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Malewska-Kasprzak M, Skibińska M, Dmitrzak-Węglarz M. Alterations in Neurotrophins in Alcohol-Addicted Patients during Alcohol Withdrawal. Brain Sci 2024; 14:583. [PMID: 38928583 PMCID: PMC11202159 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is related to mental and somatic disorders that result in alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), with 30% of AWS cases leading to life-threatening delirium tremens (DTs). Currently, studies do not support using any one biomarker in DTs. Neurotrophins affect neuromodulation, playing a role in the pathogenesis of AUD, AWS, and DTs. METHODS This review aims to summarize experimental and clinical data related to neurotrophins and S100B in neuroplasticity, as well as neurodegeneration in the context of AUD, AWS, and DTs. This work used publications that were selected based on the protocol consistent with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. RESULTS The BDNF level could be a good candidate biomarker for relapse susceptibility, as it is significantly reduced during consumption and gradually increases during abstinence. GDNF influences AUD through its integral role in the function of dopaminergic neurons and ablates the return to alcohol-drinking behavior. NGF protects neurons from ethanol-induced cytotoxic damage and affects recovery from cognitive deficits after brain damage. The NT-3 level is decreased after alcohol exposure and is involved in compensatory mechanisms for cognitive decline in AUD. NT-4 affects oxidative stress, which is associated with chronic alcohol consumption. S100B is used as a biomarker of brain damage, with elevated levels in serum in AUD, and can protect 5-HT neurons from the damage caused by alcohol. CONCLUSIONS BDNF, GDNF, NT-3, NT-4, NGF, and S100B may be valuable markers for withdrawal syndrome. In particular, the most relevant is their association with the development of delirium complications. However, there are few data concerning some neurotrophins in AWS and DTs, suggesting the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Skibińska
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Monika Dmitrzak-Węglarz
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
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Ceci FM, Ferraguti G, Petrella C, Greco A, Tirassa P, Iannitelli A, Ralli M, Vitali M, Ceccanti M, Chaldakov GN, Versacci P, Fiore M. Nerve Growth Factor, Stress and Diseases. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2943-2959. [PMID: 32811396 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200818111654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a constant threat for homeostasis and is represented by different extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli (stressors, Hans Selye's "noxious agents"), such as aggressive behavior, fear, diseases, physical activity, drugs, surgical injury, and environmental and physiological changes. Our organisms respond to stress by activating the adaptive stress system to activate compensatory responses for restoring homeostasis. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) was discovered as a signaling molecule involved in survival, protection, differentiation, and proliferation of sympathetic and peripheral sensory neurons. NGF mediates stress with an important role in translating environmental stimuli into physiological and pathological feedbacks since NGF levels undergo important variations after exposure to stressful events. Psychological stress, lifestyle stress, and oxidative stress are well known to increase the risk of mental disorders such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, alcohol use disorders and metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome. This review reports recent works describing the activity of NGF in mental and metabolic disorders related to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Iannitelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - George N Chaldakov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University, and Institute for Advanced Study, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Paolo Versacci
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
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Ceci FM, Ferraguti G, Petrella C, Greco A, Ralli M, Iannitelli A, Carito V, Tirassa P, Chaldakov GN, Messina MP, Ceccanti M, Fiore M. Nerve Growth Factor in Alcohol Use Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 19:45-60. [PMID: 32348226 PMCID: PMC7903493 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200429003239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The nerve growth factor (NGF) belongs to the family of neurotrophic factors. Initially discovered as a signaling molecule involved in the survival, protection, differentiation, and proliferation of sympathetic and peripheral sensory neurons, it also participates in the regulation of the immune system and endocrine system. NGF biological activity is due to the binding of two classes of receptors: the tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) and the low-affinity NGF pan-neurotrophin receptor p75. Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) are one of the most frequent mental disorders in developed countries, characterized by heavy drinking, despite the negative effects of alcohol on brain development and cognitive functions that cause individual’s work, medical, legal, educational, and social life problems. In addition, alcohol consumption during pregnancy disrupts the development of the fetal brain causing a wide range of neurobehavioral outcomes collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The rationale of this review is to describe crucial findings on the role of NGF in humans and animals, when exposed to prenatal, chronic alcohol consumption, and on binge drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Iannitelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Carito
