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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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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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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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Lin P, Li D, Shi Y, Li Q, Guo X, Dong K, Chen Q, Lou X, Li Z, Li P, Jin W, Chen S, Sun Y, Sun J, Cheng X. Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota and Kynurenine (Kyn) Pathway Activity as Potential Biomarkers in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071752. [PMID: 37049591 PMCID: PMC10096701 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
With increasing attention paid to the concept of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, mounting evidence reveals that the gut microbiota is involved in a variety of neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, gut microbiota changes in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients and their association with disease mechanisms remain undefined. Fifty MDD patients and sixty healthy controls were recruited from the Shanghai Healthy Mental Center, China. Fecal samples were collected, and the compositional characteristics of the intestinal flora were determined in MDD patients by MiSeq sequencing. Venous blood was collected for the detection of plasma indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (Ido), kynurenine (Kyn) and tryptophan (Trp) levels. Stool samples of bacterial 16S sequencing was carried out. A total of 2,705,809 optimized sequences were obtained, with an average of 54,116 per sample. More unique OTUs were observed at the family, genus and species levels in the control group compared with the MDD cases. Further analysis showed significant changes in the α- and β-diversities and relative abundance levels of gut microbial entities in MDD patients, as well as elevated amounts of Ido and Kyn indicating Kyn pathway activation, KEGG bacterial 16S function prediction analysis shows a variety of amino acids and metabolic (including Ido, Trp and Kyn) changes in the body of patients with MDD. These may result in increased neurotoxic metabolites and reduced generation of serotonin in the disease process. These changed factors may potentially be utilized as biomarkers for MDD in the future, playing more important roles in the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qingtian Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The College of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaokui Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The College of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ke Dong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The College of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Weifeng Jin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shuzi Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Institute for Integrated Intelligence and Systems, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia
- School of Computer Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Xunjia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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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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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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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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9
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Almulla AF, Thipakorn Y, Vasupanrajit A, Abo Algon AA, Tunvirachaisakul C, Hashim Aljanabi AA, Oxenkrug G, Al-Hakeim HK, Maes M. The tryptophan catabolite or kynurenine pathway in major depressive and bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100537. [PMID: 36339964 PMCID: PMC9630622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is now evidence that affective disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are mediated by immune-inflammatory and nitro-oxidative pathways. Activation of these pathways may be associated with activation of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway by inducing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO, the rate-limiting enzyme) leading to depletion of tryptophan (TRP) and increases in tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs). Aims To systematically review and meta-analyze central and peripheral (free and total) TRP levels, its competing amino-acids (CAAs) and TRYCATs in MDD and BD. Methods This review searched PubMed, Google Scholar and SciFinder and included 121 full-text articles and 15470 individuals, including 8024 MDD/BD patients and 7446 healthy controls. Results TRP levels (either free and total) and the TRP/CAAs ratio were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in MDD/BD as compared with controls with a moderate effect size (standardized mean difference for TRP: SMD = -0.513, 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.611; -0.414; and TRP/CAAs: SMD = -0.558, CI: -0.758; -0.358). Kynurenine (KYN) levels were significantly decreased in patients as compared with controls with a small effect size (p < 0.0001, SMD = -0.213, 95%CI: -0.295; -0.131). These differences were significant in plasma (p < 0.0001, SMD = -0.304, 95%CI: -0.415, -0.194) but not in serum (p = 0.054) or the central nervous system (CNS, p = 0.771). The KYN/TRP ratio, frequently used as an index of IDO activity, and neurotoxicity indices based on downstream TRYCATs were unaltered or even lowered in MDD/BD. Conclusions Our findings suggest that MDD and BD are accompanied by TRP depletion without IDO and TRYCAT pathway activation. Lowered TRP availability is probably the consequence of lowered serum albumin during the inflammatory response in affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas F. Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Yanin Thipakorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Asara Vasupanrajit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Chavit Tunvirachaisakul
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Gregory Oxenkrug
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Department of Psychiatry, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia,Corresponding author. Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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10
