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Chen YJ, Lu ML, Chiu YH, Chen C, Santos VHJ, Goh KK. Linking childhood trauma to the psychopathology of schizophrenia: the role of oxytocin. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 10:24. [PMID: 38388569 PMCID: PMC10883944 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-024-00433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Childhood trauma has been linked to schizophrenia, but underlying biological mechanisms remain elusive. This study explored the potential role of plasma oxytocin as a mediator in the relationship between childhood trauma and the psychopathology of schizophrenia. 160 patients with schizophrenia and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were assessed for childhood trauma experiences using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and structured interviews. Psychopathology was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and plasma oxytocin levels were measured. Results showed that patients with schizophrenia had lower oxytocin levels and higher childhood trauma scores than healthy controls. There was a significant correlation between childhood trauma scores and psychopathology, with plasma oxytocin levels being inversely associated with psychopathology, except for positive symptoms. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that both childhood trauma scores and plasma oxytocin levels significantly predicted psychopathology. Plasma oxytocin levels partially mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and schizophrenia psychopathology. This study underscores the potential role of oxytocin in bridging the gap between childhood trauma and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Jung Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Liang Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hang Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chenyi Chen
- Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- The Innovative and Translational Research Center of Brain Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Vitor Hugo Jesus Santos
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences (FCS-UBI), Cova da Beira University Hospital Center, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Kah Kheng Goh
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- The Innovative and Translational Research Center of Brain Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Sun W, Jin T, Yang H, Li J, Tian Q, Gao J, Peng R, Zhang G, Zhang X. Alterations of serum neuropeptide levels and their relationship to cognitive impairment and psychopathology in male patients with chronic schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 10:3. [PMID: 38172494 PMCID: PMC10851704 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00425-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Serum neuropeptide levels may be linked to schizophrenia (SCZ) pathogenesis. This study aims to examine the relation between five serum neuropeptide levels and the cognition of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), chronic stable schizophrenia (CSS), and in healthy controls (HC). Three groups were assessed: 29 TRS and 48 CSS patients who were hospitalized in regional psychiatric hospitals, and 53 HC. After the above participants were enrolled, we examined the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the blood serum levels of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), β-endorphin (BE), neurotensin (NT), oxytocin (OT) and substance.P (S.P). Psychiatric symptoms in patients with SCZ were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. SCZ patients performed worse than HC in total score and all subscales of the RBANS. The levels of the above five serum neuropeptides were significantly higher in SCZ than in HC. The levels of OT and S.P were significantly higher in CSS than in TRS patients. The α-MSH levels in TRS patients were significantly and negatively correlated with the language scores of RBANS. However, the BE and NT levels in CSS patients were significantly and positively correlated with the visuospatial/constructional scores of RBANS. Moreover, the interaction effect of NT and BE levels was positively associated with the visuospatial/constructional scores of RBANS. Therefore, abnormally increased serum neuropeptide levels may be associated with the physiology of SCZ, and may cause cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms, especially in patients with TRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxi Sun
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215031, Jiangsu, China
- Psychiatry Department of Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tingting Jin
- Psychiatry Department of Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haidong Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Fourth People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The Affiliated KangDa College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, 222003, PR China
| | - Jin Li
- Psychiatry Department of Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Psychiatry Department of Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ju Gao
- Psychiatry Department of Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruijie Peng
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215031, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangya Zhang
- Psychiatry Department of Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiaobin Zhang
- Psychiatry Department of Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, China.
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Hidalgo-Figueroa M, Salazar A, Romero-López-Alberca C, MacDowell KS, García-Bueno B, Bioque M, Bernardo M, Parellada M, González-Pinto A, García-Portilla MP, Lobo A, Rodriguez-Jimenez R, Berrocoso E, Leza JC. Association of Prolactin, Oxytocin, and Homocysteine With the Clinical and Cognitive Features of a First Episode of Psychosis Over a 1-Year Follow-Up. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 26:796-807. [PMID: 37603404 PMCID: PMC10674080 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyad051] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical debut of schizophrenia is frequently a first episode of psychosis (FEP). As such, there is considerable interest in identifying associations between biological markers and clinical or cognitive characteristics that help predict the progression and outcome of FEP patients. Previous studies showed that high prolactin, low oxytocin, and high homocysteine are factors associated with FEP 6 months after diagnosis, at which point plasma levels were correlated with some clinical and cognitive characteristics. METHODS We reexamined 75 patients at 12 months after diagnosis to measure the evolution of these molecules and assess their association with clinical features. RESULTS At follow-up, FEP patients had lower prolactin levels than at baseline, and patients treated with risperidone or paliperidone had higher prolactin levels than patients who received other antipsychotic agents. By contrast, no changes in oxytocin and homocysteine plasma levels were observed between the baseline and follow-up. In terms of clinical features, we found that plasma prolactin and homocysteine levels were correlated with the severity of the psychotic symptoms in male FEP patients, suggesting that they might be factors associated with psychotic symptomatology but only in men. Together with oxytocin, these molecules may also be related to sustained attention, verbal ability, and working memory cognitive domains in FEP patients. CONCLUSION This study suggests that focusing on prolactin, oxytocin, and homocysteine at a FEP may help select adequate pharmacological treatments and develop new tools to improve the outcome of these patients, where sex should also be borne in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hidalgo-Figueroa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Psychobiology Area, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Cádiz, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - Alejandro Salazar
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain
- Department of Statistics and Operational Research, University of Cádiz, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
- The Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Cristina Romero-López-Alberca
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain
- Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment Area, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Cádiz, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - Karina S MacDowell
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Univ. Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUINQ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Borja García-Bueno
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Univ. Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUINQ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miquel Bioque
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPs), Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit (BCSU), Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Bernardo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPs), Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit (BCSU), Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Parellada
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana González-Pinto
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario de Alava, BIOARABA, EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - M Paz García-Portilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad de Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Antonio Lobo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, Universidad de Zaragoza, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Roberto Rodriguez-Jimenez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12)/Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Psychobiology Area, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Cádiz, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - Juan C Leza
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Univ. Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUINQ, Madrid, Spain
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Hennig-Fast K, Meissner D, Steuwe C, Dehning S, Blautzik J, Eilert DW, Zill P, Müller N, Meindl T, Reiser M, Möller HJ, Falkai P, Driessen M, Buchheim A. The Interplay of Oxytocin and Attachment in Schizophrenic Patients: An fMRI Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1125. [PMID: 37626482 PMCID: PMC10452454 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13081125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attachment theory offers an important framework for understanding interpersonal interaction experiences. In the present study, we examined the neural correlates of attachment patterns and oxytocin in schizophrenic patients (SZP) compared to healthy controls (HC) using fMRI. We assumed that male SZP shows a higher proportion of insecure attachment and an altered level of oxytocin compared to HC. On a neural level, we hypothesized that SZP shows increased neural activation in memory and self-related brain regions during the activation of the attachment system compared to HC. METHODS We used an event-related design for the fMRI study based on stimuli that were derived from the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System to examine attachment representations and their neural and hormonal correlates in 20 male schizophrenic patients compared to 20 male healthy controls. RESULTS A higher proportion of insecure attachment in schizophrenic patients compared to HC could be confirmed. In line with our hypothesis, Oxytocin (OXT) levels in SZP were significantly lower than in HC. We found increasing brain activations in SZP when confronted with personal relevant sentences before attachment relevant pictures in the precuneus, TPJ, insula, and frontal areas compared to HC. Moreover, we found positive correlations between OXT and bilateral dlPFC, precuneus, and left ACC in SZP only. CONCLUSION Despite the small sample sizes, the patients' response might be considered as a mode of dysregulation when confronted with this kind of personalized attachment-related material. In the patient group, we found positive correlations between OXT and three brain areas (bilateral dlPFC, precuneus, left ACC) and may conclude that OXT might modulate within this neural network in SZP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Hennig-Fast
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany (H.-J.M.); (P.F.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Dominik Meissner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany (H.-J.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Carolin Steuwe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Sandra Dehning
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany (H.-J.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Janusch Blautzik
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk W. Eilert
- Department of Psychology, University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter Zill
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany (H.-J.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Norbert Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany (H.-J.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Thomas Meindl
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reiser
- Department of Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Möller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany (H.-J.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 80336 Munich, Germany (H.-J.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Martin Driessen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Anna Buchheim
- Department of Psychology, University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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5
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Exploring a Possible Interplay between Schizophrenia, Oxytocin, and Estrogens: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030461. [PMID: 36979271 PMCID: PMC10046503 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms of psychosis and sociocognitive deficits. Considering oxytocin’s antipsychotic and prosocial properties, numerous clinical, and preclinical studies have explored the neuropeptide’s therapeutic efficacy. Sex differences in the clinical course of schizophrenia, as well as in oxytocin-mediated behaviors, indicate the involvement of gonadal steroid hormones. The current narrative review aimed to explore empirical evidence on the interplay between schizophrenia psychopathology and oxytocin’s therapeutic potential in consideration of female gonadal steroid interactions, with a focus on estrogens. The review was conducted using the PubMed and PsychINFO databases and conforms to the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines. The results suggest a potential synergistic effect of the combined antipsychotic effect of oxytocin and neuroprotective effect of estrogen on schizophrenia. Consideration of typical menstrual cycle-related hormonal changes is warranted and further research is needed to confirm this assumption.
