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Cardaci V, Carminati M, Tondello M, Pecorino B, Serretti A, Zanardi R. Understanding and treating postpartum depression: a narrative review. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2024:00004850-990000000-00143. [PMID: 38941162 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is an increasingly prevalent but still poorly characterized disorder. Causal and modulating factors include hormones fluctuations, such as estrogen, progesterone, and allopregnolone, pathways imbalances, such as oxytocin and kynurenine, chronobiological factors, and brain imaging alterations. Treatment may differ from the traditional major depression management, while selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as sertraline are commonly used and suggested by guidelines, neurosteroids such as brexanolone and the more convenient zuranolone have been recently approved. Newer neurosteroids such as ganaxolone, valaxanolone, and lysaxanolone are currently under development, but also esketamine and psychedelics are promising potential treatments. Other somatic treatments including brain stimulation techniques and light therapy also showed benefit. PPD is therefore increasingly understood as, at least partially, independent from major depressive disorder. Specific and individualized treatments including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies are progressively being introduced in the routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cardaci
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan
| | - Matteo Carminati
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan
| | - Mattia Tondello
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan
| | - Basilio Pecorino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Enna
| | | | - Raffaella Zanardi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mood Disorder Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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2
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Poletti S, Mazza MG, Benedetti F. Inflammatory mediators in major depression and bipolar disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:247. [PMID: 38851764 PMCID: PMC11162479 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02921-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are highly disabling illnesses defined by different psychopathological, neuroimaging, and cognitive profiles. In the last decades, immune dysregulation has received increasing attention as a central factor in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Several aspects of immune dysregulations have been investigated, including, low-grade inflammation cytokines, chemokines, cell populations, gene expression, and markers of both peripheral and central immune activation. Understanding the distinct immune profiles characterizing the two disorders is indeed of crucial importance for differential diagnosis and the implementation of personalized treatment strategies. In this paper, we reviewed the current literature on the dysregulation of the immune response system focusing our attention on studies using inflammatory markers to discriminate between MDD and BD. High heterogeneity characterized the available literature, reflecting the heterogeneity of the disorders. Common alterations in the immune response system include high pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. On the contrary, a greater involvement of chemokines and markers associated with innate immunity has been reported in BD together with dynamic changes in T cells with differentiation defects during childhood which normalize in adulthood, whereas classic mediators of immune responses such as IL-4 and IL-10 are present in MDD together with signs of immune-senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Poletti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Mario Gennaro Mazza
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Poletti S, Zanardi R, Mandelli A, Aggio V, Finardi A, Lorenzi C, Borsellino G, Carminati M, Manfredi E, Tomasi E, Spadini S, Colombo C, Drexhage HA, Furlan R, Benedetti F. Low-dose interleukin 2 antidepressant potentiation in unipolar and bipolar depression: Safety, efficacy, and immunological biomarkers. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:52-68. [PMID: 38367846 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.019] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune-inflammatory mechanisms are promising targets for antidepressant pharmacology. Immune cell abnormalities have been reported in mood disorders showing a partial T cell defect. Following this line of reasoning we defined an antidepressant potentiation treatment with add-on low-dose interleukin 2 (IL-2). IL-2 is a T-cell growth factor which has proven anti-inflammatory efficacy in autoimmune conditions, increasing thymic production of naïve CD4 + T cells, and possibly correcting the partial T cell defect observed in mood disorders. We performed a single-center, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial evaluating the safety, clinical efficacy and biological responses of low-dose IL-2 in depressed patients with major depressive (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD). 36 consecutively recruited inpatients at the Mood Disorder Unit were randomised in a 2:1 ratio to receive either aldesleukin (12 MDD and 12 BD) or placebo (6 MDD and 6 BD). Active treatment significantly potentiated antidepressant response to ongoing SSRI/SNRI treatment in both diagnostic groups, and expanded the population of T regulatory, T helper 2, and percentage of Naive CD4+/CD8 + immune cells. Changes in cell frequences were rapidly induced in the first five days of treatment, and predicted the later improvement of depression severity. No serious adverse effect was observed. This is the first randomised control trial (RCT) evidence supporting the hypothesis that treatment to strengthen the T cell system could be a successful way to correct the immuno-inflammatory abnormalities associated with mood disorders, and potentiate antidepressant response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Poletti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Zanardi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Mood Disorder Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mandelli