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Bravi B, Bollettini I, Di Pasquasio C, Falini A, Colombo C, Zanardi R, Poletti S, Benedetti F. Brain spectroscopic measures of glutamatergic and neuronal metabolism and glial activation influence white matter integrity in bipolar depression. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2022; 326:111534. [PMID: 36049317 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2022.111534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure, glutamatergic neurotransmission, and glia activity. Previous studies showed higher concentrations of glutamate (Glu), glutamate+glutamine (Glx), and reduced N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) in BD. We investigated brain concentrations of Glu, Glx, NAA, mI as indirect marker of microglia activation, and Glx/NAA ratio as index of neuronal damage through 1H-MR, and WM integrity with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics in 93 depressed BD patients and 58 healthy controls (HC). We tested for linear effects of cited spectroscopic metabolites on DTI measures of WM integrity with general linear models for each group, then performing a conjunction analysis of Glx/NAA and mI concentration on the same measures. Statistical analyses (whole sample) revealed higher concentration of Glx/NAA, Glx and mI in BD patients compared to HC, and a positive association between mI and the ratio. DTI analyses (87 BD and 35 HC) showed a significant association of Glx/NAA ratio, and mI with WM microstructure. Conjunction analysis revealed a joint negative association between Glx/NAA and mI with fractional anisotropy. This is the first study showing an association between brain metabolites involved in neuronal damage, and glial activation and the alterations in WM consistently reported in BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Bravi
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Irene Bollettini
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Eccellenza Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Di Pasquasio
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Falini
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Eccellenza Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Zanardi
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Poletti
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Eccellenza Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Psychiatry & Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Eccellenza Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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11
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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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12
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Comai S, Melloni E, Lorenzi C, Bollettini I, Vai B, Zanardi R, Colombo C, Valtorta F, Benedetti F, Poletti S. Selective association of cytokine levels and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio with alterations in white matter microstructure in bipolar but not in unipolar depression. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 55:96-109. [PMID: 34847455 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bipolar (BD) and major depression (MDD) disorders are severe mental illnesses characterised by altered levels of immune/inflammatory markers and disrupted white matter (WM) microstructure. A pro-inflammatory state was suggested to activate indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase which, in turn, increases the amount of tryptophan (Trp) converted into kynurenine (Kyn). We investigated whether plasma levels of Trp, Kyn and Kyn/Trp ratio are associated with peripheral levels of immune/inflammatory markers and whether they are related to WM integrity in 100 MDD and 66 BD patients. Patients also underwent MRI, and fractional anisotropy (FA) was estimated as a measure of WM microstructure. BD patients showed higher Kyn levels and Kyn/Trp ratio than MDD patients, and lower FA in several WM tracts, including the corpus callosum and the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFO). Lower Trp levels associated with a more severe depressive symptomatology irrespective of diagnosis and with lower FA in the corpus callosum (CC) and external capsule (EC). We found an association of immune/inflammatory markers with Kyn/Trp ratio selectively in BD patients: IL-1β and TNF-α showed a positive relationship and IL-2 and IL-9 a negative relationship; in addition, higher IL-4 correlated with lower Kyn levels; higher Kyn/Trp ratio and IL-1β correlated with lower FA in the CC and IFO. Notably, the detrimental effect of IL-1β on the IFO was moderated by the Kyn/Trp ratio. These data suggest that in BD, cytokines and the conversion of Trp into Kyn may affect WM microstructure and support the idea that distinct mechanisms underlie the pathophysiology of BD and MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Comai
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; 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, Canada.
| | - Elisa Melloni
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Lorenzi
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Bollettini
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta Vai
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Zanardi
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Poletti
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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13
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Huang Y, Zhao M, Chen X, Zhang R, Le A, Hong M, Zhang Y, Jia L, Zang W, Jiang C, Wang J, Fan X, Wang J. Tryptophan Metabolism in Central Nervous System Diseases: Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Aging Dis 2022; 14:858-878. [PMID: 37191427 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of L-tryptophan (TRP) regulates homeostasis, immunity, and neuronal function. Altered TRP metabolism has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases of the central nervous system. TRP is metabolized through two main pathways, the kynurenine pathway and the methoxyindole pathway. First, TRP is metabolized to kynurenine, then kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, anthranilic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and finally 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid along the kynurenine pathway. Second, TRP is metabolized to serotonin and melatonin along the methoxyindole pathway. In this review, we summarize the biological properties of key metabolites and their pathogenic functions in 12 disorders of the central nervous system: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Furthermore, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies, mainly since 2015, that investigated the metabolic pathway of TRP, focusing on changes in biomarkers of these neurologic disorders, their pathogenic implications, and potential therapeutic strategies targeting this metabolic pathway. This critical, comprehensive, and up-to-date review helps identify promising directions for future preclinical, clinical, and translational research on neuropsychiatric disorders.