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - George N Chaldakov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University, Varna, Bulgaria
| | | | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
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4
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Antioxidant properties of plant polyphenols in the counteraction of alcohol-abuse induced damage: Impact on the Mediterranean diet. J Funct Foods 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.104012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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5
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Heberlein A, Schuster R, Kleimann A, Groh A, Kordon A, Opfermann B, Lichtinghagen R, Gröschl M, Kornhuber J, Bleich S, Frieling H, Hillemacher T. Joint Effects of the Epigenetic Alteration of Neurotrophins and Cytokine Signaling: A Possible Exploratory Model of Affective Symptoms in Alcohol-Dependent Patients? Alcohol Alcohol 2017; 52:277-281. [PMID: 28430931 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agw100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Neurotrophins have been linked to the symptomatology of alcohol dependence. We aimed to investigate a possible association between the methylation of the promoters of both neurotrophins, the serum levels of the cytokines and core symptoms of alcohol dependence as withdrawal severity and anxiety. METHODS In this study we investigated a possible association between alterations in the methylation of the BDNF IV/NGF I gene promoter and the cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in 55 male alcohol-dependent patients. RESULTS Mean methylation of the promoter of the BDNF gene was significantly associated with the TNF-α serum levels and the CIWA-score during withdrawal (P < 0.001). Moreover, mean methylation of the NGF I promoter was significantly associated with the IL-6 serum levels and STAI-I score during withdrawal (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our results suggest an association between the epigenetic regulation of both neurotrophins, BDNF and NGF, cytokine release and the symptomatology of alcohol dependence. They imply that changes in the methylation of neurotrophins may contribute to the symptomatology of alcohol dependence by affecting relevant downstream signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Heberlein
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hanover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Germany
| | - Rilana Schuster
- Central Institute of Mental Health, University Mannheim/Heidelberg, Mannheim,Deutschland
| | - Alexandra Kleimann
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hanover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Germany
| | - Adrian Groh
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hanover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Germany
| | - Andreas Kordon
- Oberbergklinik, Oberberg 1, 78132 Hornberg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Fahnenbergplatz, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Birgitt Opfermann
- Medical Service of the Health Funds of Lower Saxony, Hildesheimer Str. 202, 30519 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralf Lichtinghagen
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Medical School Hanover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Gröschl
- Bioanalytical Laboratory, Celerion Switzerland AG, Allmendstr. 32, 8320 Fehraltorf, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6-10, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hanover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hanover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hanover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Germany
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Groh A, Jahn K, Burkert A, Neyazi A, Schares L, Janke E, Rehme M, Schuster R, Hillemacher T, Bleich S, Frieling H, Heberlein A. Epigenetic Regulation of the Promotor Region of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A and Nerve Growth Factor in Opioid-Maintained Patients. Eur Addict Res 2017; 23:249-259. [PMID: 29224006 DOI: 10.1159/000485030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The nerve growth factor (NGF) and the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) may be of importance for psychiatric diseases including substance use disorders. The aim of the study was to identify differences in the regulation of both neuropeptides via the DNA-methylation status of the promotor regions of NGF and VEGF-A in different forms of maintenance therapy for opioid dependence and the related stress regulation via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. METHODS We compared methylation levels of opioid-dependent patients receiving treatment with diamorphine (n = 28) or levomethadone (n = 54) and similar levels in a healthy control group (n = 72). RESULTS There was a significantly higher methylation of VEGF-A in opioid-maintained patients with levomethadone compared to that in the control group (estimated marginal means [EMM] [SE]): 0.036 [0.003] vs. 0.020 [0.003]; p < 0.001). We performed a cluster analysis for NGF, splitting up the results in 4 clusters. We found significant changes in methylation rates of the opioid-maintained patients compared to the controls in cluster I ([EMM] [SE]: 0.064 [0.005] vs. 0.084 [0.006]; p = 0.03), cluster II ([EMM] [SE]: 0.133 [0.013] vs. 0.187 [0.014]; p < 0.001) and cluster III ([EMM] [SE]: 0.190 [0.014] vs. 0.128 [0.016]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results are of importance, as they indicate that long-term changes in stress regulation regulated by neurotrophines are a crucial part of the symptomatology of opioid dependence, thus influencing drug consumption and the different forms of opioid-maintenance therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Groh