- Clinical Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Veronica Aggio
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Annamaria Finardi
- Clinical Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Lorenzi
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Carminati
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Mood Disorder Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Manfredi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Mood Disorder Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Enrico Tomasi
- Hospital Pharmacy, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Spadini
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Mood Disorder Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Hemmo A Drexhage
- Coordinator EU consortium MoodStratification, Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roberto Furlan
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Clinical Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
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Dallaspezia S, Cardaci V, Mazza MG, De Lorenzo R, Rovere Querini P, Colombo C, Benedetti F. Higher Seasonal Variation of Systemic Inflammation in Bipolar Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4310. [PMID: 38673894 PMCID: PMC11049938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Seasonal rhythms affect the immune system. Evidence supports the involvement of immuno-inflammatory mechanisms in bipolar disorder (BD), with the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII; platelets × neutrophils/lymphocytes) consistently reported to be higher in patients with BD than in HC, but seasonal rhythms of innate and adaptive immunity have never been studied. We retrospectively studied NLR and SII in 824 participants divided into three groups: 321 consecutively admitted inpatients affected by a major depressive episode in course of BD, and 255 consecutively admitted inpatients affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; positive psychiatric control), and 248 healthy controls (HC). Patients with BD showed markedly higher markers of systemic inflammation in autumn and winter, but not in spring and summer, in respect to both HC and patients with OCD, thus suggesting a specific effect of season on inflammatory markers in BD, independent of a shared hospital setting and drug treatment. Given that systemic inflammation is emerging as a new marker and as target for treatment in depressive disorders, we suggest that seasonal rhythms should be considered for tailoring antidepressant immuno-modulatory treatments in a precision medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dallaspezia
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Cardaci
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (V.C.); (P.R.Q.); (C.C.)
| | - Mario Gennaro Mazza
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Rebecca De Lorenzo
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Rovere Querini
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (V.C.); (P.R.Q.); (C.C.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy;
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (V.C.); (P.R.Q.); (C.C.)
- Mood Disorders Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (S.D.); (M.G.M.)
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy; (V.C.); (P.R.Q.); (C.C.)
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Escelsior A, Inuggi A, Sterlini B, Bovio A, Marenco G, Bode J, Favilla L, Tardito S, Altosole T, Pereira da Silva B, Fenoglio D, Filaci G, Amore M, Serafini G. T-cell immunophenotype correlations with cortical thickness and white matter microstructure in bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 348:179-190. [PMID: 38154587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation and immunological alterations, such as T-cell and cytokine changes, are implicated in bipolar disorder (BD), with some evidence linking them to brain structural changes (e.g., cortical thickness (CT), gray matter (GM) volume and white matter (WM) microstructure). However, the connection between specific peripheral cell types, such as T-cells, and neuroimaging in BD remains scarcely investigated. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the link between T-cell immunophenotype and neuroradiological findings in BD. METHODS Our study investigated 43 type I BD subjects (22 depressive, 21 manic) and 26 healthy controls (HC), analyzing T lymphocyte immunophenotype and employing neuroimaging to assess CT for GM and fractional anisotropy (FA) for WM. RESULTS In lymphocyte populations, BD patients exhibited elevated CD4+ and CD4+ central memory (TCM) cells frequencies, but lower CD8+ effector memory (TEM) and terminal effector memory (TTEM) cells. Neuroimaging analysis revealed reduced CT in multiple brain regions in BD patients; and significant negative correlations between CD4 + TCM levels and CT of precuneus and fusiform gyrus. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis showed widespread alteration in WM microstructure in BD patients, with negative and positive correlations respectively between FA and radial diffusivity (RD) and CD4 + TCM. Additionally, positive and negative correlations were found respectively between FA and RD and the CD8 + TEM and CD8 + TTEM subsets. CONCLUSIONS Our research revealed distinct T lymphocyte changes and brain structure alterations in BD, underscoring possible immune-brain interactions, warranting further study and therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Escelsior
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alberto Inuggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Anna Bovio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Marenco
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Juxhin Bode
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Favilla
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Samuele Tardito
- Center for Cancer & Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW (5th floor), Washington, DC 20010, United States of America.