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Siecinski SK, Giamberardino SN, Spanos M, Hauser AC, Gibson JR, Chandrasekhar T, Trelles MDP, Rockhill CM, Palumbo ML, Cundiff AW, Montgomery A, Siper P, Minjarez M, Nowinski LA, Marler S, Kwee LC, Shuffrey LC, Alderman C, Weissman J, Zappone B, Mullett JE, Crosson H, Hong N, Luo S, She L, Bhapkar M, Dean R, Scheer A, Johnson JL, King BH, McDougle CJ, Sanders KB, Kim SJ, Kolevzon A, Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Hauser ER, Sikich L, Gregory SG. Genetic and epigenetic signatures associated with plasma oxytocin levels in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2023; 16:502-523. [PMID: 36609850 PMCID: PMC10023458 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), the brain's most abundant neuropeptide, plays an important role in social salience and motivation. Clinical trials of the efficacy of OT in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have reported mixed results due in part to ASD's complex etiology. We investigated whether genetic and epigenetic variation contribute to variable endogenous OT levels that modulate sensitivity to OT therapy. To carry out this analysis, we integrated genome-wide profiles of DNA-methylation, transcriptional activity, and genetic variation with plasma OT levels in 290 participants with ASD enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of OT. Our analysis identified genetic variants with novel association with plasma OT, several of which reside in known ASD risk genes. We also show subtle but statistically significant association of plasma OT levels with peripheral transcriptional activity and DNA-methylation profiles across several annotated gene sets. These findings broaden our understanding of the effects of the peripheral oxytocin system and provide novel genetic candidates for future studies to decode the complex etiology of ASD and its interaction with OT signaling and OT-based interventions. LAY SUMMARY: Oxytocin (OT) is an abundant chemical produced by neurons that plays an important role in social interaction and motivation. We investigated whether genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to variable OT levels in the blood. To this, we integrated genetic, gene expression, and non-DNA regulated (epigenetic) signatures with blood OT levels in 290 participants with autism enrolled in an OT clinical trial. We identified genetic association with plasma OT, several of which reside in known autism risk genes. We also show statistically significant association of plasma OT levels with gene expression and epigenetic across several gene pathways. These findings broaden our understanding of the factors that influence OT levels in the blood for future studies to decode the complex presentation of autism and its interaction with OT and OT-based treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K Siecinski
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Marina Spanos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Annalise C Hauser
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jason R Gibson
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tara Chandrasekhar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - M D Pilar Trelles
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carol M Rockhill
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michelle L Palumbo
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Paige Siper
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mendy Minjarez
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa A Nowinski
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Marler
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lydia C Kwee
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Cheryl Alderman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jordana Weissman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brooke Zappone
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Mullett
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hope Crosson
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalie Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheng Luo
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lilin She
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Manjushri Bhapkar
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Russell Dean
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Abby Scheer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jacqueline L Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bryan H King
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher J McDougle
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin B Sanders
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Soo-Jeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth R Hauser
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Linmarie Sikich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Simon G Gregory
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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7
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Goh KK, Lu ML. Relationship between the domains of theory of mind, social dysfunction, and oxytocin in schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 155:420-429. [PMID: 36182771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Social dysfunction, manifested by impaired social cognition, is contributing to poorer prognosis of patients with schizophrenia. Growing evidence indicates that oxytocin acts as a neurotransmitter in the regulation of social cognition. It still lacks a thorough understanding of how oxytocin is linked with deficits in social cognition and social functioning in schizophrenia. To this end, we aimed to study the role of plasma oxytocin levels in the relationship between subdomains of social cognition and social dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia. Social Functioning Scale was administered to measure social dysfunction while Faux Pas Recognition Test was used to assess the Theory of Mind (ToM) in 40 patients with schizophrenia and 40 age-matched healthy controls. Patients with schizophrenia exhibited more deficits in ToM, more severe social dysfunction, and had lower plasma oxytocin levels, relative to healthy controls. A pooled correlation analysis of all participants revealed significant effects of plasma oxytocin levels on the ToM and social dysfunction. In patients with schizophrenia, plasma oxytocin levels were positively correlated with the affective but not cognitive component of the ToM, and the effects of plasma oxytocin levels on social functioning were partially mediated by affective ToM. Our findings underscore the importance of oxytocin as a potential predictor of ToM and social functioning in patients with schizophrenia. It may be worthwhile for future studies of oxytocin in schizophrenia to focus on an affected behavioral domain, e.g., social cognition, rather than diagnosis, and the targeted domain should be deconstructed into more detailed subdomains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kah Kheng Goh
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Liang Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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8
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Johnson EG, Kuiper W, Ahmed RM, Halliday GM, Burrell JR, Hodges JR, Guastella AJ, Piguet O, Kumfor F. Plasma Oxytocin Is Not Associated with Social Cognition or Behavior in Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease Syndromes. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2022; 51:241-248. [PMID: 35705005 DOI: 10.1159/000525087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Changes in social behavior and emotion processing are common in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and semantic dementia (SD), and less so in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent research has investigated oxytocin as a potential treatment for these symptoms; however, whether plasma oxytocin is associated with social-emotional symptoms of dementia remains underexplored. METHODS Thirty behavioral-variant FTD (bvFTD), 28 SD, 39 AD, and 24 controls underwent blood sampling to measure oxytocin. Participants completed an emotion processing battery. Carers completed the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. RESULTS Patients with bvFTD were severely impaired in emotion processing and behavioral ratings, with milder impairment in SD and AD. No difference in plasma oxytocin was observed between groups (p = 0.632). No significant associations were found between oxytocin and social behavior or emotion processing (r values between -0.241 and 0.227, all p values >0.099). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that plasma oxytocin is not reduced in dementia and is unrelated to social, emotional, and behavioral features. We noted high interindividual variability in our data; hence, future investigations should consider methodological influences such as serum versus saliva and diurnal variation on oxytocin function. These results demonstrate that current measurement measures of plasma oxytocin have limited utility in determining the role of oxytocin in FTD. Alternative oxytocin measures may prove more sensitive and should be considered when conducting clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G Johnson
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wytse Kuiper
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rebekah M Ahmed
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney Central Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney Central Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James R Burrell
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The University of Sydney Concord Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Concord General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John R Hodges
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney Central Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam J Guastella
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Olivier Piguet
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fiona Kumfor
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Marazziti D, Diep PT, Carter S, Carbone MG. Oxytocin: An Old Hormone, A Novel Psychotropic Drug And Possible Use In Treating Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5615-5687. [PMID: 35894453 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220727120646] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Historically, this molecule has been involved as a key factor in the formation of infant attachment, maternal behavior and pair bonding and, more generally, in linking social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. In the last decades, the whole oxytocin system has gained a growing interest as it was proposed to be implicated in etiopathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS With the main goal of an in-depth understanding of the oxytocin role in the regulation of different functions and complex behaviors as well as its intriguing implications in different neuropsychiatric disorders, we performed a critical review of the current state of art. We carried out this work through PubMed database up to June 2021 with the search terms: 1) "oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders"; 2) "oxytocin and neurodevelopmental disorders"; 3) "oxytocin and anorexia"; 4) "oxytocin and eating disorders"; 5) "oxytocin and obsessive-compulsive disorder"; 6) "oxytocin and schizophrenia"; 7) "oxytocin and depression"; 8) "oxytocin and bipolar disorder"; 9) "oxytocin and psychosis"; 10) "oxytocin and anxiety"; 11) "oxytocin and personality disorder"; 12) "oxytocin and PTSD". RESULTS Biological, genetic, and epigenetic studies highlighted quality and quantity modifications in the expression of oxytocin peptide or in oxytocin receptor isoforms. These alterations would seem to be correlated with a higher risk of presenting several neuropsychiatric disorders belonging to different psychopathological spectra. Collaterally, the exogenous oxytocin administration has shown to ameliorate many neuropsychiatric clinical conditions. CONCLUSION Finally, we briefly analyzed the potential pharmacological use of oxytocin in patient with severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunoregulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Phuoc-Tan Diep
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Carter
- Director Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Manuel G Carbone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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10
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Peripheral oxytocin concentrations in psychiatric disorders - A systematic review and methanalysis: Further evidence. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 117:110561. [PMID: 35461971 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Increased interest in understanding how changes in the oxytocinergic system are associated with the etiology and progression of psychiatric disorders has currently boosted the publication of studies. We present a systematic literature review followed by meta-analyses assessing whether peripheral oxytocin (OXT) levels among psychiatric patients differ from healthy controls, considering the moderating role of methodological aspects and samples' characteristics. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SciELO, LILACS, and Scopus. Fifty-five papers were included in the analysis, and nine independent meta-analyses were performed according to the different diagnoses. Lower OXT concentrations were found in groups of specific disorders (i.e., schizophrenia, restricting and binge-eating/purging subtypes of anorexia nervosa, and borderline personality disorder) with medium to large effect sizes. Great heterogeneity was found among the studies, so that caution is needed to interpret the results. High OXT levels with an effect size of the same magnitude were found for bipolar disorder - type I and obsessive disorder. In contrast, no differences were found for bulimia, autism spectrum, depression, or social anxiety. No meta-analyses were performed for body dysmorphic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or trichotillomania because only one study was identified for each of these disorders. Altered endogenous OXT concentrations are found in several disorders addressed and must be analyzed according to each disorder's specificities.