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandra Burkert
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandra Neyazi
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Schares
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Janke
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marie Rehme
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rilana Schuster
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Annemarie Heberlein
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Boschen KE, Klintsova AY. Neurotrophins in the Brain: Interaction With Alcohol Exposure During Development. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 104:197-242. [PMID: 28215296 PMCID: PMC5997461 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a result of the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the developing fetus. Decades of research examining both individuals with FASDs and animal models of developmental alcohol exposure have revealed the devastating effects of alcohol on brain structure, function, behavior, and cognition. Neurotrophic factors have an important role in guiding normal brain development and cellular plasticity in the adult brain. This chapter reviews the current literature showing that alcohol exposure during the developmental period impacts neurotrophin production and proposes avenues through which alcohol exposure and neurotrophin action might interact. These areas of overlap include formation of long-term potentiation, oxidative stress processes, neuroinflammation, apoptosis and cell loss, hippocampal adult neurogenesis, dendritic morphology and spine density, vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, and behaviors related to spatial memory, anxiety, and depression. Finally, we discuss how neurotrophins have the potential to act in a compensatory manner as neuroprotective molecules that can combat the deleterious effects of in utero alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Boschen
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
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Bhalla S, Pais G, Tapia M, Gulati A. Endothelin ETA receptor antagonist reverses naloxone-precipitated opioid withdrawal in mice. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 93:935-44. [PMID: 26440527 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2015-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Long-term use of opioids for pain management results in rapid development of tolerance and dependence leading to severe withdrawal symptoms. We have previously demonstrated that endothelin-A (ETA) receptor antagonists potentiate opioid analgesia and eliminate analgesic tolerance. This study was designed to investigate the involvement of central ET mechanisms in opioid withdrawal. The effect of intracerebroventricular administration of ETA receptor antagonist BQ123 on morphine and oxycodone withdrawal was determined in male Swiss Webster mice. Opioid tolerance was induced and withdrawal was precipitated by the opioid antagonist naloxone. Expression of ETA and ETB receptors, nerve growth factor (NGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor was determined in the brain using Western blotting. BQ123 pretreatment reversed hypothermia and weight loss during withdrawal. BQ123 also reduced wet shakes, rearing behavior, and jumping behavior. No changes in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, ETA receptors, and ETB receptors were observed during withdrawal. NGF expression was unaffected in morphine withdrawal but significantly decreased during oxycodone withdrawal. A decrease in NGF expression in oxycodone- but not in morphine-treated mice could be due to mechanistic differences in oxycodone and morphine. It is concluded that ETA receptor antagonists attenuate opioid-induced withdrawal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaifali Bhalla
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chicago College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Pais
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chicago College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Melissa Tapia
- b Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Anil Gulati
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chicago College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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Bae H, Ra Y, Han C, Kim DJ. Decreased serum level of NGF in alcohol-dependent patients with declined executive function. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2014; 10:2153-7. [PMID: 25419139 PMCID: PMC4235489 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s72067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of neurotrophic factors has been highlighted as a cause of decline in the cognitive function of alcohol-dependent patients. It is known that nerve-growth factor (NGF), one of the neurotrophins, is related to the growth and differentiation of nerve cells, as well as to a decline in cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between decreased NGF levels and cognitive decline in alcohol-dependent patients. The serum concentration of NGF was measured in 38 patients with chronic alcohol dependence, and several neuropsychological tests were also performed for cognitive function assessment. The results indicated a significant correlation between serum NGF level and the trail-making test part B, which evaluates executive function, but did not show a significant correlation with other cognitive function tests. An increased serum level of NGF was associated with a decreased completion time in the trail-making test B, and this finding indicates that a high serum level of NGF is related to greater executive function. This finding may imply a protective role of NGF in preventing neuron damage among patients with alcohol dependence. Larger controlled studies will be necessary in the future to investigate this issue further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwallip Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Myongji Hospital, Goyang, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Youngsun Ra