| | | | - Beatriz Pereira da Silva
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Fenoglio
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Biotherapy Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Biotherapy Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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Long JY, Li B, Ding P, Mei H, Li Y. Correlations between multimodal neuroimaging and peripheral inflammation in different subtypes and mood states of bipolar disorder: a systematic review. Int J Bipolar Disord 2024; 12:5. [PMID: 38388844 PMCID: PMC10884387 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-024-00327-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic inflammation-immune dysregulation and brain abnormalities are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the connections between peripheral inflammation and the brain, especially the interactions between different BD subtypes and episodes, remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we conducted the present study to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex association between peripheral inflammation and neuroimaging findings in patients with bipolar spectrum disorders. METHODS This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42023447044) and conducted according to the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study Design (PICOS) framework. Online literature databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library) were searched for studies that simultaneously investigated both peripheral inflammation-related factors and magnetic resonance neurography of BD patients up to July 01, 2023. Then, we analysed the correlations between peripheral inflammation and neuroimaging, as well as the variation trends and the shared and specific patterns of these correlations according to different clinical dimensions. RESULTS In total, 34 publications ultimately met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review, with 2993 subjects included. Among all patterns of interaction between peripheral inflammation and neuroimaging, the most common pattern was a positive relationship between elevated inflammation levels and decreased neuroimaging measurements. The brain regions most susceptible to inflammatory activation were the anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, orbitofrontal cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and posterior cingulate cortex. LIMITATIONS The small sample size, insufficiently explicit categorization of BD subtypes and episodes, and heterogeneity of the research methods limited further implementation of quantitative data synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Disturbed interactions between peripheral inflammation and the brain play a critical role in BD, and these interactions exhibit certain commonalities and differences across various clinical dimensions of BD. Our study further confirmed that the fronto-limbic-striatal system may be the central neural substrate in BD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Long
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, No. 89, Gongnongbing Rd., Jiang'an District, Wuhan, 430012, Hubei Province, China
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Li
- School of Public Administration, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Pei Ding
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, No. 89, Gongnongbing Rd., Jiang'an District, Wuhan, 430012, Hubei Province, China
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Mei
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, East Lake Rd., Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Yi Li
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, No. 89, Gongnongbing Rd., Jiang'an District, Wuhan, 430012, Hubei Province, China.
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Sapienza J, Agostoni G, Dall'Acqua S, Sut S, Nasini S, Martini F, Marchesi A, Bechi M, Buonocore M, Cocchi F, Cavallaro R, Spangaro M, Comai S, Bosia M. The kynurenine pathway in treatment-resistant schizophrenia at the crossroads between pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy. Schizophr Res 2024; 264:71-80. [PMID: 38101180 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Two cardinal elements in the complex and multifaceted pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SCZ) are neuroinflammation and dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission, with the latter being especially involved in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). Interestingly, the Kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) is at the crossroad between them, constituting a potential causal link and a therapeutic target. Although there is preclinical and clinical evidence indicating a dysregulation of KP associated with the clinical phenotype of SCZ, clinical studies investigating the possible relationship between changes in biomarkers of the KP and response to pharmacotherapy are still limited. Therefore, we have studied possible differences in the circulating levels of biomarkers of the metabolism of tryptophan along the KP in 43 responders to first-line treatments (FLR) and 32 TRS patients treated with clozapine, and their possible associations with psychopathology in the two subgroups. Plasma levels of KYN were significantly higher in TRS patients than in FLR patients, indicating a greater activation of KP. Furthermore, the levels of quinolinic (NMDA receptor agonist) and kynurenic acid (NMDA negative allosteric modulator) showed a negative and a positive correlation with several dimensions and the overall symptomatology in the whole sample and in FLR, but not in TRS, suggesting a putative modulating effect of clozapine elicited through the NMDA receptors. Despite the cross-sectional design of the study that prevents us from demonstrating causation, these findings show a significant relationship among circulating KP biomarkers, psychopathology, and response to pharmacotherapy in SCZ. Therefore, plasma KP biomarkers should be further investigated for developing personalized medicine approaches in SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Sapienza
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Department of Humanities and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Agostoni
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall'Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Sut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Nasini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Martini
