS and the combination of the two stressors resulted in decreased BDNF levels in both the dorsal and ventral HC. MS decreased NGF levels in the ventral HC which was restored by methamphetamine administration in adolescence. In the dorsal HC, NGF remained unaltered by either stressor alone or in combination. We propose that the restoration of NGF levels in the ventral HC may reflect a possible compensatory mechanism in response to methamphetamine exposure in adolescence following the early life stress of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Dimatelis
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa, 7925,
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Chen PH, Huang MC, Lai YC, Chen PY, Liu HC. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were reduced during methamphetamine early withdrawal. Addict Biol 2014; 19:482-5. [PMID: 22458544 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2012.00444.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is an increasing public health problem worldwide. Many of the METH-induced physical and mental problems are associated with the neurotoxic effects of METH. Animal studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) decreased after repeated amphetamine administration and increased at 30 and 90 days from psychostimulant withdrawal, suggesting that there might be a psychostimulant-induced neuroprotective dysfunction followed by a neuroadaptive process in the brain. However, current research on the role of BDNF in human METH addiction is limited, particularly during early withdrawal. The aim of this study was to assess the serum BDNF levels in METH abusers during the early withdrawal stage. Two groups of subjects were enrolled: (1) 59 DSM-IV METH abusers confirmed by board-certified psychiatrists during the first 3 weeks of withdrawal; (2) 59 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We found that serum BDNF levels were significantly and constantly lower in the METH abusers during early withdrawal than those of the healthy controls. This indicates that METH abusers might have severe BDNF dysfunction and an impaired neuroprotective function after repetitive METH misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pao-Huan Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, Department of Addiction Science, Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taiwan, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan, Department of Psychiatry, Cathay General Hospital, Taiwan Department of General Psychiatry, Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taiwan
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Guney E, Ceylan MF, Kara M, Tekin N, Goker Z, Senses Dinc G, Ozturk O, Eker S, Kizilgun M. Serum nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neurosci Lett 2013; 560:107-11. [PMID: 24361544 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. The etiopathogeny of ADHD has not been totally defined. Recent reports have suggested a pathophysiological role of neurotrophins in ADHD. In this study, we evaluated serum levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in patients with ADHD. The sample population consisted of 44 child or adolescent patients diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria; 36 healthy subjects were included in the study as controls. Venous blood samples were collected, and NGF levels were measured. The mean serum NGF levels of the ADHD patients were significantly higher than those of the controls. Age and gender of the patients were not correlated with serum NGF levels. There were no significant differences in NGF levels among the combined and predominantly inattentive subtypes of ADHD. Our study suggests that there are higher levels of serum NGF in drug naive ADHD patients, and that increased levels of NGF might have an important role in the pathophysiology of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Guney
- Ankara Pediatric & Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Fatih Ceylan
- Yıldırım Beyazıt University Medical Faculty, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Kara
- Osmangazi University Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Tekin
- Aksaray University Science Faculty, Department of Biochemistry, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Goker
- Ankara Pediatric & Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gulser Senses Dinc
- Ankara Pediatric & Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Onder Ozturk
- Ankara Pediatric & Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sevda Eker
- Ankara Pediatric & Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murat Kizilgun
- Ankara Pediatric & Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
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Calabrese F, Richetto J, Racagni G, Feldon J, Meyer U, Riva MA. Effects of withdrawal from repeated amphetamine exposure in peri-puberty on neuroplasticity-related genes in mice. Neuroscience 2013; 250:222-31. [PMID: 23872394 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Although extensive evidence demonstrates that repeated administration of amphetamine (AMPH) induces behavioral and neurochemical sensitization, the influence of the developmental timing of AMPH administration is unknown. This is an important issue to address because it could help clarify the influence of early drug exposure on neuronal plasticity and the involvement of dopaminergic sensitization in the etiopathology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, we decided to investigate the molecular alterations induced by the administration of AMPH during adolescence, when repeated exposure to the psychostimulant may interfere with developmental neuroplasticity. We investigated the expression of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and of two inducible-early genes (arc and cfos) that bridge neuronal activity with long-lasting functional alterations. We found that peri-pubertal treatment with AMPH induces long-lasting changes in the expression of bdnf and of activity-regulated genes in the hippocampus and in the prefrontal/frontal cortex, and leads to alterations of their short-term modulation in response to a subsequent acute AMPH challenge. These data suggest that AMPH exposure in peri-puberty may negatively affect the maturation of brain structures, such as the prefrontal cortex, which facilitate the development of dopamine sensitization and may contribute to dopamine-dependent behavioral dysfunctions and molecular alterations in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Calabrese