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11
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Hering A, Jieu B, Jones A, Muttenthaler M. Approaches to Improve the Quantitation of Oxytocin in Human Serum by Mass Spectrometry. Front Chem 2022; 10:889154. [PMID: 35755255 PMCID: PMC9218718 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.889154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) regulates several peripheral and central functions and is a molecule of interest in psychiatric diseases such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression. The study of OT in human serum samples is however hampered by inconsistent sample preparation and analysis as well as low endogenous blood concentration (1-10 pM). This results in varying reports on OT's blood levels and interpretation of OT's role in different (patho)physiological states. Quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) is a highly promising technology to address this problem but still requires large sample volumes to achieve adequate sensitivity and reliability for the quantitation of compounds at low concentrations. We therefore systematically evaluated sample preparation methods for MS to achieve a reliable sample preparation protocol with good peptide recovery, minimal matrix effects and good overall method efficiency in line with FDA guidelines for bioanalytic method development and validation. Additionally, we investigated a strategy to improve the ionization efficiency of OT by adding charged and/or hydrophobic moieties to OT to improve the lower limit of quantitation. Optimized sample preparation in combination with OT modification with a quaternary pyridinium ion improved the sensitivity of OT by ∼40-fold on a tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (API4000 QTRAP), resulting in a lower limit of quantitation of 5 pM in water (linear range 5 pM - 1 mM) and 2 nM in human serum (linear range 2 nM - 1 mM) compared to 200 pM in water and 86 nM in serum with unmodified OT. This approach and protocol provide a solid foundation towards method development for OT quantitation using MS, which should be of high value for fundamental research as well as clinical monitoring of OT upon drug treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hering
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Beverly Jieu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alun Jones
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Spilka MJ, Keller WR, Buchanan RW, Gold JM, Koenig JI, Strauss GP. Endogenous oxytocin levels are associated with facial emotion recognition accuracy but not gaze behavior in individuals with schizophrenia. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2022; 145:494-506. [PMID: 35243618 PMCID: PMC9007857 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Difficulties in social cognition are common in individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) and are not ameliorated by antipsychotic treatment. Intranasal oxytocin (OT) administration has been explored as a potential intervention to improve social cognition; however, results are inconsistent, suggesting potential individual difference variables that may influence treatment response. Less is known about the relationship between endogenous OT and social cognition in SZ, knowledge of which may improve the development of OT-focused therapies. We examined plasma OT in relationship to facial emotion recognition and visual attention to salient facial features in SZ and controls. METHODS Forty-two individuals with SZ and 23 healthy controls viewed photographs of facial expressions of varying emotional intensity and identified the emotional expression displayed. Participants' gaze behavior during the task was recorded via eye tracking. Plasma oxytocin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS SZ were less accurate than controls at identifying high-intensity fearful facial expressions and low-intensity sad expressions. Lower overall and high-intensity facial emotion recognition accuracy was associated with lower plasma OT levels in SZ but not controls. OT was not associated with visual attention to salient facial features; however, SZ had reduced visual attention to the nose region compared to controls. CONCLUSION Individual differences in endogenous OT predict facial emotion recognition ability in SZ but are not associated with visual attention to salient facial features. Increased understanding of the association between endogenous OT and social cognitive abilities in SZ may help improve the design and interpretation of OT-focused clinical trials in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William R. Keller
- Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, USA
| | - Robert W. Buchanan
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, USA
| | - James M. Gold
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, USA
| | - James I. Koenig
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
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13
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Hidalgo-Figueroa M, Salazar A, Romero-López-Alberca C, MacDowell KS, García-Bueno B, Bioque M, Bernardo M, Parellada M, González-Pinto A, García Portilla MP, Lobo A, Rodriguez-Jimenez R, Berrocoso E, Leza JC. The Influence of Oxytocin and Prolactin During a First Episode of Psychosis: The Implication of Sex Differences, Clinical Features, and Cognitive Performance. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:666-677. [PMID: 35353882 PMCID: PMC9380712 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 3% of the population suffers a first episode of psychosis (FEP), and a high percentage of these patients subsequently relapse. Because the clinical course following a FEP is hard to predict, it is of interest to identify cognitive and biological markers that will help improve the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of such events and to define new therapeutic targets. Here we analyzed the plasma oxytocin and prolactin levels during an FEP, assessing their correlation with clinical and cognitive features. METHODS The oxytocin and prolactin in plasma was measured in 120 FEP patients and 106 healthy controls, all of whom were subjected to a clinical and neuropsychological assessment. Most patients were under antipsychotics. Statistical analyses aimed to identify factors associated with the FEP and to search for associations between the variables. This study is preliminary and exploratory because the P-values were not corrected for multiple comparisons. RESULTS FEP patients had less oxytocin, more prolactin, and a poor premorbid IQ, and they performed worse in sustained attention. Male patients with higher prolactin levels experienced more severe psychotic symptoms and required higher doses of antipsychotics. Low oxytocin was associated with poor sustained attention in women, whereas low oxytocin and high prolactin in men correlated with better performance in sustained attention. CONCLUSION Low oxytocin, high prolactin, and poor premorbid IQ and sustained attention are factors associated with an FEP, representing potential therapeutic targets in these patients. These biological factors and cognitive domains might play an important role during a FEP, which could help us to develop new strategies that improve the outcomes of this disorder and that should perhaps be gender specific.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Romero-López-Alberca
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain,Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment Area, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Cádiz, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - Karina S MacDowell
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Univ. Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUINQ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Borja García-Bueno
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Univ. Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUINQ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miquel Bioque
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Institut d’investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPs), Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit (BCSU), Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Bernardo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Institut d’investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPs), Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit (BCSU), Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Parellada
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana González-Pinto
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario de Alava, BIOARABA, EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Paz García Portilla
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, Universidad de Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Antonio Lobo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, Universidad de Zaragoza, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Roberto Rodriguez-Jimenez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12)/Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Correspondence: Esther Berrocoso, PhD, Neuropsychopharmacology Psychobiology Research Group, Psychobiology Area, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, 11510 Cádiz, Spain ()
| | - Juan C Leza
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Univ. Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUINQ, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - CIBERSAM
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Zagrean AM, Georgescu IA, Iesanu MI, Ionescu RB, Haret RM, Panaitescu AM, Zagrean L. Oxytocin and vasopressin in the hippocampus. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 118:83-127. [PMID: 35180939 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) are related neuropeptides that exert a wide range of effects on general health, homeostasis, development, reproduction, adaptability, cognition, social and nonsocial behaviors. The two peptides are mainly of hypothalamic origin and execute their peripheral and central physiological roles via OXT and AVP receptors, which are members of the G protein-coupled receptor family. These receptors, largely distributed in the body, are abundantly expressed in the hippocampus, a brain region particularly vulnerable to stress exposure and various lesions. OXT and AVP have important roles in the hippocampus, by modulating important processes like neuronal excitability, network oscillatory activity, synaptic plasticity, and social recognition memory. This chapter includes an overview regarding OXT and AVP structure, synthesis, receptor distribution, and functions, focusing on their relationship with the hippocampus and mechanisms by which they influence hippocampal activity. Brief information regarding hippocampal structure and susceptibility to lesions is also provided. The roles of OXT and AVP in neurodevelopment and adult central nervous system function and disorders are highlighted, discussing their potential use as targeted therapeutic tools in neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Zagrean
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Ioana-Antoaneta Georgescu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Ioana Iesanu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rosana-Bristena Ionescu
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Clinical Neurosciences and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Mihai Haret
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Maria Panaitescu
- Filantropia Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Leon Zagrean
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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15
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The Role of OXT, OXTR, AVP, and AVPR1a Gene Expression in the Course of Schizophrenia. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:336-349. [PMID: 35723404 PMCID: PMC8929099 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a serious and chronic mental illness, the symptoms of which usually appear for the first time in late adolescence or early adulthood. To date, much research has been conducted on the etiology of schizophrenia; however, it is still not fully understood. Oxytocin and vasopressin as neuromodulators that regulate social and emotional behavior are promising candidates for determining the vulnerability to schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of OXT, OXTR, AVP, and AVPR1a genes at the mRNA and protein levels in patients with schizophrenia. Due to the neurodegenerative nature of schizophrenia, the study group was divided into two subgroups, namely, G1 with a diagnosis that was made between 10 and 15 years after the onset of the illness, and G2 with a diagnosis made up to two years after the onset of the illness. Moreover, the relationship between the examined genes and the severity of schizophrenia symptoms, assessed using PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and CDSS scales (Clinical Depression Scale for Schizophrenia) was evaluated. The analysis of the expression of the studied genes at the mRNA and protein levels showed statistically significant differences in the expression of all the investigated genes. OXT and AVPR1a gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower in the schizophrenia group, and OXTR and AVP gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels was higher in the schizophrenia subjects than in the controls. Furthermore, a significant correlation of OXT gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels with the severity of depressive symptoms in schizophrenia as assessed by CDSS was found.
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16
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Oroian BA, Ciobica A, Timofte D, Stefanescu C, Serban IL. New Metabolic, Digestive, and Oxidative Stress-Related Manifestations Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:5599265. [PMID: 34966477 PMCID: PMC8712172 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5599265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represents a pressing and generally invalidating syndrome that is triggered by a terrifying or stressful experience, relying on recurrently reliving the traumatic event feelings associated to it, which is subsequently linked to ongoing activations of stress-related neurobiological pathways and is often associated with neurodegeneration. In this paper, we examine what lies beneath this disorder, reviewing evidence that connects PTSD with a wide array of mechanisms and its intertwined pathways that can lead to the decompensation of different pathologies, such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal ailments, autoimmune disorders, and endocrine diseases. Also, the significance of the oxidative stress in this frame of reference is debated. Thus, knowing and identifying the main features of the distressing experience, the circumstances around it, as well as the neuropsychological and emotional characteristics of people prone to develop PTSD after going through disturbing incidents can offer an opportunity to anticipate the development of potential destructive consequences in several psychological dimensions: cognitive, affective, relational, behavioral, and somatic. We can also observe more closely the intricate connections of the disorder to other pathologies and their underlying mechanisms such as inflammation, oxidative stress, bacterial overgrowth syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, metabolic disorders, oxytocin, and cortisol in order to understand it better and to optimize the course of treatment and its management. The complex foundation PTSD possesses is supported by the existing clinical, preclinical, and experimental data encompassed in the current review. Different biological systems and processes such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, sympathetic nervous system, oxidative stress, inflammation, and microbiome suffer modifications and changes when it comes to PTSD; that is why targeted therapies exert tremendous alleviations of symptoms in patients diagnosed with this disorder. Therefore, this implies that PTSD is not restricted to the psychiatric domain and should be viewed as a systemic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, B dul Carol I No. 11 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniel Timofte
- “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16, Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristinel Stefanescu
- “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16, Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ionela Lăcrămioara Serban
- “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16, Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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17
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Hernández-Díaz Y, González-Castro TB, Tovilla-Zárate CA, López-Narváez ML, Genis-Mendoza AD, Castillo-Avila RG, Ramos-Méndez MÁ, Juárez-Rojop IE. Oxytocin levels in individuals with schizophrenia are high in cerebrospinal fluid but low in serum: A systematic review and meta-analysis : Oxytocin and Schizophrenia. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:2415-2424. [PMID: 34495462 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00836-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental illness. Levels of oxytocin have been proposed as a biomarker of schizophrenia; however, the observed levels of oxytocin in individuals with schizophrenia have been inconsistent across studies. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate oxytocin levels in plasma, serum and cerebrospinal fluid to see if there are statistically different concentrations between individuals with schizophrenia and the comparison group. The meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The quality of the study was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects model was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis software with the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Serum oxytocin levels in individuals with schizophrenia were significantly lower than that in comparison group (SMD = - 1.74, 95% CI = - 3.22 to - 0.26, p = 0.02) but cerebrospinal fluid oxytocin levels in individuals with schizophrenia were significantly higher than those in the comparison group (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.05 to 1.04, p = 0.03). Our results suggest that oxytocin levels in cerebrospinal fluid are increased in individuals with schizophrenia but decreased in serum. Therefore, the oxytocin system dysregulation may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and it should be measured in more populations for a possible implementation as a biomarker of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazmín Hernández-Díaz
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, México
| | - Thelma Beatriz González-Castro
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, México
| | - Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zárate
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Comalcalco, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Comalcalco, Tabasco, México.
| | | | - Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Rosa Giannina Castillo-Avila
- División Académica de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
| | - Miguel Ángel Ramos-Méndez
- División Académica de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
| | - Isela Esther Juárez-Rojop
- División Académica de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
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18
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Ziv I, Baram H, Bar K, Zilberstein V, Itzikowitz S, Harel EV, Dershowitz N. Morphological characteristics of spoken language in schizophrenia patients - an exploratory study. Scand J Psychol 2021; 63:91-99. [PMID: 34813111 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Psychosis is diagnosed based on disruptions in the structure and use of language, including reduced syntactic complexity, derailment, and tangentiality. With the development of computational analysis, natural language processing (NLP) techniques are used in many areas of life to make evaluations and inferences regarding people's thoughts, feelings and behavior. The present study explores morphological characteristic of schizophrenia inpatients using NLP. Transcripts of recorded stories by 49 male subjects (24 inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 25 controls) about 14 Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) pictures were morphologically analyzed. Relative to the control group, the schizophrenic inpatients employed: (1) a similar ratio of nouns, but fewer verbs, adjectives and adverbs; (2) a higher ratio of lemmas to token (LTR) and type to token (TTR); (3) a smaller gap between LTR and TTR; and (4) greater use of the first person. The results were cross-verified using three well-known fitting classifier algorithms (Random Forest, XGBoost and a support vector machine). Tests of prediction accuracy, precision and recall found correct attribution of patients to the schizophrenia group at a rate of between 80 and 90%. Overall, the results suggest that the language of schizophrenic inpatients is significantly different from that of healthy controls, being morphologically less complex, more associative and more focused on the self. The findings support NLP analysis as a complementary addition to the traditional clinical psychosis evaluation for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Ziv
- Psychology Department, The College of Management - Academic Studies, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Heli Baram
- Psychology Department, Ruppin Academic Center, Ruppin, Israel
| | - Kfir Bar
- School of Computer Science, The College of Management - Academic Studies, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | | | - Samuel Itzikowitz
- School of Computer Science, The College of Management - Academic Studies, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Eran V Harel
- Be'er Ya'akov Medical Center for Mental Health, Be'er Ya'akov, Israel
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19
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Riccardi C, Montemagni C, Del Favero E, Bellino S, Brasso C, Rocca P. Pharmacological Treatment for Social Cognition: Current Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7457. [PMID: 34299076 PMCID: PMC8307511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is currently considered a core feature of schizophrenia (SZ) and is gaining attention as a fundamental therapeutic target. Standard treatment for SZ involves the use of antipsychotics that are successfully used to control positive symptoms and disorganized behaviour. However, it is still unclear whether they are effective on social cognition (SC) impairment. Furthermore, different medications are currently being studied to improve SC in patients with SZ. A literature search on this topic was conducted using the PubMed database. All kinds of publications (i.e., reviews, original contributions and case reports) written in English and published in the last 15 years were included. The aim of our literature review is to draw a picture of the current state of the pharmacological treatment of SC impairment in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Paola Rocca
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10100 Turin, Italy; (C.R.); (C.M.); (E.D.F.); (S.B.); (C.B.)
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20
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Madrigal MP, Jurado S. Specification of oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic circuits in the developing mouse brain. Commun Biol 2021; 4:586. [PMID: 33990685 PMCID: PMC8121848 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) support a broad range of behaviors and homeostatic functions including sex-specific and context-appropriate social behaviors. Although the alterations of these systems have been linked with social-related disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, their formation and developmental dynamics remain largely unknown. Using novel brain clearing techniques and 3D imaging, we have reconstructed the specification of oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic circuits in the developing mouse brain with unprecedented cellular resolution. A systematic quantification indicates that OXT and AVP neurons in the hypothalamus display distinctive developmental dynamics and high cellular plasticity from embryonic to early postnatal stages. Our findings reveal new insights into the specification and consolidation of neuropeptidergic systems in the developing CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Pilar Madrigal
- grid.466805.90000 0004 1759 6875Instituto de Neurociencias CSIC-UMH, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Sandra Jurado
- grid.466805.90000 0004 1759 6875Instituto de Neurociencias CSIC-UMH, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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21
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Oxytocin in Schizophrenia: Pathophysiology and Implications for Future Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042146. [PMID: 33670047 PMCID: PMC7926349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a form of mental disorder that is behaviorally characterized by abnormal behavior, such as social function deficits or other behaviors that are disconnected from reality. Dysregulation of oxytocin may play a role in regulating the expression of schizophrenia. Given oxytocin’s role in social cognition and behavior, a variety of studies have examined the potential clinical benefits of oxytocin in improving the psychopathology of patients with schizophrenia. In this review, we highlight the evidence for the role of endogenous oxytocin in schizophrenia, from animal models to human studies. We further discuss the potential of oxytocin as a therapeutic agent for schizophrenia and its implication in future treatment.
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22
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Bègue I, Kaiser S, Kirschner M. Pathophysiology of negative symptom dimensions of schizophrenia – Current developments and implications for treatment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:74-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Arabacı Tamer S, Üçem S, Büke B, Güner M, Karaküçük AG, Yiğit N, Şirvancı S, Çevik Ö, Ercan F, Yeğen BÇ. Regular moderate exercise alleviates gastric oxidative damage in rats via the contribution of oxytocin receptors. J Physiol 2020; 598:2355-2370. [PMID: 32266969 DOI: 10.1113/jp279577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS A moderate level of exercise has beneficial effects for the prevention of gastric ulcers. Although regular aerobic exercise was shown to elevate serum oxytocin levels and exogenously administered oxytocin exerts an anti-ulcer activity, the role of endogenous oxytocin in the gastroprotective effects of exercise has not yet been elucidated. We showed that increased anxiety and oxidative gastric damage induced by gastric ulcers were reversed in pre-exercised rats, while reduced hypothalamic oxytocin expression and decreased myenteric oxytocin receptor expression due to gastric ulcers were abolished by exercise. We also reported that the blockade of oxytocin receptors exaggerated gastric damage in exercised rats with ulcers. Our data establish that endogenous oxytocin is the key mediator in the beneficial effects of regular physical activity in alleviating gastric injury. ABSTRACT Exercise increases serum oxytocin levels and exogenous oxytocin exerts an anti-ulcer activity; but the role of oxytocin in the protective effects of exercise against gastric ulcers has not yet been evaluated. This study was designed to investigate the impact of regular swimming exercise on oxidative gastric injury, and the role of oxytocin receptor activity in the anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory actions of exercise. Adult Wistar albino rats of both sexes performed swimming exercise (30 min/day, 5 days) or stayed sedentary. At the end of the 6-week exercise/sedentary protocol, rats were injected intraperitoneally with atosiban (0.1 mg/kg/day) or saline for 4 days. On the 5th day, under anaesthesia, acetic acid (ulcer) or saline (sham) was applied onto the gastric serosa and the treatments were continued. On the 9th day, anxiety levels were determined; gastric blood flow was measured, and blood, gastric and brain tissues were obtained. Induction of ulcers in sedentary rats increased anxiety and serum corticosterone levels; but reduced gastric blood flow and resulted in apoptosis and oxidative gastric damage with increased cytokine expressions. However, when ulcers were induced in pre-exercised rats, behavioural and biochemical alterations due to gastric damage were reversed. The inhibition of oxytocin receptors by atosiban exaggerated pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions and gastric lipid peroxidation in the stomachs of exercised rats with ulcers. When rats had regularly exercised prior to ulcer induction, reductions in the immunolabelling of hypothalamic oxytocin and myenteric oxytocin receptors were abolished, suggesting that exercise-induced alleviation of gastric injury may involve the reversal of down-regulated oxytocinergic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevil Arabacı Tamer
- Departments of Physiology and Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Selen Üçem
- Departments of Physiology and Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Berk Büke
- Departments of Physiology and Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Güner
- Departments of Physiology and Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Alp Giray Karaküçük
- Departments of Physiology and Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Niyazi Yiğit
- Departments of Physiology and Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Serap Şirvancı
- Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Özge Çevik
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Feriha Ercan
- Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Berrak Ç Yeğen
- Departments of Physiology and Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
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24
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Montag C, Schöner J, Speck LG, Just S, Stuke F, Rentzsch J, Gallinat J, Majić T. Peripheral oxytocin is inversely correlated with cognitive, but not emotional empathy in schizophrenia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231257. [PMID: 32255800 PMCID: PMC7138301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous oxytocin has been associated with different aspects of social cognition in healthy subjects and patients with schizophrenia. In this pilot study, we investigated the relationship between plasma oxytocin and oxytocin level changes induced by empathy-eliciting, attachment-related movie scenes with correlates of cognitive and emotional empathy in patients and healthy controls. The Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) were administered to patients with schizophrenia (N = 35, 12 females) and healthy controls (N = 35, 12 females) to estimate dimensions of cognitive and emotional empathy. Peripheral basal oxytocin concentrations and oxytocin responses to movie-based emotional stimuli were assessed using radioimmunoassay with sample extraction. In patients, induced oxytocin level changes were inversely correlated with MET cognitive empathy regarding negative emotional states. Controlling for non-social cognition and age revealed a significant negative association between basal oxytocin levels and MET cognitive empathy for positive emotions. In healthy subjects, oxytocin reactivity was inversely correlated with the IRI subscale "fantasy". Oxytocin was not related to any measure of emotional empathy. A hyper-reactive oxytocin system might be linked to impaired cognitive empathy as a part of a dysfunctional regulative circuit of attachment-related emotions and interpersonal stressors or threats by attribution of meaning. Healthy adults with a disposition to identify with fictional characters showed lower oxytocin reactivity, possibly indicating familiarity with movie-based stimuli. The oxytocinergic system may be involved in maladaptive coping mechanisms in the framework of impaired mentalizing and associated dysfunctional responses to interpersonal challenges in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Montag
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Schöner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lucas Guilherme Speck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Just
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frauke Stuke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Rentzsch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Brandenburg Medical School ‘Theodor Fontane’, Neurupppin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tomislav Majić
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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25
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Abstract
The origin of the oxytocin (OT)/vasopressin (VP) signaling system is thought to date back more than 600million years. OT/VP-like peptides have been identified in numerous invertebrate phyla including molluscs, annelids, nematodes and insects. However, to date we only have a limited understanding of the biological role(s) of this GPCR-mediated signaling system in insects. This chapter presents the current knowledge of OT/VP-like neuropeptide signaling in insects by providing a brief overview of insect OT/VP-like neuropeptides, their genetic and structural commonalities, and their experimentally tested and proposed functions. Despite their widespread occurrence across insect orders these peptides (and their endogenous receptors) appear to be absent in common insect model species, such as flies and bees. We therefore explain the known functionalities of this signaling system in three different insect model systems: beetles, locusts, and ants. Additionally, we review the phylogenetic distribution of the OT/VP signaling system in arthropods as obtained from extensive genome/transcriptome mining. Finally, we discuss the unique challenges in the development of selective OT/VP ligands for human receptors and share our perspective on the possible application of insect- and other non-mammalian-derived OT/VP-like peptide ligands in pharmacology.