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Marchesi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Bechi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Buonocore
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Cocchi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cavallaro
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Spangaro
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Comai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Division of Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Marta Bosia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Comai S, Nunez N, Atkin T, Ghabrash MF, Zakarian R, Fielding A, Saint-Laurent M, Low N, Sauber G, Ragazzi E, Hillard CJ, Gobbi G. Dysfunction in endocannabinoids, palmitoylethanolamide, and degradation of tryptophan into kynurenine in individuals with depressive symptoms. BMC Med 2024; 22:33. [PMID: 38273283 PMCID: PMC10809514 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03248-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid (eCB) system and the serotonin (5-HT) are both implicated in the severity of the depression. 5-HT is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan (Trp), which is also a precursor for kynurenine (Kyn) whose production is increased at the expense of 5-HT in depressed patients. No clinical studies have investigated the crosstalk between the eCB system and the Trp/5-HT/Kyn pathways. Here, we hypothesized that the eCB system is associated with an enhanced Kyn production in relation to the severity of depressive symptoms. METHODS Eighty-two subjects (51 patients with a diagnosis of depressive disorder (DSM-5) and 31 healthy volunteers), were assessed with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Beck Depression Scale, and Global Clinical Impression. Serum concentrations of eCBs (N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)); structurally related fatty acyl compounds 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA); Trp, Kyn, Kyn/Trp ratio (an index of Trp degradation into Kyn) and 5-HT were also determined. RESULTS Following a principal component analysis including the severity of depression, Kyn and the Kyn/Trp ratio appear to be directly associated with 2-AG, AEA, and PEA. Interestingly, these biomarkers also permitted to distinguish the population into two main clusters: one of individuals having mild/severe depressive symptoms and the other with an absence of depressive symptoms. Using parametric analysis, higher serum levels of 2-AG, Kyn, and the ratio Kyn/Trp and lower levels of Trp and 5-HT were found in individuals with mild/severe depressive symptoms than in those without depressive symptoms. While in asymptomatic people, PEA was directly associated to Trp, and OEA indirectly linked to 5-HT, in individuals with depressive symptoms, these correlations were lost, and instead, positive correlations between AEA and 2-AG, PEA and AEA, and PEA vs 2-AG and OEA concentrations were found. CONCLUSIONS Parametric and non-parametric analyses suggest a possible association between eCBs, tryptophan/kynurenine biomarkers, and severity of depression, confirming a likely interplay among inflammation, stress, and depression. The enhanced relationships among the biomarkers of the 2-AG and AEA pathways and related lipids seen in individuals with depressive symptoms, but not in asymptomatics, suggest an altered metabolism of the eCB system in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Comai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nicolas Nunez
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tobias Atkin
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Rita Zakarian
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Allan Fielding
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Saint-Laurent
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nancy Low
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Garrett Sauber
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Sapienza J, Spangaro M, Guillemin GJ, Comai S, Bosia M. Importance of the dysregulation of the kynurenine pathway on cognition in schizophrenia: a systematic review of clinical studies. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1317-1328. [PMID: 36460745 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01519-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic psychotic disease burdened by cognitive deficits which hamper daily functioning causing disability and costs for society. Biological determinants underlying cognitive impairment are only partially understood and there are no convincing pharmacological targets able to improve cognitive outcome. Mounting evidence has shown the involvement of the kynurenine pathway in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, also concerning cognitive symptoms. Therefore, the action of specific metabolites of kynurenine could affects cognition in schizophrenia. To evaluate the impact of the metabolites of kynurenine pathway on cognitive functions in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, with a focus on the modulating role of gender, to identify predictors of cognitive functioning and hypothetical pharmacological targets able to resize disability by improving cognition, thus functioning and quality of life. A systematic review was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. All studies measuring the direct impact of kynurenine metabolites on cognitive performances in living individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were included in the review. Six studies were included. The activation of the kynurenine pathway resulted associated with greater cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia and both elevations and reduction of metabolites seemed able to affect cognitive outcome. No modulating role of sex emerged. This systematic review provides evidence that the activation of the kynurenine pathway affects cognition in patients with schizophrenia and highlights this pathway as a possible future target for developing novel drugs toward this still unmet clinical need. However, evidence is still limited and future studies are needed to further clarify the relationship between kynurenine pathway and cognition in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Macquarie Medicine School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stefano Comai