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14
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Xu X, Xiang H, Qiu Y, Teng Z, Li S, Huang J, Chen J, Tang H, Jin K, Jiang L, Wang B, Zhao Z, Wu H. Sex differences in cognitive function of first-diagnosed and drug-naïve patients with bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:431-437. [PMID: 34507223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mental illness that affects more than 1% the world's population with high recurrence rates and a series of comorbidities. Cognitive dysfunction is an endophenotype of BD, but sex influences in cognitive impairment remains unclear. METHOD We evaluated the performance of 139 patients with first-diagnosed, drug-naïve BD (44 males and 95 females) and 92 healthy controls (24 males and 68 females) using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) scale and the Stroop color-word test. RESULT Immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional ability, language, attention, delayed memory, total RBANS score, and Stroop color-word scores were significantly lower in patients with first-diagnosed, drug-naïve BD than healthy participants. Thus, male patients had worse attention and delayed memory scores compared with female patients with BD. Importantly, a worse performance in visuospatial/constructional ability was negatively associated with the Young Mania Rating Scale score in male patients only. CONCLUSION Male patients with first-diagnosed, drug-naïve bipolar disorder had worse cognitive dysfunction than female patients in attention and delayed memory. Cognitive deficits were correlated with mania severity only in male patients. These findings reveal the sexual dimorphism in the cognitive deficits of early BD patients with mild and moderated symptoms for further pathophysiological exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelei Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yan Qiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Ziwei Teng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Sujuan Li
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Jindong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Kun Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Bolun Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Ziru Zhao
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Haishan Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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15
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Goghari VM, Kusi M, Shakeel MK, Beasley C, David S, Leemans A, De Luca A, Emsell L. Diffusion kurtosis imaging of white matter in bipolar disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2021; 317:111341. [PMID: 34411810 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2021.111341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
White matter pathology likely contributes to the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD). Most studies of white matter in BD have used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), but the advent of more advanced multi-shell diffusion MRI imaging offers the possibility to investigate other aspects of white matter microstructure. Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) extends the DTI model and provides additional measures related to diffusion restriction. Here, we investigated white matter in BD by applying whole-brain voxel-based analysis (VBA) and a network-based connectivity approach using constrained spherical deconvolution tractography to assess differences in DKI and DTI metrics between BD (n = 25) and controls (n = 24). The VBA showed lower mean kurtosis in the corona radiata and posterior association fibers in BD. Regional differences in connectivity were indicated by lower mean kurtosis and kurtosis anisotropy in streamlines traversing the temporal and occipital lobes, and lower mean axial kurtosis in the right cerebellar, thalamo-subcortical pathways in BD. Significant differences were not seen in DTI metrics following FDR-correction. The DKI findings indicate altered connectivity across cortical, subcortical and cerebellar areas in BD. DKI is sensitive to different microstructural properties and is a useful complementary technique to DTI to more fully investigate white matter in BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vina M Goghari
- Department of Psychology & Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Mavis Kusi
- Department of Psychology & Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammed K Shakeel
- Department of Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Clare Beasley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Szabolcs David
- Image Sciences Institute, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Radiation Oncology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Alberto De Luca
- Image Sciences Institute, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Neurology Department, Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Louise Emsell
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Imaging and Pathology and Department of Neurosciences, Translational MRI and Neuropsychiatry, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Skorobogatov K, De Picker L, Verkerk R, Coppens V, Leboyer M, Müller N, Morrens M. Brain Versus Blood: A Systematic Review on the Concordance Between Peripheral and Central Kynurenine Pathway Measures in Psychiatric Disorders. Front Immunol 2021; 12:716980. [PMID: 34630391 PMCID: PMC8495160 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.716980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Disturbances in the kynurenine pathway have been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychotic and mood disorders, as well as several other psychiatric illnesses. It remains uncertain however to what extent metabolite levels detectable in plasma or serum reflect brain kynurenine metabolism and other disease-specific pathophysiological changes. The primary objective of this systematic review was to investigate the concordance between peripheral and central (CSF or brain tissue) kynurenine metabolites. As secondary aims we describe their correlation with illness course, treatment response, and neuroanatomical abnormalities in psychiatric diseases. Methods We performed a systematic literature search until February 2021 in PubMed. We included 27 original research articles describing a correlation between peripheral and central kynurenine metabolite measures in preclinical studies and human samples from patients suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders and other conditions. We also included 32 articles reporting associations between peripheral KP markers and symptom severity, CNS pathology or treatment response in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Results For kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine, moderate to strong concordance was found between peripheral and central concentrations not only in psychiatric disorders, but also in other (patho)physiological conditions. Despite discordant findings for other metabolites (mainly tryptophan and kynurenic acid), blood metabolite levels were associated with clinical symptoms and treatment response in psychiatric patients, as well as with observed neuroanatomical abnormalities and glial activity. Conclusion Only kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine demonstrated a consistent and reliable concordance between peripheral and central measures. Evidence from psychiatric studies on kynurenine pathway concordance is scarce, and more research is needed to determine the validity of peripheral kynurenine metabolite assessment as proxy markers for CNS processes. Peripheral kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine may nonetheless represent valuable predictive and prognostic biomarker candidates for psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Skorobogatov