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26
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Duerrauer L, Muratspahić E, Gattringer J, Keov P, Mendel HC, Pfleger KDG, Muttenthaler M, Gruber CW. I8-arachnotocin-an arthropod-derived G protein-biased ligand of the human vasopressin V 2 receptor. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19295. [PMID: 31848378 PMCID: PMC6917733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55675-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) and their G protein-coupled receptors OTR, V1aR, V1bR, and V2R form an important and widely-distributed neuroendocrine signaling system. In mammals, this signaling system regulates water homeostasis, blood pressure, reproduction, as well as social behaviors such as pair bonding, trust and aggression. There exists high demand for ligands with differing pharmacological profiles to study the physiological and pathological functions of the individual receptor subtypes. Here, we present the pharmacological characterization of an arthropod (Metaseiulus occidentalis) OT/VP-like nonapeptide across the human OT/VP receptors. I8-arachnotocin is a full agonist with respect to second messenger signaling at human V2R (EC50 34 nM) and V1bR (EC50 1.2 µM), a partial agonist at OTR (EC50 790 nM), and a competitive antagonist at V1aR [pA2 6.25 (558 nM)]. Intriguingly, I8-arachnotocin activated the Gαs pathway of V2R without recruiting either β-arrestin-1 or β-arrestin-2. I8-arachnotocin might thus be a novel pharmacological tool to study the (patho)physiological relevance of β-arrestin-1 or -2 recruitment to the V2R. These findings furthermore highlight arthropods as a novel, vast and untapped source for the discovery of novel pharmacological probes and potential drug leads targeting neurohormone receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopold Duerrauer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Gattringer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Keov
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen C Mendel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin D G Pfleger
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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27
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Bradley ER, Seitz A, Niles AN, Rankin KP, Mathalon DH, O'Donovan A, Woolley JD. Oxytocin increases eye gaze in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2019; 212:177-185. [PMID: 31416746 PMCID: PMC6791758 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal eye gaze is common in schizophrenia and linked to functional impairment. The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin modulates visual attention to social stimuli, but its effects on eye gaze in schizophrenia are unknown. We examined visual scanning of faces in men with schizophrenia and neurotypical controls to quantify oxytocin effects on eye gaze. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, 33 men with schizophrenia and 39 matched controls received one dose of intranasal oxytocin (40 IU) and placebo on separate testing days. Participants viewed 20 color photographs of faces while their gaze patterns were recorded. We tested for differences in fixation time on the eyes between patients and controls as well as oxytocin effects using linear mixed-effects models. We also tested whether attachment style, symptom severity, and anti-dopaminergic medication dosage moderated oxytocin effects. In the placebo condition, patients showed reduced fixation time on the eyes compared to controls. Oxytocin was associated with an increase in fixation time among patients, but a decrease among controls. Higher attachment anxiety and greater symptom severity predicted increased fixation time on the eyes on oxytocin versus placebo. Anti-dopaminergic medication dosage and attachment avoidance did not impact response to oxytocin. Consistent with findings that oxytocin optimizes processing of social stimuli, intranasal oxytocin enhanced eye gaze in men with schizophrenia. Further work is needed to determine whether changes in eye gaze impact social cognition and functional outcomes. Both attachment anxiety and symptom severity predicted oxytocin response, highlighting the importance of examining potential moderators of oxytocin effects in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen R Bradley
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America.
| | - Alison Seitz
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Andrea N Niles
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Daniel H Mathalon
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Aoife O'Donovan
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Joshua D Woolley
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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28
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Bang M, Kang JI, Kim SJ, Park JY, Kim KR, Lee SY, Park K, Lee E, Lee SK, An SK. Reduced DNA Methylation of the Oxytocin Receptor Gene Is Associated With Anhedonia-Asociality in Women With Recent-Onset Schizophrenia and Ultra-high Risk for Psychosis. Schizophr Bull 2019; 45:1279-1290. [PMID: 31220321 PMCID: PMC6812051 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbz016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Negative symptoms are recognized as a fundamental feature of schizophrenia throughout the disease course. Epigenetic alterations in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) may be a key mechanism involved in social-emotional disturbances of schizophrenia. Here, we investigated OXTR methylation and its association with clinical and brain network connectivity phenotypes of negative symptoms, particularly anhedonia-asociality, in individuals with recent-onset schizophrenia (ROS) and at ultrahigh risk (UHR) for psychosis. Sixty-four ROS (39 women), 46 UHR (19 women), and 98 healthy individuals (52 women) participated in this study. OXTR methylation was quantified using the pyrosequencing method. A subset of participants (16 ROS, 23 UHR, and 33 healthy controls [HCs]) underwent a 5.5-minute resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to determine the relationship between OXTR methylation and the striatal-amygdala network functional connectivity (FC) underlying anhedonia-asociality. Both men and women with ROS and UHR showed significantly decreased OXTR methylation compared to HCs. In women with ROS and UHR, decreased OXTR methylation showed a significant correlation with increased anhedonia-asociality. FC of the striatal-amygdala network, positively associated with the severity of anhedonia-asociality, showed an inverse correlation with OXTR methylation. This study suggests that epigenetic alterations of OXTR, which can be detected before the development of full-blown psychosis, confer susceptibility to schizophrenia and play a crucial role in the manifestation of anhedonia-asociality, particularly in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Bang
- Department of Psychiatry, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee In Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Joo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Park
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Department of Psychiatry, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Ran Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Young Lee
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Department of Psychiatry, Cheil General Hospital and Women’s Healthcare Center, Dankook University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmee Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Koo Lee
- Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Kyoon An
- Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Graduate Program in Cognitive Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea,To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: +82-2-2228-1585, fax: +82-2-313-0891, e-mail:
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29
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Ni P, Tian Y, Gu X, Yang L, Wei J, Wang Y, Zhao L, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Li L, Tang X, Ma X, Hu X, Li T. Plasma neuropeptides as circulating biomarkers of multifactorial schizophrenia. Compr Psychiatry 2019; 94:152114. [PMID: 31401216 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.152114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promising biomarkers would be used to improve the determination of diagnosis and severity, as well as the prediction of symptomatic and functional outcomes of schizophrenia. BASIC PROCEDURES In this study, we used three different mouse models induced by a genetic factor (PV-Cre; ErbB4-/-, G group), an environmental stressor (adolescent social isolation, G group), and a combination of genetic factor and environmental stressor (PV-Cre; ErbB4-/- mice with isolation, G × E group). Attenuated PPI (%) confirmed the successful establishment of three schizophrenia-like mouse models. To evaluate whether neuropeptide levels in plasma would be potential biomarkers of different schizophrenia models in our work, we used MILLIPLEX® MAP method to simultaneously measure 6 critical neuropeptides in plasma. MAIN FINDINGS Among the evaluated neuropeptides, increased neurotensin tends to be associated with genetic factors of schizophrenia, increased orexin A seems to be a biomarker of an interplay between genetic and social isolation, while higher plasma oxytocin might be more apt to be responsive to social isolation. The potential biomarkers are mostly independent of sex. CONCLUSIONS This research would provide novel clues to develop circulating biomarkers of plasma neuropeptides for multifactorial schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyan Ni
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yang Tian
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xiaochu Gu
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Clinical Laboratory, Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Linghui Yang
- The Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Jinxue Wei
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yingcheng Wang
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Liansheng Zhao
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Liping Li
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, and Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Ma
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xun Hu
- Biobank, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Tao Li
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China.
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A biocultural approach to psychiatric illnesses. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:2923-2936. [PMID: 30721322 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-5178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE As a species, humans are vulnerable to numerous mental disorders, including depression and schizophrenia. This susceptibility may be due to the evolution of our large, complex brains, or perhaps because these illnesses counterintuitively confer some adaptive advantage. Additionally, cultural and biological factors may contribute to susceptibility and variation in mental illness experience and expression. Taking a holistic perspective could strengthen our understanding of these illnesses in diverse cultural contexts. OBJECTIVES This paper reviews some of these potential factors and contextualizes mental disorders within a biocultural framework. RESULTS There is growing evidence that suggests cultural norms may influence inflammation, neurotransmitters, and neurobiology, as well as the illness experience. Specific examples include variation in schizophrenia delusions between countries, differences in links between inflammation and emotion between the United States and Japan, and differences in brain activity between Caucasian and Asian participants indicating that cultural values may moderate cognitive processes related to social cognition and interoception. CONCLUSIONS Research agendas that are grounded in an appreciation of biocultural diversity as it relates to psychiatric illness represent key areas for truly interdisciplinary research that can result in culturally sensitive treatments and highlight possible biological variation affecting medical treatment.