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Marta Bosia
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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10
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Khanra S, Reddy P, Giménez-Palomo A, Park CHJ, Panizzutti B, McCallum M, Arumugham SS, Umesh S, Debnath M, Das B, Venkatasubramanian G, Ashton M, Turner A, Dean OM, Walder K, Vieta E, Yatham LN, Pacchiarotti I, Reddy YCJ, Goyal N, Kesavan M, Colomer L, Berk M, Kim JH. Metabolic regulation to treat bipolar depression: mechanisms and targeting by trimetazidine. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3231-3242. [PMID: 37386057 PMCID: PMC10618096 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02134-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder's core feature is the pathological disturbances in mood, often accompanied by disrupted thinking and behavior. Its complex and heterogeneous etiology implies that a range of inherited and environmental factors are involved. This heterogeneity and poorly understood neurobiology pose significant challenges to existing drug development paradigms, resulting in scarce treatment options, especially for bipolar depression. Therefore, novel approaches are needed to discover new treatment options. In this review, we first highlight the main molecular mechanisms known to be associated with bipolar depression-mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress. We then examine the available literature for the effects of trimetazidine in said alterations. Trimetazidine was identified without a priori hypothesis using a gene-expression signature for the effects of a combination of drugs used to treat bipolar disorder and screening a library of off-patent drugs in cultured human neuronal-like cells. Trimetazidine is used to treat angina pectoris for its cytoprotective and metabolic effects (improved glucose utilization for energy production). The preclinical and clinical literature strongly support trimetazidine's potential to treat bipolar depression, having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties while normalizing mitochondrial function only when it is compromised. Further, trimetazidine's demonstrated safety and tolerability provide a strong rationale for clinical trials to test its efficacy to treat bipolar depression that could fast-track its repurposing to address such an unmet need as bipolar depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Khanra
- Department of Psychiatry, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Preethi Reddy
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Anna Giménez-Palomo
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Mental Health Biomedical Research Networking Center (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Chun Hui J Park
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Bruna Panizzutti
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Madeleine McCallum
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Shyam Sundar Arumugham
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shreekantiah Umesh
- Department of Psychiatry, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Monojit Debnath
- Department of Human Genetics, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Basudeb Das
- Department of Psychiatry, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Ganesan Venkatasubramanian
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Melanie Ashton
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Alyna Turner
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivia M Dean
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Mental Health Biomedical Research Networking Center (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lakshmi N Yatham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Isabella Pacchiarotti
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Mental Health Biomedical Research Networking Center (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Y C Janardhan Reddy
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Nishant Goyal
- Department of Psychiatry, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Muralidharan Kesavan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Lluc Colomer
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Mental Health Biomedical Research Networking Center (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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11
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Associations between the kynurenine pathway and the brain in patients with major depressive disorder-A systematic review of neuroimaging studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 121:110675. [PMID: 36372294 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that an imbalance in the kynurenine (KYN) pathway is an important pathophysiological mechanism of depression. Several studies have reported that an imbalance in the KYN pathway and its metabolites is associated with abnormalities in cerebral structure and function in depression, but the available evidence has been inconsistent. In this review, we systematically reviewed and integrated the findings concerning the associations between the KYN pathway and the brain in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). A total of 22 neuroimaging studies were ultimately included in the present study. The neuroimaging modalities used in the studies included structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging, functional MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, arterial spin labelling and positron emission tomography. The results revealed that an imbalance in the KYN pathway was associated with structural and functional abnormalities in several brain regions in patients with MDD. The brain regions most frequently associated with an imbalance in the KYN pathway were cortical regions (i.e., anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex), subcortical regions (i.e., striatum, thalamus and amygdala) and white matter fibres (i.e., inner capsule and left superior longitudinal tract). Our study provides robust evidence that cerebral abnormalities associated with the KYN pathway may be the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD. Future prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the causal relationships between the imbalanced KYN pathway and cerebral abnormalities in patients with MDD.