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Livia De Picker
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Robert Verkerk
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Violette Coppens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Marion Leboyer
- INSERM U955, Equipe Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France.,Fondation FondaMental - Hôpital Albert Chenevier - Pôle Psychiatrie, Créteil, France.,AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, DHU Pepsy, Pôle de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Creteil, France
| | - Norbert Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, München, Germany
| | - Manuel Morrens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
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The kynurenine pathway in bipolar disorder: a meta-analysis on the peripheral blood levels of tryptophan and related metabolites. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3419-3429. [PMID: 33077852 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00913-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that a dysregulation of the kynurenine pathway (KP) occurs in bipolar disorder (BD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at assessing the possible differences in peripheral blood levels of KP metabolites between individuals with BD and healthy controls. We searched Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo electronic databases for articles indexed up to February 2020. We included any observational study comparing the peripheral blood levels of at least one KP metabolite between adults with BD and healthy controls. Random-effects meta-analyses were carried out generating pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs). Heterogeneity between studies was estimated using the I2 index. Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria and were included in our study. Meta-analyses showed that individuals with BD have lower peripheral blood levels of tryptophan (SMD = -0.29), kynurenine (SMD = -0.28), kynurenic acid (SMD = -0.30), and xanthurenic acid (SMD = -0.55), along with lower kynurenic acid to kynurenine (SMD = -0.60) and kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid (SMD = -0.37) ratios, than healthy controls. Individuals with a manic episode showed the greatest reductions in tryptophan levels (SMD = -0.51), whereas kynurenic acid levels were more reduced among subjects in a depressive phase (SMD = -0.70). Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses confirmed our results. The findings of the present meta-analysis support the hypothesis of an abnormality of the KP in BD. Considering the partial inconsistency of the findings and the small-to-medium magnitude of the estimated effect sizes, additional research assessing possible mediators or confounders is needed.
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18
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Hebbrecht K, Skorobogatov K, Giltay EJ, Coppens V, De Picker L, Morrens M. Tryptophan Catabolites in Bipolar Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:667179. [PMID: 34093561 PMCID: PMC8170319 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.667179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) are implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders by mediating immune-inflammation and neurodegenerative processes. We performed a meta-analysis of TRYCAT levels in bipolar disorder (BD) patients compared to healthy controls. Methods A systematic literature search in seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Emcare, PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier) was conducted on TRYCAT levels in cerebrospinal fluid or peripheral blood according to the PRISMA statement. A minimum of three studies per TRYCAT was required for inclusion. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were computed using random effect models. Subgroup analyses were performed for BD patients in a different mood state (depressed, manic). The methodological quality of the studies was rated using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Quality assessment Scale. Results Twenty-one eligible studies were identified. Peripheral levels of tryptophan (SMD = -0.44; p < 0.001), kynurenine (SMD = - 0.3; p = 0.001) and kynurenic acid (SMD = -.45; p = < 0.001) were lower in BD patients versus healthy controls. In the only three eligible studies investigating TRP in cerebrospinal fluid, tryptophan was not significantly different between BD and healthy controls. The methodological quality of the studies was moderate. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant difference in TRP and KYN values between manic and depressed BD patients, but these results were based on a limited number of studies. Conclusion The TRYCAT pathway appears to be downregulated in BD patients. There is a need for more and high-quality studies of peripheral and central TRYCAT levels, preferably using longitudinal designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Hebbrecht
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Katrien Skorobogatov
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Erik J. Giltay
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Violette Coppens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Livia De Picker
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Manuel Morrens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
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19
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Dysfunction of the serotonergic system in the brain of synapsin triple knockout mice is associated with behavioral abnormalities resembling synapsin-related human pathologies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110135. [PMID: 33058959 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Synapsins (Syns) are a family of phosphoproteins associated with synaptic vesicles (SVs). Their main function is to regulate neurotransmitter release by maintaining a reserve pool of SVs at the presynaptic terminal. Previous studies reported that the deletion of one or more Syn genes in mice results in an epileptic phenotype and autism-related behavioral abnormalities. Here we aimed at characterizing the behavioral phenotype and neurobiological correlates of the deletion of Syns in a Syn triple knockout (TKO) mouse model. Wild type (WT) and TKO mice were tested in the open field, novelty suppressed feeding, light-dark box, forced swim, tail suspension and three-chamber sociability tests. Using in vivo electrophysiology, we recorded the spontaneous activity of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) serotonin (5-HT) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons. Levels of 5-HT and DA in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of WT and TKO mice were also assessed using a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. TKO mice displayed hyperactivity and impaired social and anxiety-like behavior. Behavioral dysfunctions were accompanied by reduced firing activity of DRN 5-HT, but not VTA DA, neurons. TKO mice also showed increased responsiveness of DRN 5-HT-1A autoreceptors, measured as a reduced dose of the 5-HT-1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT necessary to inhibit DRN 5-HT firing activity by 50%. Finally, hippocampal 5-HT levels were lower in TKO than in WT mice. Overall, Syns deletion in mice leads to a reduction in DRN 5-HT firing activity and hippocampal 5-HT levels along with behavioral alterations reminiscent of human neuropsychiatric conditions associated with Syn dysfunction.