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Mutu Pek T, Yazici E, Guzel D, Kose E, Yazıcı AB, Erol A. The relationship between oxytocin, vasopressin and atrial natriuretic peptide levels and cognitive functions in patients with schizophrenia. PSYCHIAT CLIN PSYCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/24750573.2019.1653149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tugba Mutu Pek
- Afyonkarahisar Dinar State Hospital Clinic of Psychiatry, Afyon, Turkey
| | - Esra Yazici
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Derya Guzel
- Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Elif Kose
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Bülent Yazıcı
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Atila Erol
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
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Kompier NF, Keysers C, Gazzola V, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early Life Adversity and Adult Social Behavior: Focus on Arginine Vasopressin and Oxytocin as Potential Mediators. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:143. [PMID: 31404254 PMCID: PMC6676334 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to stress during the early postnatal period (i.e., early life stress, ES) can impact brain physiology and modify individual variability in adult social behavior. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) are two centrally released neuropeptides that are involved in shaping essential social behaviors, like aggression, social recognition, and social motivation. AVP and OXT modulate activity in brain regions important for the establishment of social behavior, and may be particularly sensitive to ES. In this review, we discuss whether ES alters the characteristics of the AVP- and OXT- systems in rodents, and whether these changes are associated with later alterations in aggression, social recognition, and social motivation. We have integrated causal studies indicating that (1) ES affects AVP/OXT, and (2) that changing AVP/OXT in affected regions alters social behavior. Although there is encouraging evidence that ES causes AVP- and OXT-system changes, and that these may mediate social behavior, a comprehensive understanding of the exact nature of AVP- and OXT changes and whether they are causal in establishing these behavioral disturbances needs further investigation. As there are indications that ES alters AVP- and OXT characteristics in humans as well, and that these may interact with adult predisposition to psychopathology with social dysfunction, future rodent studies may lay ground for a better understanding of such changes in humans. Ultimately, this may assist in developing therapeutic strategies to target ES effects on social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nine F. Kompier
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christian Keysers
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Valeria Gazzola
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harmen J. Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Speck LG, Schöner J, Bermpohl F, Heinz A, Gallinat J, Majic T, Montag C. Endogenous oxytocin response to film scenes of attachment and loss is pronounced in schizophrenia. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2019; 14:109-117. [PMID: 30481342 PMCID: PMC6318471 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsy110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oxytocin (OXT) is critically involved in the regulation of attachment and interpersonal function. In this study, emotional children’s movies were used to stimulate OXT secretion in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls (HCs). Furthermore, associations of OXT levels with measures of attachment style (Psychosis Attachment Measure), childhood adversity (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) and symptom severity [Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)] were considered. Methods In 35 patients with schizophrenia and 35 matched HCs, radioimmunoassay with sample extraction was used to determine OXT plasma levels before and after viewing of movie scenes portraying emotional bonding and loss and compared to a non-emotional condition. Results Statistical analysis indicated lower baseline OXT levels in female patients than in all other groups. OXT reactivity during emotional movies was significantly higher in patients when compared to HCs. OXT reactivity during the control movie related to PANSS `general psychopathology’. No significant associations appeared between baseline or induced OXT levels and other PANSS subscales, attachment style or childhood adversity in patients. Conclusions Our findings suggest differences of baseline OXT and a higher OXT reactivity toward strong emotional stimuli in patients with schizophrenia, suggesting a role of OXT as a gender- and context-dependent modulator of socio-emotional function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Speck
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Charité Mitte Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Schöner
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Charité Mitte Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Bermpohl
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Charité Mitte Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Charité Mitte Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tomislav Majic
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Charité Mitte Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Montag
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Charité Mitte Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz, Berlin, Germany
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34
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Strauss GP, Granholm E, Holden JL, Ruiz I, Gold JM, Kelly DL, Buchanan RW. The effects of combined oxytocin and cognitive behavioral social skills training on social cognition in schizophrenia. Psychol Med 2019; 49:1731-1739. [PMID: 30180918 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291718002465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with schizophrenia have deficits in social cognition that are associated with poor functional outcome. Unfortunately, current treatments result in only modest improvement in social cognition. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide with pro-social effects, has significant benefits for social cognition in the general population. However, studies examining the efficacy of oxytocin in schizophrenia have yielded inconsistent results. One reason for inconsistency may be that oxytocin has typically not been combined with psychosocial interventions. It may be necessary for individuals with schizophrenia to receive concurrent psychosocial treatment while taking oxytocin to have the context needed to make gains in social cognitive skills. METHODS The current study tested this hypothesis in a 24-week (48 session) double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that combined oxytocin and Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST), which included elements from Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT). Participants included 62 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia (placebo n = 31; oxytocin n = 31) who received 36 IU BID, with supervised administration 45 min prior to sessions on CBSST group therapy days. Participants completed a battery of measures administered at 0, 12, and 24 weeks that assessed social cognition. RESULTS CBSST generally failed to enhance social cognition from baseline to end of study, and there was no additive benefit of oxytocin beyond the effects of CBSST alone. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that combined CBSST and oxytocin had minimal benefit for social cognition, adding to the growing literature indicating null effects of oxytocin in multi-dose trials. Methodological and biological factors may contribute to inconsistent results across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Granholm
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry,University of California San Diego School of Medicine,San Diego, CA,USA
| | - Jason L Holden
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry,University of California San Diego School of Medicine,San Diego, CA,USA
| | - Ivan Ruiz
- Department of Psychology,University of Georgia,Athens, GA,USA
| | - James M Gold
- Department of Psychiatry,Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine,Baltimore, MD,USA
| | - Deanna L Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry,Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine,Baltimore, MD,USA
| | - Robert W Buchanan
- Department of Psychiatry,Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine,Baltimore, MD,USA
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Strauss GP, Chapman HC, Keller WR, Koenig JI, Gold JM, Carpenter WT, Buchanan RW. Endogenous oxytocin levels are associated with impaired social cognition and neurocognition in schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 112:38-43. [PMID: 30849617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Intranasal administration of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has yielded inconsistent effects on social cognition and general cognition in individuals with schizophrenia (SZ). Few studies have examined whether endogenous peripheral OT levels are also associated with social and general cognition in SZ. The current study examined whether plasma OT levels are associated with performance on a higher-order social cognition measure (i.e., a task that requires inferential processes and knowledge not directly presented in social stimuli), as well as domains of general cognition. Participants included 30 individuals with SZ and 21 demographically matched healthy controls (CN). The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery was administered to assess neuropsychological impairment in relation to 7 domains (processing speed, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning/problem solving, and social cognition). Plasma OT levels were measured via radioimmunoassay. SZ had significantly lower endogenous OT levels and poorer MCCB performance on all 7 domains than CN. In CN and SZ, lower endogenous OT was associated with poorer social cognition. In SZ, lower endogenous OT was also associated with poorer processing speed and working memory. The significant association between OT and social cognition in both CN and SZ highlights the importance of endogenous OT levels as a biological predictor of social cognition, irrespective of clinical status. Significant associations between plasma OT and general neurocognition may reflect either an anxiolytic effect of plasma OT that results in better neurocognitive performance, or OT's action on dopamine and enhancement of dopamine tone that results in improved cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William R Keller
- Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, USA
| | - James I Koenig
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, USA
| | - James M Gold
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, USA
| | - William T Carpenter
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, USA
| | - Robert W Buchanan
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, USA
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Adjunctive intranasal oxytocin for schizophrenia: A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Schizophr Res 2019; 206:13-20. [PMID: 30573406 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Findings on the efficacy of intranasal oxytocin (IN-OT) in schizophrenia have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examined the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive IN-OT in the treatment of schizophrenia. METHODS Standardized mean differences or risk ratios (SMDs or RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to synthesize the results of studies included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS Ten RCTs (n = 344) with 172 schizophrenia subjects on adjunctive IN-OT [range = 40-80 International Units (IU)/day] and 172 schizophrenia subjects on adjunctive placebo over 2-16 weeks were included. No significant differences regarding total psychopathology measured with the total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) or the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) [8 RCTs, n = 203; SMD: -0.08 (95%CI: -0.53, 0.37), P = 0.74, I2 = 59%] and the positive, negative and general symptom scores [SMD: -0.20 to -0.04 (95%CI: -0.75, 0.36), P = 0.28 to 0.78; I2 = 0% to 72%] were found between the IN-OT and placebo groups. Similarly, subgroup analyses for total psychopathology found no group differences. Dose-response effect analyses showed that only 80 IU/day IN-OT had superiority over placebo in improving total psychopathology (P = 0.02) and positive symptom score (P = 0.01). No group differences between adjunctive IN-OT and placebo regarding discontinuation due to any reason [RR: 1.12 (95%CI: 0.67, 1.88), P = 0.67, I2 = 0%] and adverse drug reactions were found. CONCLUSIONS Although the meta-analysis did not show a positive effect in general, the higher dose of adjunctive IN-OT (80 IU/day) appears to be efficacious and safe in improving total psychopathology and positive symptoms in schizophrenia. REVIEW REGISTRATION CRD42017080856.
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Luckhaus C, Juckel G, Hurlemann R. [Oxytocin in schizophrenia : Evidence for an etiological and therapeutic relevance of the social neuromodulator]. DER NERVENARZT 2019; 90:277-284. [PMID: 30215130 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-018-0615-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurobiological results from animal models as well as biochemical and genetic findings in patients indicate that the oxytocin (OT) system may be dysfunctional in schizophrenia. On this pathogenetic basis transnasally administered OT (tnOT) could be an innovative treatment option for schizophrenia. Experimental data from animal studies are also suggestive of a particular effectiveness in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. To date, clinical data on tnOT treatment of schizophrenia patients does not unequivocally support a general therapeutic effect on the psychopathology but suggests positive effects on higher integrated social cognitive performance, such as empathy and mentalization. In particular, tnOT augmentation of a social cognitive skills training resulted in a marked and lasting treatment effect; however, numerous person- and context-dependent variables can potentially moderate individual effects of OT and may even reverse effects in certain constellations. Most clinical studies so far have not systematically accounted and controlled for these factors with the probable result of larger variance of recorded treatment effects and lower likelihood of ascertaining positive effectiveness. Furthermore, there is still a gap of knowledge on dose response relations and central nervous system (CNS) permeation in man following tnOT administration. This review aims to give a concise overview on the evidence for the etiological relevance of the neurohormone OT and its treatment potential in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Luckhaus
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Präventivmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, LWL-Universitätsklinikum Bochum, Alexandrinenstr 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Deutschland.