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12
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New biomarkers in mood disorders: Insights from immunopsychiatry and neuroimaging. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 69:56-57. [PMID: 36774665 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
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13
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Aronica R, Enrico P, Squarcina L, Brambilla P, Delvecchio G. Association between Diffusion Tensor Imaging, inflammation and immunological alterations in unipolar and bipolar depression: A review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104922. [PMID: 36272579 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder Depression (BDD) are common psychiatric illnesses characterized by structural and functional brain alterations and signs of neuroinflammation. In line with the neuroinflammatory pathogenesis of depressive syndromes, recent studies have demonstrated how white matter (WM) microstructural impairments detected by Diffusion Tensor Imaging, are correlated to peripheral immunomarkers in depressed patients. In this context, we performed a comprehensive systematic search on PubMed, Medline and Scopus of the original studies published till June 2022, exploring the association between immunomarkers and WM alteration patterns in patients affected by MDD or BDD. Overall, the studies included in this review showed a consistent association between blood proinflammatory and counter-regulatory immunomarkers, including regulatory T cells and natural killer cells markers, as well as measures of demyelination and dysmyelination in both MDD and BDD patients. These pathogenetic insights could outline an integrated clinical perspective to affective disorders, helping psychiatrists to develop novel biotype-to-phenotype models of depression and opening the way to tailored approaches in treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Aronica
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Enrico
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Squarcina
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Delvecchio
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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14
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Stone TW, Clanchy FIL, Huang YS, Chiang NY, Darlington LG, Williams RO. An integrated cytokine and kynurenine network as the basis of neuroimmune communication. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1002004. [PMID: 36507331 PMCID: PMC9729788 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1002004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Two of the molecular families closely associated with mediating communication between the brain and immune system are cytokines and the kynurenine metabolites of tryptophan. Both groups regulate neuron and glial activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and leukocyte function in the immune system, although neither group alone completely explains neuroimmune function, disease occurrence or severity. This essay suggests that the two families perform complementary functions generating an integrated network. The kynurenine pathway determines overall neuronal excitability and plasticity by modulating glutamate receptors and GPR35 activity across the CNS, and regulates general features of immune cell status, surveillance and tolerance which often involves the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR). Equally, cytokines and chemokines define and regulate specific populations of neurons, glia or immune system leukocytes, generating more specific responses within restricted CNS regions or leukocyte populations. In addition, as there is a much larger variety of these compounds, their homing properties enable the superimposition of dynamic variations of cell activity upon local, spatially limited, cell populations. This would in principle allow the targeting of potential treatments to restricted regions of the CNS. The proposed synergistic interface of 'tonic' kynurenine pathway affecting baseline activity and the superimposed 'phasic' cytokine system would constitute an integrated network explaining some features of neuroimmune communication. The concept would broaden the scope for the development of new treatments for disorders involving both the CNS and immune systems, with safer and more effective agents targeted to specific CNS regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Trevor W. Stone,
| | - Felix I. L. Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nien-Yi Chiang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - L. Gail Darlington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ashtead Hospital, Ashtead, United Kingdom
| | - Richard O. Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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15
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Pisanu C, Squassina A, Paribello P, Dall’Acqua S, Sut S, Nasini S, Bertazzo A, Congiu D, Meloni A, Garzilli M, Guiso B, Suprani F, Pulcinelli V, Iaselli MN, Pinna I, Somaini G, Arru L, Corrias C, Pinna F, Carpiniello B, Comai S, Manchia M. Investigation of Genetic Variants Associated with Tryptophan Metabolite Levels via Serotonin and Kynurenine Pathways in Patients with Bipolar Disorder. Metabolites 2022; 12:1127. [PMID: 36422266 PMCID: PMC9694761 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) may play a role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic variants associated with the plasma levels of the metabolites of tryptophan (TRP) via the serotonin (5-HT) and kynurenine (KYN) pathways in 44 patients with BD and 45 healthy controls. We assessed whether variants that were differentially associated with metabolite levels based on the diagnostic status improved the prediction accuracy of BD using penalized regression approaches. We identified several genetic variants that were significantly associated with metabolites (5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), TRP, and quinolinic acid (QA) or metabolite ratios (5-HTP/TRP and KYN/TRP) and for which the diagnostic status exerted a significant effect. The inclusion of genetic variants led to increased accuracy in the prediction of the BD diagnostic status. Specifically, we obtained an accuracy of 0.77 using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. The predictors retained as informative in this model included body mass index (BMI), the levels of TRP, QA, and 5-HT, the 5-HTP/TRP ratio, and genetic variants associated with the levels of QA (rs6827515, rs715692, rs425094, rs4645874, and rs77048355) and TRP (rs292212) or the 5-HTP/TRP ratio (rs7902231). In conclusion, our study identified statistically significant associations between metabolites of TRP via the 5-HT and KYN pathways and genetic variants at the genome-wide level. The discriminative performance of penalized regression models incorporating clinical, genetic, and metabolic predictors warrants a follow-up analysis of this panel of determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pisanu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessio Squassina