- Center of Neuropharmacology, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Manning EE, van den Buuse M. BDNF deficiency and young-adult methamphetamine induce sex-specific effects on prepulse inhibition regulation. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:92. [PMID: 23781174 PMCID: PMC3679473 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, yet its role in the development of specific symptoms is unclear. Methamphetamine (METH) users have an increased risk of psychosis and schizophrenia, and METH-treated animals have been used extensively as a model to study the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. We investigated whether METH treatment in BDNF heterozygous (HET) mutant mice has cumulative effects on sensorimotor gating, including the disruptive effects of psychotropic drugs. BDNF HETs and wildtype (WT) littermates were treated during young adulthood with METH and, following a 2-week break, prepulse inhibition (PPI) was examined. At baseline, BDNF HETs showed reduced PPI compared to WT mice irrespective of METH pre-treatment. An acute challenge with amphetamine (AMPH) disrupted PPI but male BDNF HETs were more sensitive to this effect, irrespective of METH pre-treatment. In contrast, female mice treated with METH were less sensitive to the disruptive effects of AMPH, and there were no effects of BDNF genotype. Similar changes were not observed in the response to an acute apomorphine (APO) or MK-801 challenge. These results show that genetically-induced reduction of BDNF caused changes in a behavioral endophenotype relevant to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. However, major sex differences were observed in the effects of a psychotropic drug challenge on this behavior. These findings suggest sex differences in the effects of BDNF depletion and METH treatment on the monoamine signaling pathways that regulate PPI. Given that these same pathways are thought to contribute to the expression of positive symptoms in schizophrenia, this work suggests that there may be significant sex differences in the pathophysiology underlying these symptoms. Elucidating these sex differences may be important for our understanding of the neurobiology of schizophrenia and developing better treatments strategies for the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Manning
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Recovering from cocaine: insights from clinical and preclinical investigations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:2037-46. [PMID: 23628740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine remains one of the most addictive substances of abuse and one of the most difficult to treat. Although increasingly sophisticated experimental and technologic advancements in the last several decades have yielded a large body of clinical and preclinical knowledge on the direct effects of cocaine on the brain, we still have a relatively incomplete understanding of the neurobiological processes that occur when drug use is discontinued. The goal of this manuscript is to review both clinical and preclinical data related to abstinence from cocaine and discuss the complementary conclusions that emerge from these different levels of inquiry. This commentary will address observed alterations in neural function, neural structure, and neurotransmitter system regulation that are present in both animal models of cocaine abstinence and data from recovering clinical populations. Although these different levels of inquiry are often challenging to integrate, emerging data discussed in this commentary suggest that from a structural and functional perspective, the preservation of cortical function that is perhaps the most important biomarker associated with extended abstinence from cocaine.
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Abstract
Biomarkers are chemical and physiologic parameters that can provide reliable and predictive information about the course and treatment of a given illness. Biomarkers are being increasingly sought after in other medical conditions, and in some instances (eg, breast cancer therapy) are beginning to be incorporated into clinical decision making. There is a confluence of research investigating potential biomarkers for schizophrenia. This article reviews early progress and strategies for evaluating biomarkers, as well as how this approach can advance the treatment of schizophrenia toward personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anilkumar Pillai
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University, 997 Saint Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Harrod SB, Lacy RT, Zhu J, Hughes BA, Perna MK, Brown RW. Gestational IV nicotine produces elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system of adolescent rat offspring. Synapse 2012; 65:1382-92. [PMID: 21990022 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with enduring psychopathology, such as increased likelihood of substance use, in offspring. Various animal models demonstrate that continuous nicotine exposure produces teratogenic effects in offspring, as well. In this experiment, a novel intravenous (IV) exposure model was used to determine if gestational nicotine (GN) treatment produced alterations in methamphetamine-induced sensitization and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system of adolescent offspring. Dams were injected with IV saline or nicotine (0.05 mg/kg/injection) three times per day on gestational days 8-21. Habituation was measured on postnatal day (PND) 25-27 and baseline activity on PND 28. On PND 29-35, offspring were injected with saline or methamphetamine (0.3 mg/kg) and locomotor activity was measured after the first and seventh injections. On PND 36, brains were removed, flash frozen, and BDNF protein levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), dorsal striatum (Str), frontal cortex (FC), and hippocampus (Hipp) were analyzed. GN did not affect habituation or the induction of methamphetamine-induced sensitization. Interestingly, GN, but not adolescent methamphetamine treatment, elevated levels of BDNF in the NAcc and Str; however, the GN-induced increase in BDNF in the FC was attenuated by adolescent methamphetamine treatment. Both GN and adolescent methamphetamine treatment increased BDNF in the Hipp. These findings indicate that GN exposure will result in increased levels of BDNF protein throughout the mesocorticolimbic DA system during adolescent development and suggests that methamphetamine abuse will modulate the expression of BDNF in motivational circuitries of adolescent offspring exposed to GN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven B Harrod
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, USA.