| | - G Juckel
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Präventivmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, LWL-Universitätsklinikum Bochum, Alexandrinenstr 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - R Hurlemann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Straße 25, 53105, Bonn, Deutschland
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Schafer M, Schiller D. The Hippocampus and Social Impairment in Psychiatric Disorders. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2019; 83:105-118. [PMID: 30787048 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2018.83.037614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Social deficits, such as poor social skills (i.e., the inability to engage in appropriate and effective social interactions) and social withdrawal, are prevalent across psychiatric disorders and often co-occur with hippocampal structural and functional abnormalities. The centrality of both social and hippocampal dysfunction in psychiatric research prompts the question: Are they linked? The social cognitive map framework provides a clue: The hippocampus tracks social information in the physical environment, maps others along social dimensions, and supports social memory and decision-making. Hippocampal dysfunction might disrupt social map representation and contribute to commonly seen social behavioral symptoms. This review summarizes evidence for the role of the hippocampus in social cognitive mapping, followed by evidence that hippocampal dysfunction and social dysfunction co-occur in psychiatric disorders. We argue that the co-occurrence of hippocampal and social impairment may be related via hippocampal social cognitive mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Schafer
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Daniela Schiller
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
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Halverson T, Jarskog LF, Pedersen C, Penn D. Effects of oxytocin on empathy, introspective accuracy, and social symptoms in schizophrenia: A 12-week twice-daily randomized controlled trial. Schizophr Res 2019; 204:178-182. [PMID: 30243853 PMCID: PMC6402996 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The effects of intranasal oxytocin, a neuropeptide involved in prosocial behavior and modulation of neural networks underlying social cognition and emotion regulation, have been studied in schizophrenia. We tested the hypothesis that twice-daily intranasal oxytocin administered for 12-weeks would improve tertiary and exploratory outcomes of self-reported social symptoms, empathy and introspective accuracy from the Jarskog et al. (2017) randomized controlled trial. Sixty-eight stable outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomized to receive oxytocin (24 IU twice daily) or placebo. Introspective accuracy was assessed with the Specific Level of Functioning Scale and the Interpersonal Perception Task. Empathy was assessed with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and social symptoms were assessed with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and the Green et al. Paranoid Thoughts Scales. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, six, and twelve weeks. Results demonstrated limited effect of oxytocin with some improvement on the IRI Perspective-Taking Subscale. No additional between-group differences emerged on self-reported symptoms, empathy, or introspective accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tate Halverson
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Davie Hall (CB #3270), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - L. Fredrik Jarskog
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry, Chapel Hill, NC, 101 Manning Drive (CB#7160), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina Psychiatric Research Center, 3010 Falstaff Road, Raleigh, NC 27610, USA
| | - Cort Pedersen
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry, Chapel Hill, NC, 101 Manning Drive (CB#7160), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David Penn
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Davie Hall (CB #3270), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,Australian Catholic University, School of Psychology, Locked Bag 4115 Fitzroy MDC Fitzroy Victoria 3065, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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40
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The Effect of Intranasal Oxytocin on Measures of Social Cognition in Schizophrenia: A Negative Report. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 4. [PMID: 31037274 PMCID: PMC6485966 DOI: 10.20900/jpbs.20190001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Social cognition is impaired in patients with schizophrenia and is related to functional outcome. Neither current pharmacologic treatments for psychotic symptoms nor psychosocial interventions robustly improves measures of social cognition. Given this, the development of adjunctive treatments to improve functional outcome is a rational approach to treatment research in schizophrenia. The neuropeptide oxytocin is a candidate to treat deficits in social cognition due to its prosocial as well as anxiolytic effects. We report here results from a randomized, double-blind, parallel group 3 week clinical trial with daily administration of adjunctive intranasal oxytocin (20 IU twice daily) (n = 13) or placebo (n = 15). We examined the effect of oxytocin administration on measures of 4 domains of social cognition, as well as social functioning. After 3 weeks of oxytocin/placebo dosing, there was no significant difference favoring oxytocin between treatment groups in any outcome measure. These results add to the body of literature examining the effects of oxytocin on social cognition in schizophrenia. Further study is warranted.
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Liu Y, Tao H, Yang X, Huang K, Zhang X, Li C. Decreased Serum Oxytocin and Increased Homocysteine in First-Episode Schizophrenia Patients. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:217. [PMID: 31024366 PMCID: PMC6469488 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a debilitating and heterogeneous disease. We hypothesized that the oxytocin (OXT) system, inflammation and one-carbon metabolism would have a link with SZ. In this study, serum OXT, OXT receptor (OXTR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels were measured in 52 first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and 41 healthy controls (HC) from the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Meanwhile, the mRNA expressions of OXT and OXTR genes were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Serum OXT and OXTR levels were significantly lower in FES patients (518.96 ± 22.22 and 174.60 ± 17.11 pg/ml) than the HC group (711.58 ± 40.57 and 252.15 ± 20.62 pg/ml). Serum IL-6 and hsCRP levels showed no difference between the two groups (1.82 ± 0.30 vs. 1.69 ± 0.36 pg/ml, 0.66 (0.22, 1.07) vs. 0.31 (0.13, 0.91) mg/L), but serum Hcy levels were significantly higher in FES patients (20.18 ± 1.83 vs. 15.24 ± 0.82 μmol/ml). The FES patients (0.27 ± 0.02 and 0.20 ± 0.02) have relatively higher mRNA expressions of OXT and OXTR genes than the HC group (0.16 ± 0.01 and 0.14 ± 0.01). In summary, our results suggested the possible function of the OXT system and Hcy in the pathogenesis of SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,China National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders (Xiangya) and China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Mental Health Institute of Central South University and Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, China
| | - Huai Tao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xiudeng Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,China National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders (Xiangya) and China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Mental Health Institute of Central South University and Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,China National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders (Xiangya) and China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Mental Health Institute of Central South University and Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, China
| | - Cunyan Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Aydın O, Balıkçı K, Taş C, Ünal-Aydın P, Taneli F, Esen-Danacı A. Assessing the relationship between attachment, parental attitude and plasma oxytocin in schizophrenia patients and their unaffected siblings. Nord J Psychiatry 2019; 73:51-57. [PMID: 30636461 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2018.1554698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely acknowledged that schizophrenia patients tend to have insecure attachment styles and improper parenting. However, the biological processes related to these adversities remain unclear and that the disturbance in oxytocin system is considered as one of the strongest predictors of such adversities. METHODS Thirty-four patients with schizophrenia and their unaffected thirty-four healthy siblings were recruited for the study and they were compared with thirty-one healthy controls. We examined attachment styles via Experience in Close Relationship-Revised Test and perceived parental attitudes with the My Memories of Upbringing-Short Version Test. In addition, we evaluated plasma oxytocin levels across groups. RESULTS The patients with schizophrenia had lower plasma oxytocin levels and obtained higher levels for attachment anxiety and avoidance with more parental rejection and over protection. There was a significantly negative relationship between the levels of plasma oxytocin in blood and parental over protection in the healthy sibling and healthy control groups. In contrast, there was a significantly positive relationship between the levels of plasma oxytocin in blood and parental over protection in the schizophrenia group. Results of the regression analyses revealed that the plasma oxytocin levels and over protection were notable factors in discriminating the groups from each other. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that disturbance in oxytocin is associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia predisposition. In sum, therapeutic interventions that address oxytocin and over protection may influence the outcomes in this severe mental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orkun Aydın
- a Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences , International University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia-Herzegovina
| | - Kuzeymen Balıkçı
- b Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine , Near East University , Nicosia , Northern Cyprus Turkish Republic
| | - Cumhur Taş
- c Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences , Uskudar University , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Pınar Ünal-Aydın
- a Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences , International University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia-Herzegovina
| | - Fatma Taneli
- d Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , Celal Bayar University , Manisa , Turkey
| | - Ayşen Esen-Danacı
- e Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine , Celal Bayar University , Manisa , Turkey
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Kampka N, Frommann N, Henning U, Schwark R, Wölwer W, Pietrowsky R, Luckhaus C. Oxytocin reactivity to an emotional challenge paradigm and its relation to social-cognitive functions in healthy volunteers. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 126:211-218. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1955-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Cortisol response to stress in schizophrenia: Associations with oxytocin, social support and social functioning. Psychiatry Res 2018; 270:1047-1052. [PMID: 29960725 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies reported attenuated cortisol reactivity as one explanation for poor social functioning in schizophrenia. Recent research has demonstrated that both glucocorticoid and oxytocin systems are central to stress regulation. Here, we studied the associations between basal oxytocin, stress-induced cortisol levels, and social functioning and social support in schizophrenia. A mock job interview was used as an ecologically-valid social stressor in 32 schizophrenia patients. Blood samples were taken before and after stress induction to assess basal oxytocin and cortisol levels. In addition social functioning and social support scales were collected. Patients were divided into cortisol responders and non-responders according to percentage change following stress induction. Our findings revealed a possible subgroup of patients who did not exhibit attenuated cortisol responses. Importantly, cortisol responders had generally better social functioning, but perceived social support was not different between groups. There was also no evidence of a relationship between cortisol and oxytocin. This study highlights the heterogeneity of cortisol responses to stress in a schizophrenia population, and the importance of the relationship between social functioning and cortisol reactivity. These findings could be relevant when considering therapeutic interventions that manipulate endocrinology in order to improve real-world functioning.
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45
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Associations of oxytocin and vasopressin plasma levels with neurocognitive, social cognitive and meta cognitive function in schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2018; 270:1010-1016. [PMID: 29609987 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many with schizophrenia experiences deficits in social cognition, neurocognition and metacognition. Yet the biological mechanisms which may underpin these cognitive deficits are poorly understood. Two candidate causes of these deficits are disturbances in oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP). To explore this we assessed plasma OT and VP in 34 schizophrenia patients and 31 healthy controls. We also concurrently assessed social cognition using the Reading the Mind from the Eyes test, neurocognition using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and metacognition using the Metacognitive Assessment Scale-Abbreviated. Group comparisons revealed lower plasma OT levels in the schizophrenia group. Plasma VP levels did not differ between groups. Correlations revealed that lower levels of OT were associated with poorer levels of metacognitive functioning in the schizophrenia group but not poorer social cognition or neurocognition. In a stepwise multiple regression, plasma OT level, neurocognition and social cognition contributed uniquely to the prediction of metacognition in the schizophrenia group. Results may suggest that disturbance in OT is linked with deficits in metacognition and may interact with other forms of cognitive deficits, interfering with the person's abilities to form a complex and integrated sense of self and others.