- Department of Psychiatry, Myongji Hospital, Goyang, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Changwoo Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Keyo Hospital, Uiwang, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dai-Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
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Manni L, Rocco ML, Bianchi P, Soligo M, Guaragna M, Barbaro SP, Aloe L. Nerve growth factor: basic studies and possible therapeutic applications. Growth Factors 2013; 31:115-22. [PMID: 23777359 DOI: 10.3109/08977194.2013.804073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The nerve growth factor (NGF) belongs to a family of neurotrophic factors called neurotrophins. It was discovered as a molecule that stimulates the survival and maturation of developing neurons in the peripheral nervous system and has later been shown to protect adult neurons in the degenerating mammalian brain. Basic and clinical studies have been undertaken to use NGF as a therapeutic agent aimed at restoring and maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and to determine the mechanisms to safely deliver the molecule into the brain. Recent studies have also recognized that the role of NGF extends far beyond the horizon of nerve cells and even beyond the peripheral and central nervous system. Studies published from our laboratory have shown that topical application of NGF possesses a protective action on human pressure ulcer, corneal ulcer and glaucoma. Here, we will review these studies, supporting the therapeutic potential of NGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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Heberlein A, Muschler M, Frieling H, Behr M, Eberlein C, Wilhelm J, Gröschl M, Kornhuber J, Bleich S, Hillemacher T. Epigenetic down regulation of nerve growth factor during alcohol withdrawal. Addict Biol 2013; 18:508-10. [PMID: 21392176 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00307.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the Cytosin-phosphatidyl-Guanin (CpG) island promoter methylation (mean and methylation of individual CpG-sites) of the nerve growth factor (NGF) gene in the blood of alcohol-dependent patients (57 male patients) during withdrawal (days 1, 7 and 14). Methylation and NGF serum levels did not change significantly from days 1-7. From days 7-14, mean methylation increased (F = 30.55, P < 0.001), whereas the NGF serum levels decreased significantly (days 7-14: F = 17.95, P < 0.001). The NGF serum levels were significantly associated with the mean methylation of the investigated CpG-sites (F = 1.55, P < 0.001). These results imply an epigenetic regulation of the NGF gene during alcohol withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Heberlein
- Center for Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hanover, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, Hannover, Germany.
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12
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Köhler S, Klimke S, Hellweg R, Lang UE. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor concentrations change after alcohol withdrawal: preliminary data of a case-control comparison. Eur Addict Res 2013; 19:98-104. [PMID: 23128606 DOI: 10.1159/000342334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are involved in neuroadaptation and foster survival of central and peripheral neurons. In this study, we addressed the question whether BDNF and NGF serum concentrations change during subacute alcohol withdrawal in patients with alcohol dependence compared to healthy controls. METHODS Fifteen patients (age 48.6 ± 7 years) and 15 healthy age-matched controls (age 48.8 ± 7 years) participated consecutively in a 2-week withdrawal study. RESULTS Mean BDNF levels (7.8 ng/ml, IQR = 4.4-10.7 vs. 16.5 ng/ml, IQR = 13.9-25.6; Z = -3.8, p < 0.0001) and NGF levels (5.8 pg/ml, IQR = 3.8-13.0 vs. 18.4 pg/ml, IQR = 10.9-25.1; Z = -2.5, p = 0.012) were significantly decreased in alcohol-dependent subjects when compared to healthy matched controls. NGF concentrations decreased significantly from day 3 to day 14 (Z = -2.36; p = 0.019). Mean BDNF concentrations showed a tendency to increase after withdrawal from day 3 to day 14 (Z = 1.7; p = 0.078). CONCLUSION Decreased NGF and BDNF concentrations in patients suffering from alcohol dependence, which stabilize after physical withdrawal, are in line with withdrawal symptoms and neurological risk factors. In turn, increase of BDNF after acute withdrawal might be connected to neurobiological and behavioral stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Köhler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Heberlein A, Dürsteler-MacFarland KM, Frieling H, Gröschl M, Lenz B, Bönsch D, Kornhuber J, Wiesbeck GA, Bleich S, Hillemacher T. Association of nerve growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor A with psychometric measurements of opiate dependence: results of a pilot study in patients participating in a structured diamorphine maintenance program. Eur Addict Res 2012; 18:213-9. [PMID: 22517242 DOI: 10.1159/000337212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical study results suggest that neurotrophic peptides like nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) may be associated with symptoms of addictive behavior like withdrawal symptoms and rewarding effects. We investigated alterations in NGF and VEGF-A serum levels in opiate-dependent patients (25 male patients), who received diamorphine (DAM, heroin) treatment within a structured opiate maintenance program, and compared the results with the NGF and VEGF-A serum levels of healthy