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Gabbita SP, Srivastava MK, Eslami P, Johnson MF, Kobritz NK, Tweedie D, Greig NH, Zemlan FP, Sharma SP, Harris-White ME. Early intervention with a small molecule inhibitor for tumor necrosis factor-α prevents cognitive deficits in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2012; 9:99. [PMID: 22632257 PMCID: PMC3403851 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-9-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic neuroinflammation is an important component of Alzheimer's disease and could contribute to neuronal dysfunction, injury and loss that lead to disease progression. Multiple clinical studies implicate tumor necrosis factor-α as an inflammatory mediator of neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer's because of elevated levels of this cytokine in the cerebrospinal fluid, hippocampus and cortex. Current Alzheimer's disease interventions are symptomatic treatments with limited efficacy that do not address etiology. Thus, a critical need exists for novel treatments directed towards modifying the pathophysiology and progression. METHODS To investigate the effect of early immune modulation on neuroinflammation and cognitive outcome, we treated triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease mice (harboring PS1(M146V), APP(Swe), and tau(P301L) transgenes) with the small molecule tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, 3,6'-dithiothalidomide and thalidomide, beginning at four months of age. At this young age, mice do not exhibit plaque or tau pathology but do show mild intraneuronal amyloid beta protein staining and a robust increase in tumor necrosis factor-α. After 10 weeks of treatment, cognitive performance was assessed using radial arm maze and neuroinflammation was assessed using biochemical, stereological and flow cytometric endpoints. RESULTS 3,6'-dithiothalidomide reduced tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA and protein levels in the brain and improved working memory performance and the ratio of resting to reactive microglia in the hippocampus of triple transgenic mice. In comparison to non-transgenic controls, triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease mice had increased total numbers of infiltrating peripheral monomyelocytic/granulocytic leukocytes with enhanced intracytoplasmic tumor necrosis factor-α, which was reduced after treatment with 3,6'-dithiothalidomide. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that modulation of tumor necrosis factor-α with small molecule inhibitors is safe and effective with potential for the long-term prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Autry AE, Monteggia LM. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacol Rev 2012; 64:238-58. [PMID: 22407616 DOI: 10.1124/pr.111.005108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 938] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most prevalent growth factor in the central nervous system (CNS). It is essential for the development of the CNS and for neuronal plasticity. Because BDNF plays a crucial role in development and plasticity of the brain, it is widely implicated in psychiatric diseases. This review provides a summary of clinical and preclinical evidence for the involvement of this ubiquitous growth factor in major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, Rett syndrome, as well as other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases. In addition, the review includes a discussion of the role of BDNF in the mechanism of action of pharmacological therapies currently used to treat these diseases, such antidepressants and antipsychotics. The review also covers a critique of experimental therapies such as BDNF mimetics and discusses the value of BDNF as a target for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita E Autry
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9070, USA
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Mendelson J, Baggott MJ, Flower K, Galloway G. Developing biomarkers for methamphetamine addiction. Curr Neuropharmacol 2011; 9:100-3. [PMID: 21886571 PMCID: PMC3137160 DOI: 10.2174/157015911795017128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 04/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There are an estimated 11.7 million methamphetamine (MA) abusers in the United States and epidemics of MA addiction are occurring worldwide. In our human laboratory and outpatient clinical trials we use innovative methods to quantify the severity of MA addiction and test biomarkers that may predict response to therapy or risk of relapse. One potential biomarker of addiction is the quantity of abused drug intake. Qualitative urinalysis is used in clinical trials and during treatment but provides only a binary outcome measure of abuse. Using non-pharmacologic doses of deuterium labeled l-MA we have developed a continuous quantitative measure to estimate the bioavailable amount of MA addicts ingest. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor is a neurotrophin that encourages growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. Low BDNF levels are seen in many addictive disorders and BDNF is elevated in recovering MA addicts, suggesting BDNF may be a marker of MA addiction. We are investigating the effects of controlled doses of MA on BDNF levels and gene regulation and measuring BDNF in our clinical trials. We believe both patients and clinical researches will benefit from the addition of new, objective and quantifiable outcome measures that reflect disease severity and recovery from addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mendelson
- Addiction and Pharmacology Research Laboratory, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, St Luke's Hospital 3555 Cesar Chavez San Francisco, CA 94110 USA