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46
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Unti E, Mazzucchi S, Frosini D, Pagni C, Tognoni G, Palego L, Betti L, Miraglia F, Giannaccini G, Ceravolo R. Social Cognition and Oxytocin in Huntington's Disease: New Insights. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8090161. [PMID: 30149684 PMCID: PMC6162368 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8090161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is aimed at relating social cognition in Huntington's Disease (HD) to plasma levels of the social hormone oxytocin (OT). Indeed, HD patients commonly display reduced social skills and OT is involved in bonding behavior and improved recognition of facial emotions. Twelve mild-symptomatic HD patients (stage II Shoulson & Fahn) and 11 gender/age matched controls (healthy controls, HC), without concurrent psychiatric disorders, were investigated at baseline (T₀) for OT plasma levels and social cognition through an extensive battery of neuropsychological tests. Social cognition was also re-examined after two years (T1) in 8 of the 12 patients. Results showed a trend for reduced T₀-OT levels in HD vs. HC, mean ± stardard deviation: 6.5 ± 2.4 vs. 9.9 ± 7.2 pg/mL, without reaching statistical significance. At T₀, patients showed significantly lower performances than controls at the "Faux-Pas" and "Strange Stories" tests (p < 0.05; p < 0.01); a reduced perception of visual emotions (p < 0.01) and verbal stimuli (p < 0.01) was also reported, involving anger, fear, and sadness (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). Additionally, in the HD population, OT concentrations positively correlated with T1-performances at Neutral\Faux-Pas test (p < 0.05), whereas the cognitive Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores positively correlated with psychosocial perception at the "Strange Stories" and Karolinska Directed Emotional Faces (KDEF) tests (p < 0.05). This study, despite its limitations, supports correlations between OT and HD social cognition, suggesting a possible therapeutic use of this hormone. More subjects and additional body tissues/fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, should be investigated to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Unti
- Neurology Unit, Apuane Hospital, 54100 Massa-Carrara, Italy.
| | - Sonia Mazzucchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Daniela Frosini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Cristina Pagni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Gloria Tognoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | | | | | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Ardic FC, Kose S, Solmaz M, Kulacaoglu F, Balcioglu YH, Yıldız E, Elboğa G, Altındağ A, Arslan M, Metehan Çalışkan A, Göktaş D, İnanlı İ, Çalışır S, Eren İ, Unal G, Aricioglu F, Yulaf Y, Gümştaş F, Gökçe S, Yazgan Y, Memiş ÇÖ, Sevincok D, Doğan B, Kutlu A, Çakaloz B, Sevinçok L, Mutu T, Yazici E, Guzel D, Erol A, Aydın N, Aytaç HM, Yılmaz D, Çetinay Aydın P, Yüksel Yalçın G, Canbay C, Terzioğlu M, Özer A. Outstanding Awards Brief Reports. PSYCHIAT CLIN PSYCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/24750573.2018.1467612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ferhat Can Ardic
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences University, Bagcilar Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Samet Kose
- University of Texas Medical School of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addictions, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mustafa Solmaz
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences University, Bagcilar Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Kulacaoglu
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences University, Bagcilar Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasin Hasan Balcioglu
- Neurology and Neurosurgery, Forensic Psychiatry Unit, Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emrah Yıldız
- Department of Psychiatry, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Gülçin Elboğa
- Department of Psychiatry, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | | | - Mehmet Arslan
- Department of Psychiatry, Babaeski State Hospital, Kırklareli, Turkey
| | | | - Duygu Göktaş
- Department of Psychiatry, Yozgat City Hospital, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - İkbal İnanlı
- Department of Psychiatry, Konya Training and Research Hospital, Konya, Turkey
| | - Saliha Çalışır
- Department of Psychiatry, Konya Training and Research Hospital, Konya, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Eren
- Department of Psychiatry, Konya Training and Research Hospital, Konya, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Unal
- Department pf Pharmacology, Erciyes University School of Pharmacy, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Feyza Aricioglu
- Department of Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Marmara University School of Pharmacy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Yulaf
- Department of Psychology, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Funda Gümştaş
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Marmara University Education Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sebla Gökçe
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Maltepe University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yankı Yazgan
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Çağdaş Öykü Memiş
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Adnan Menderes, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Doğa Sevincok
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adnan Menderes University School of Medicine, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Bilge Doğan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Adnan Menderes, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Kutlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Behcet Uz Child Diseases and Neurosurgery Research and Training Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Burcu Çakaloz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Levent Sevinçok
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Adnan Menderes, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Mutu
- Department of Psychiatry, Sakarya University School of Medicine, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Esra Yazici
- Department of Psychiatry, Sakarya University School of Medicine, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Derya Guzel
- Department of Physiology, Sakarya University School of Medicine, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Atila Erol
- Department of Psychiatry, Sakarya University School of Medicine, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Nazan Aydın
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Mervan Aytaç
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Doğan Yılmaz
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pınar Çetinay Aydın
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökşen Yüksel Yalçın
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cana Canbay
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Terzioğlu
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysel Özer
- Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
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Miwa Y, Furuya H, Yanai R, Kasama T, Sanada K. Is the serum oxytocin level altered by treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with depression? Eur J Rheumatol 2018; 5:22-26. [PMID: 29657870 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2018.17021] [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: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with depression, including serum oxytocin (OXT) levels, disease activity, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL), and their effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods This study included 42 RA patients who received treatment with a biological agent. We measured the following variables before and after 6 months of treatment: baseline characteristics, including age, sex, disease duration, smoking, and body mass index (BMI); prednisolone and methotrexate dose; serum level of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3); erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The disease activity of RA was assessed using the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI); depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D); ADL was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire; and QOL was assessed using the Short Form (SF)-36. Serum OXT levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The HAM-D score significantly correlated with the SDAI, and the mental component summary (MCS) score of SF-36. However, the serum OXT levels did not correlate with the HAM-D score. Regression analysis using the HAM-D score as the objective variable identified female sex, smoking, BMI, and all the three component scores of SF-36, but not serum OXT levels, as significant factors. Comparisons between before and after treatment showed that the HAM-D score improved from 5 to 1.5; however, the serum OXT levels did not change. Conclusion The variables of female sex, smoking, BMI, and QOL correlated with depression complicated with RA. However, serum OXT levels did not correlate directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Miwa
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Furuya
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Yanai
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kasama
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Sanada
- Department of Psychiatry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Semba RD, Zhang P, Zhu M, Fabbri E, Gonzalez-Freire M, Moaddel R, Geng-Spyropoulos M, Ferrucci L. A targeted proteomic assay for the measurement of plasma proteoforms related to human aging phenotypes. Proteomics 2018; 17. [PMID: 28508553 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201600232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Circulating polypeptides and proteins have been implicated in reversing or accelerating aging phenotypes, including growth/differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), GDF11, eotaxin, and oxytocin. These proteoforms, which are defined as the protein products arising from a single gene due to alternative splicing and PTMs, have been challenging to study. Both GDF8 and GDF11 have known antagonists such as follistatin (FST), and WAP, Kazal, immunoglobulin, Kunitz, and NTR domain-containing proteins 1 and 2 (WFIKKN1, WFIKKN2). We developed a novel multiplexed SRM assay using LC-MS/MS to measure five proteins related to GDF8 and GDF11 signaling, and in addition, eotaxin, and oxytocin. Eighteen peptides consisting of 54 transitions were monitored and validated in pooled human plasma. In 24 adults, the mean (SD) concentrations (ng/mL) were as follows: GDF8 propeptide, 11.0 (2.4); GDF8 mature protein, 25.7 (8.0); GDF11 propeptide, 21.3 (10.9); GDF11 mature protein, 16.5 (12.4); FST, 29.8 (7.1); FST cleavage form FST303, 96.4 (69.2); WFIKKN1, 38.3 (8.3); WFIKKN2, 32.2 (10.5); oxytocin, 1.9 (0.9); and eotaxin, 2.3 (0.5). This novel multiplexed SRM assay should facilitate the study of the relationships of these proteoforms with major aging phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Semba
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pingbo Zhang
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Min Zhu
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elisa Fabbri
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Ruin Moaddel
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Luigi Ferrucci
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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50
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Veras AB, Getz M, Froemke RC, Nardi AE, Alves GS, Walsh-Messinger J, Chao MV, Kranz TM, Malaspina D. Rare missense coding variants in oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in schizophrenia cases are associated with early trauma exposure, cognition and emotional processing. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 97:58-64. [PMID: 29190530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a peptide hormone that influences the integration of social cognition with behavior and affect regulation. Oxytocin also prominently directs the transition of neuronal GABA neurotransmission from excitatory to inhibitory after birth. The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) is linked to schizophrenia, a heterogeneous syndrome. Relationships of OXTR polymorphisms with specific clinical features could aid in evaluating any role of oxytocin in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. METHOD Schizophrenia cases with rare missense coding OXTR single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were identified from a well-characterized sample of cases and controls who were assessed for symptoms, cognition and early life trauma. RESULTS Five of 48 cases showed rare OXTR variants. Compared to the other cases they had less severe negative symptoms (deficits in emotional expression and motivation) and less severe general psychopathology scores (depression and anxiety). They demonstrated lower nonverbal (performance) than verbal intelligence due to deficient perceptual organization and slow processing speed. They also reported greater early trauma exposure (physical and sexual abuse and emotional trauma). CONCLUSION Cases carrying rare OXTR SNVs had less negative and affective symptoms than other cases, but similar psychotic symptoms, along with specific cognitive deficits. The clinical characterization of these cases occurred in association with environmental exposure to early trauma, especially sexual abuse, which may have influenced the expression of schizophrenia in subjects harboring specific SNVs in the OXTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre B Veras
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Genetics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Translational Research Group on Mental Health (GPTranSMe), Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Laboratory of Panic and Respiration (LabPR-UFRJ), Psychiatry Institute of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB-UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Mara Getz
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert C Froemke
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Departments of Otolaryngology and Neuroscience/Physiology, New York University, NY, USA
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Laboratory of Panic and Respiration (LabPR-UFRJ), Psychiatry Institute of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB-UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Julie Walsh-Messinger
- Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Moses V Chao
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Departments of Cell Biology, Physiology & Neuroscience and Psychiatry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thorsten M Kranz
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Departments of Otolaryngology and Neuroscience/Physiology, New York University, NY, USA; Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Departments of Cell Biology, Physiology & Neuroscience and Psychiatry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dolores Malaspina
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Genetics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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