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Paribello
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall’Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Sut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Nasini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Antonella Bertazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Donatella Congiu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Meloni
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Garzilli
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Guiso
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federico Suprani
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vittoria Pulcinelli
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Novella Iaselli
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pinna
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Somaini
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Arru
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carolina Corrias
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Comai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 0A2, Canada
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16
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Bartoli F, Cioni RM, Cavaleri D, Callovini T, Crocamo C, Misiak B, Savitz JB, Carrà G. The association of kynurenine pathway metabolites with symptom severity and clinical features of bipolar disorder: An overview. Eur Psychiatry 2022; 65:e82. [PMID: 36366795 PMCID: PMC9724221 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The balance between neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects of kynurenine pathway (KP) components has been recently proposed as a key element in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) and related mood episodes. This comprehensive overview explored the link of KP with symptom severity and other clinical features of BD. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo electronic databases for studies assessing the association of peripheral and/or central concentrations of KP metabolites with putative clinical features, including symptom severity and other clinical domains in BD. RESULTS We included the findings of 13 observational studies investigating the possible variations of KP metabolites according to symptom severity, psychotic features, suicidal behaviors, and sleep disturbances in BD. Studies testing the relationship between KP metabolites and depression severity generated mixed and inconsistent findings. No statistically significant correlations with manic symptoms were found. Moreover, heterogeneous variations of the KP across different clinical domains were shown. Few available studies found (a) higher levels of cerebrospinal fluid kynurenic acid and lower of plasma quinolinic acid in BD with psychotic features, (b) lower central and peripheral picolinic acid levels in BD with suicide attempts, and (c) no significant correlations between KP metabolites and BD-related sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS An imbalance of KP metabolism toward the neurotoxic branches is likely to occur in people with BD, though evidence on variations according to specific clinical features of BD is less clear. Additional research is needed to clarify the role of KP in the etiopathogenesis of BD and related clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bartoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Riccardo M Cioni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Daniele Cavaleri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Tommaso Callovini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Cristina Crocamo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jonathan B Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.,Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Giuseppe Carrà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Poletti S, Paolini M, Ernst J, Bollettini I, Melloni E, Vai B, Harrington Y, Bravi B, Calesella F, Lorenzi C, Zanardi R, Benedetti F. Long-term effect of childhood trauma: Role of inflammation and white matter in mood disorders. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100529. [PMID: 36237478 PMCID: PMC9550612 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are severe psychiatric illnesses that share among their environmental risk factors the exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACE). Exposure to ACE has been associated with long-term changes in brain structure and the immune response. In the lasts decades, brain abnormalities including alterations of white matter (WM) microstructure and higher levels of peripheral immune/inflammatory markers have been reported in BD and MDD and an association between inflammation and WM microstructure has been shown. However, differences in these measures have been reported by comparing the two diagnostic groups. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interplay between ACE, inflammation, and WM in BD and MDD. We hypothesize that inflammation will mediate the association between ACE and WM and that this will be different in the two groups. A sample of 200 patients (100 BD, 100 MDD) underwent 3T MRI scan and ACE assessment through Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. A subgroup of 130 patients (75 MDD and 55 BD) underwent blood sampling for the assessment of immune/inflammatory markers. We observed that ACE associated with higher peripheral levels of IL-2, IL-17, bFGF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, and PDGF-BB only in the BD group. Further, higher levels of CCL3 and IL-2 associated with lower FA in BD. ACE were found to differently affect WM microstructure in the two diagnostic groups and to be negatively associated with FA and AD in BD patients. Mediation analyses showed a significant indirect effect of ACE on WM microstructure mediated by IL-2. Our findings suggest that inflammation may mediate the detrimental effect of early experiences on brain structure and different mechanisms underlying brain alterations in BD and MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Poletti
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy,Corresponding author. San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d’Ancona 20, 20127, Milano, Italy.