controls (23 male controls). NGF and VEGF-A serum levels were assessed before and after DAM administration twice a day (in the morning (16 h after last application--t1) and in the afternoon (7 h after last application--t3)) in order to detect a possible immediate or summative (in the afternoon) heroin effect on these two neuropeptides. Moreover, we investigated possible associations between the serum levels of these neurotrophic growth factors and psychometric dimensions of addictive behavior, e.g. craving, withdrawal, depression. Whereas there was no direct effect of DAM application on the serum levels of both neurotrophic growth factors neither in the morning nor in the afternoon, the NGF serum levels of the patient group were found to be significantly increased at all four time points of investigation compared with the healthy controls. In contrast, VEGF-A serum levels did not differ significantly in the patient and control groups. We found a significant positive association between the NGF serum levels and several items of the short opiate withdrawal scale as well as a negative association between self-reported mood (measured by visual analogue scale) and mood before heroin application (in the morning as in the afternoon). Moreover, we found a significant positive association between the NGF serum levels (t1 and t3) and the self-reported craving for methadone. In contrast, we found a negative association between the VEGF-A serum levels and avoidance, anxiety, suicide intentions of the SCL-90 as well as a positive association between the VEGF-A serum levels and the subscales of the heroin craving questionnaire measuring the rewarding effects of heroin. In conclusion, the results of this pilot study show that there might be an association between symptoms of opiate dependence and withdrawal and serum levels of VEGF-A and NGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Heberlein
- Center for Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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Huang MC, Chen CH, Liu HC, Chen CC, Ho CC, Leu SJ. Differential patterns of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in alcoholic patients with and without delirium tremens during acute withdrawal. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2010; 35:126-31. [PMID: 21039634 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01329.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with alcohol addiction and withdrawal-related neurotoxicity. Delirium tremens (DT) is the most serious complication of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). In this study, we explored the differences in serum BDNF levels, measured at baseline and 1 week after alcohol withdrawal among alcoholic patients with and without DT. METHODS Sixty-five inpatients, fulfilling the DSM-IV criteria of alcohol dependence and admitted for alcohol detoxification, as well as 39 healthy control subjects were enrolled. The alcoholic patients were divided by the appearance of DTs into the DT group (n = 25) and non-DT group (n = 40). We collected blood samples of the patient groups on the first and seventh days of alcohol withdrawal and measured serum BDNF levels by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Serum BDNF levels differed significantly among the three groups: (i) control group 14.8 ± 4.7 ng/ml; (ii) non-DT group 12.3 ± 3.3 ng/ml; (iii) DT group 6.2 ± 2.6 ng/ml (p < 0.001). One week after alcohol withdrawal, the BDNF levels increased significantly for both alcoholic groups. While non-DT group had comparable BDNF levels (13.4 ± 3.5 ng/ml) with controls, the DT group still exhibited lower levels (8.9 ± 4.4 ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests chronic drinking leads to a reduction in BDNF levels, and patients with more deficient BDNF expression are vulnerable to the development of DTs. Additionally, BDNF levels elevated after prompt alcohol detoxification treatment. These findings indicate that BDNF could involve modifying the phenotypes of AWS as well as the pertinent neuroadaptive processes of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chyi Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
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Pardon MC. Role of neurotrophic factors in behavioral processes: implications for the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2010; 82:185-200. [PMID: 20472139 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(10)82010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins are important regulators of neuronal function in the developing and adult brain and thus play a critical role in sustaining normal behavioral function. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been the most widely studied neurotrophin because of its important role as modulator of synaptic plasticity, which is essential to the regulation of experience-dependent behavior. Extensive work implicates BDNF in hippocampus-dependent forms of learning and memory, although it also regulates other cognitive processes. A role for BDNF in anxiety-related disorders and aggressive behavior can also be suspected. More importantly, BDNF signaling has recently emerged as a key player in the development of drug addiction and is well known to be involved in adaptation to stress and stress-related disorders. NGF in the other hand is thought to be involved in aggression and alcohol dependence. Finally, BDNF appears to participate in the therapeutic effects of drugs and interventions capable of reversing or attenuating behavioral disturbances relevant to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Compounds mimicking BDNF signaling, however, are unlikely to be used in a clinical context, given their adverse side effects and pharmacokinetic limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christine Pardon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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