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Miladi-Gorji H, Rashidy-Pour A, Fathollahi Y, Akhavan MM, Semnanian S, Safari M. Voluntary exercise ameliorates cognitive deficits in morphine dependent rats: the role of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2011; 96:479-91. [PMID: 21872672 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to opiates impairs spatial learning and memory. Given the well-known beneficial effects of voluntary exercise on cognitive functions, we investigated whether voluntary exercise would ameliorate the cognitive deficits that are induced by morphine dependence. If an effect of exercise was observed, we aimed to investigate the possible role of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the exercise-induced enhancement of learning and memory in morphine-dependent rats. The rats were injected with bi-daily doses (10mg/kg, at 12h intervals) of morphine over a period of 10 days of voluntary exercise. Following these injections, a water maze task was performed twice a day for five consecutive days, followed by a probe trial 2 days later. A specific BDNF inhibitor (TrkB-IgG chimera) was used to block the hippocampal BDNF action during the 10 days of voluntary exercise. We found that voluntary exercise blocked the ability of chronic morphine to impair spatial memory retention. A blockade of the BDNF action blunted the exercise-induced improvement of spatial memory in the dependent rats. Moreover, the voluntary exercise diminished the severity of the rats' dependency on morphine. This study demonstrates that voluntary exercise ameliorates, via a TrkB-mediated mechanism, the cognitive deficits that are induced by chronic morphine. Thus, voluntary exercise might be a potential method to ameliorate some of the deleterious behavioral consequences of the abuse of morphine and other opiates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Miladi-Gorji
- Dept. of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Ádori C, Andó RD, Szekeres M, Gutknecht L, Kovács GG, Hunyady L, Lesch KP, Bagdy G. Recovery and aging of serotonergic fibers after single and intermittent MDMA treatment in dark agouti rat. J Comp Neurol 2011; 519:2353-78. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.22631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Ricci V, Martinotti G, Gelfo F, Tonioni F, Caltagirone C, Bria P, Angelucci F. Chronic ketamine use increases serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 215:143-8. [PMID: 21161184 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-2121-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Ketamine is a non-competitive N-methyl-D: -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist which interferes with the action of excitatory amino acids (EAAs) including glutamate and aspartate. The use of ketamine at subanaesthetic doses has increased because of its psychotomimetic properties. However, long-term ketamine abuse may interfere with memory processes and inhibit the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus, an effect probably mediated by its NMDA antagonist action. Neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) serve as survival factors for selected populations of central nervous system neurons, including cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons. In addition, neurotrophins, particularly BDNF, may regulate LTP in the hippocampus and influence synaptic plasticity. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that ketamine use in humans is associated with altered serum levels of neurotrophins. METHODS We measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay the NGF and BDNF serum levels in two groups of subjects: frequent ketamine users and healthy subjects. RESULTS Our data show that BDNF serum levels were increased in chronic ketamine users as compared to healthy subjects, while NGF levels were not affected by ketamine use. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that chronic ketamine intake is associated with increases in BDNF serum levels in humans. Other studies are needed to explore the pharmacological and molecular mechanism by which ketamine, and/or other NMDA antagonists, may induce modification in the production and utilization of BDNF and alter normal brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Calcium-related signaling pathways contributed to dopamine-induced cortical neuron apoptosis. Neurochem Int 2011; 58:281-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2010.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Revised: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ádori C, Andó RD, Ferrington L, Szekeres M, Vas S, Kelly PA, Hunyady L, Bagdy G. Elevated BDNF protein level in cortex but not in hippocampus of MDMA-treated Dark Agouti rats: A potential link to the long-term recovery of serotonergic axons. Neurosci Lett 2010; 478:56-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Angelucci F, Ricci V, Spalletta G, Caltagirone C, Mathé AA, Bria P. Effects of psychostimulants on neurotrophins implications for psychostimulant-induced neurotoxicity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2009; 88:1-24. [PMID: 19897072 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(09)88001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
It is well documented that psychostimulants may alter neuronal function and neurotransmission in the brain. Although the mechanism of psychostimulants is still unknown, it is known that these substances increase extracellular level of several neurotransmitters including dopamine (DA), serotonin, and norepinephrine by competing with monoamine transporters and can induce physical tolerance and dependence. In addition to this, recent findings also suggest that psychostimulants may damage brain neurons through mechanisms that are still under investigation. In the recent years, it has been demonstrated that almost all psychostimulants are able to affect a class of proteins, called neurotrophins, in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS). Neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have relevant action on neurons involved in psychostimulant action, such as DA and serotonergic neurons, and can play dual roles: first, in neuronal survival and death, and, second, in activity-dependent plasticity. In this review, we will focalize on the effects of psychostimulants on this class of proteins, which may be implicated, at least in part, in the mechanism of the psychostimulant-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, since altered neurotrophins may participate in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and psychiatric disorders are common in drug users, one plausible hypothesis is that psychostimulants can cause psychosis through interfering with neurotrophins synthesis and utilization by CNS neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Angelucci
- Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Angelucci F, Ricci V, Spalletta G, Pomponi M, Tonioni F, Caltagirone C, Bria P. Reduced serum concentrations of nerve growth factor, but not brain-derived neurotrophic factor, in chronic cannabis abusers. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2008; 18:882-7. [PMID: 18774699 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2008] [Revised: 07/10/2008] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cannabis use produces effects within the central nervous system (CNS) which include deficits in learning and attention tasks and decreased brain volume. Neurotrophins, in particular nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are proteins that serve as survival factors for CNS neurons. Deficits in the production and utilization of these proteins can lead to CNS dysfunctions including those associated with cannabis abuse. In this study we measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) the NGF and BDNF serum levels in two groups of subjects: cannabis-dependent patients and healthy subjects. We found that NGF serum levels were significantly reduced in cannabis abusers as compared to healthy subjects. These findings indicate that NGF may have a role in the central action of cannabis and potentially in the neurotoxicity induced by this drug. These data also suggest that chronic cannabis consumption may be a risk factor for developing psychosis among drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Angelucci
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, Rome, Italy.
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Pillai A. Brain-derived neurotropic factor/TrkB signaling in the pathogenesis and novel pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia. Neurosignals 2008; 16:183-93. [PMID: 18253057 DOI: 10.1159/000111562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of neurotropins, predominantly brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), has been implicated in the pathophysiology as well as treatment outcome of schizophrenia. Both human and rodent studies indicate that the beneficial effects of antipsychotic drugs are mediated, at least in part, through BDNF and its receptor, TrkB. This review will discuss the available data on the levels of BDNF and TrkB in subjects with schizophrenia and in animals with and without conventional antipsychotics. The data concerning the impact of the antipsychotic drugs on BDNF/TrkB signaling will also be discussed. More importantly, this review will provide future perspective on BDNF/TrkB signaling as a novel molecular target to correct the pathogenesis and improve the long-term clinical outcome by treatments with conventional and adjunctive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anilkumar Pillai
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Medical Research Service Line, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA.
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Lang UE, Puls I, Muller DJ, Strutz-Seebohm N, Gallinat J. Molecular mechanisms of schizophrenia. Cell Physiol Biochem 2007; 20:687-702. [PMID: 17982252 DOI: 10.1159/000110430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder, where family, twin and adoption studies have been demonstrating a high heritability of the disease and that this disease is not simply defined by several major genes but rather evolves from addition or potentiation of a specific cluster of genes, which subsequently determines the genetic vulnerability of an individual. Linkage and association studies suggest that a genetic vulnerablility, is not forcefully leading to the disease since triggering factors and environmental influences, i.e. birth complications, drug abuse, urban background or time of birth have been identified. This has lead to the assumption that schizophrenia is not only a genetically defined static disorder but a dynamic process leading to dysregulation of multiple pathways. There are several different hypothesis based on several facets of the disease, some of them due to the relatively well-known mechanisms of therapeutic agents. The most widely considered neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia integrates environmental influences and causative genes. The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia is based on the fact that all common treatments involve antidopaminergic mechanisms and genes such as DRD2, DRD3, DARPP-32, BDNF or COMT are closely related to dopaminergic system functioning. The glutamatergic hypothesis of schizophrenia lead recently to a first successful mGlu2/3 receptor agonistic drug and is underpinned by significant findings in genes regulating the glutamatergic system (SLC1A6, SLC1A2 GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIA1, NRG1, ErbB4, DTNBP1, DAAO, G72/30, GRM3). Correspondingly, GABA has been proposed to modulate the pathophysiology of the disease which is represented by the involvement of genes like GABRA1, GABRP, GABRA6 and Reelin. Moreover, several genes implicating immune, signaling and networking deficits have been reported to be involved in the disease, i.e. DISC1, RGS4, PRODH, DGCR6, ZDHHC8, DGCR2, Akt, CREB, IL-1B, IL-1RN, IL-10, IL-1B. However, molecular findings suggest that a complex interplay between receptors, kinases, proteins and hormones is involved in schizophrenia. In a unifying hypothesis, different cascades merge into another that ultimately lead to the development of symptoms adherent to schizophrenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undine E Lang
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Berlin (Germany).
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