| | - Marco Paolini
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Julia Ernst
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Irene Bollettini
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Melloni
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Benedetta Vai
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Yasmin Harrington
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Bravi
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Federico Calesella
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Lorenzi
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Zanardi
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
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18
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Zheng H, Teague TK, Yeh FC, Burrows K, Figueroa-Hall LK, Aupperle RL, Khalsa SS, Paulus MP, Savitz J. C-Reactive protein and the kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid ratio are independently associated with white matter integrity in major depressive disorder. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 105:180-189. [PMID: 35853557 PMCID: PMC9983279 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KynA) and quinolinic acid (QA) are neuroactive kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites that have neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties, respectively. At least partly as a result of immune activation, the ratio of KynA to QA in the blood is reduced in major depressive disorder (MDD) and has been reported to be positively correlated with gray matter volume in depression. This study examined whether the inflammatory mediator, C-reactive protein (CRP) and the putative neuroprotective index, KynA/QA, were associated with white matter integrity in MDD, and secondly, whether any such associations were independent of each other or whether the effect of CRP was mediated by KynA/QA. One hundred and sixty-six participants in the Tulsa 1000 study with a DSM-V diagnosis of MDD completed diffusion tensor imaging and provided a serum sample for the quantification of CRP, KynA, and QA. Correlational tractography was performed using DSI Studio to map the specific white matter pathways that correlated with CRP and KynA/QA. CRP was negatively related to KynA/QA (standardized beta coefficient, SBC = -0.35 with standard error, Std.E = 0.13, p < 0.01) after controlling for nine possible confounders, i.e., age, sex, body mass index (BMI), medication status, lifetime alcohol use, severity of depression, severity of anxiety, length of illness, and smoking status. Higher concentrations of CRP were associated with decreased white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy, FA) of the bilateral cingulum and fornix after controlling for the nine potential confounders (SBC = -0.43, Std.E = 0.13, p = 0.002). Greater serum KynA/QA was associated with increased white matter integrity of the bilateral fornix, bilateral superior thalamic radiations, corpus callosum, and bilateral cingulum bundles after controlling for the same possible confounders (SBC = 0.26, Std.E = 0.09, p = 0.005). The relationship between CRP and FA was not mediated by KynA/QA. Exploratory analyses also showed that KynA/QA but not CRP was associated with self-reported positive affect, attentiveness, and fatigue measured with the PANASX (SBCs = 0.17-0.23). Taken together, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that within a subgroup of MDD patients, a higher level of systemic inflammation alters the balance of KP metabolism but also raise the possibility that CRP and neuroactive KP metabolites represent independent molecular mechanisms underlying white matter alterations in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zheng
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA
| | - T Kent Teague
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA
| | - Fang-Cheng Yeh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | | | | | - Robin L Aupperle
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA
| | - Sahib S Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA
| | - Martin P Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA
| | - Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA.
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19
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Application of Intranasal Administration in the Delivery of Antidepressant Active Ingredients. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102070. [PMID: 36297505 PMCID: PMC9611373 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a mental disease in modern society, depression shows an increasing occurrence, with low cure rate and high recurrence rate. It has become the most disabling disease in the world. At present, the treatment of depression is mainly based on drug therapy combined with psychological therapy, physical therapy, and other adjuvant therapy methods. Antidepressants are primarily administered peripherally (oral and intravenous) and have a slow onset of action. Antidepressant active ingredients, such as neuropeptides, natural active ingredients, and some chemical agents, are limited by factors such as the blood–brain barrier (BBB), first-pass metabolism, and extensive adverse effects caused by systemic administration. The potential anatomical link between the non-invasive nose–brain pathway and the lesion site of depression may provide a more attractive option for the delivery of antidepressant active ingredients. The purpose of this article is to describe the specific link between intranasal administration and depression, the challenges of intranasal administration, as well as studies of intranasal administration of antidepressant active ingredients.
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Is Poor Lithium Response in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder Associated with Increased Degradation of Tryptophan along the Kynurenine Pathway? Results of an Exploratory Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092517. [PMID: 35566641 PMCID: PMC9103936 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder is associated with an inflammation-triggered elevated catabolism of tryptophan to the kynurenine pathway, which impacts psychiatric symptoms and outcomes. The data indicate that lithium exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-1 activity. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the tryptophan catabolism in individuals with bipolar disorder (n = 48) compared to healthy controls (n = 48), and the associations with the response to mood stabilizers such as lithium, valproate, or lamotrigine rated with the Retrospective Assessment of the Lithium Response Phenotype Scale (or the Alda scale). The results demonstrate an association of a poorer response to lithium with higher levels of kynurenine, kynurenine/tryptophan ratio as a proxy for IDO-1 activity, as well as quinolinic acid, which, overall, indicates a pro-inflammatory state with a higher degradation of tryptophan towards the neurotoxic branch. The treatment response to valproate and lamotrigine was not associated with the levels of the tryptophan metabolites. These findings support the anti-inflammatory properties of lithium. Furthermore, since quinolinic acid has neurotoxic features via the glutamatergic pathway, they also strengthen the assumption that the clinical drug response might be associated with biochemical processes. The relationship between the lithium response and the measurements of the tryptophan to the kynurenine pathway is of clinical relevance and may potentially bring advantages towards a personalized medicine approach to bipolar disorder that allows for the selection of the most effective mood-stabilizing drug.
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