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20
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Zhang P, Huang H, Gao X, Jiang J, Xi C, Wu L, Fu Y, Lai J, Hu S. Involvement of Kynurenine Metabolism in Bipolar Disorder: An Updated Review. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:677039. [PMID: 34381386 PMCID: PMC8349985 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.677039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe affective disorder, mainly characterized by alternative depressive and manic or hypomanic episodes, yet the pathogenesis of BD has not been fully elucidated. Recent researches have implicated the altered kynurenine (KYN) metabolism involved in the neurobiology of BD. Excessive activation of the immune system also occurs in patients with BD, which further accelerates the KYN pathway for tryptophan metabolism. Changes of the KYN metabolites have effects on neuronal receptors and are involved in neuroendocrine transmissions. Interactions between KYN metabolism and the immune system may contribute to the neuropathogenesis of BD. Various studies have shown that alterations of the KYN metabolites were associated with mood, psychotic symptoms, and cognitive functions in patients with BD. In this review, we briefly introduce the KYN pathway and describe the immune dysregulation in BD as well as their interactions. We then focus on the research advances on the KYN metabolism in BD, which hold promise for identifying novel treatment targets in patients stricken with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peifen Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Xingle Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiajun Jiang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Caixi Xi
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaoyang Fu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianbo Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Brain Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Brain Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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21
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Prenatal IL-6 levels and activation of the tryptophan to kynurenine pathway are associated with depressive but not anxiety symptoms across the perinatal and the post-partum period in a low-risk sample. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 89:175-183. [PMID: 32531426 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression and anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent among women during pregnancy and post-partum. Previous studies suggest that one of the pathophysiological underpinnings could be an enhanced metabolism of tryptophan (Trp) into kynurenine (Kyn) due to increased inflammation. However, the longitudinal changes in the Kyn pathway and the complex interplay with inflammation and stress in women with perinatal depressive or anxiety symptoms are incompletely understood. We examined a cohort of healthy women at 34-36 gestational weeks. One hundred and ten women were assessed for salivary cortisol and 97 participants were also assessed for serum levels of Trp, Kyn and Interleukin 6 (IL-6). Women filled in two screening questionnaires for depressive (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)) and anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory subscale (STAI-S)) symptoms at 34-36 gestational weeks, delivery, 3 and 12 months postpartum. Unexpectedly, lower prenatal Kyn levels were associated with higher depressive symptoms in late pregnancy. Furthermore, prenatal Trp levels and the Kyn/Trp ratio moderate the association between IL-6 levels and depressive symptoms during the perinatal and the post-partum period. We found no interactions between Trp and Kyn biomarkers and cortisol on depressive symptoms. The observed associations were more robustly found for depressive symptoms, whereas weak and non-significant effects were found for the trajectory of anxiety symptoms. Overall, our data support the involvement of the Trp to Kyn pathway and inflammation in the course of depressive but not anxiety symptoms in women from late pregnancy until one-year post-partum, providing new evidence on the mechanisms regulating emotions during pregnancy and after delivery in a low-risk sample.
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22
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Fan M, Lu D, You R, Chen C, Lu Y, Wu Y, Shen H, Feng S. Highly sensitive detection of tryptophan (Trp) in serum based on diazo-reaction coupling with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering and colorimetric assay. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1119:52-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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