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Zierhut M, Bergmann N, Hahne I, Wohlthan J, Kraft J, Braun A, Tam Ta TM, Hellmann-Regen J, Ripke S, Bajbouj M, Hahn E, Böge K. The combination of oxytocin and mindfulness-based group therapy for empathy and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders - A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:222-229. [PMID: 38309212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Treatment options for social cognition and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) remain limited. Oxytocin could be a promising augmentation approach, but the social context influences the effect in humans. This pilot study hypothesized that oxytocin in a positive social setting through mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) would positively affect empathy and negative symptoms as well as affect and stress in an exploratory approach in SSD. An experimental, randomized, double-blinded (participants, psychotherapists), placebo-controlled pilot study with 41 individuals with SSD was conducted at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Oxytocin or placebo (24 I.U.) was administered intranasally 45 min before two sessions of MBGT each. A 2 × 2 mixed model ANCOVA design was calculated to assess empathy by the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Multifaceted Empathy Test and negative symptoms by the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms. No benefit of oxytocin compared to placebo on empathy was observed, but significant between-group differences favoring oxytocin were found regarding the negative symptoms Diminished emotional range and Avolition. Negative affect and stress were significantly reduced compared to baseline. Mindfulness increased in both groups. Results indicated protocol adherence and retention rate of 91.1%, a drop-out rate of 8.9 % and a completion of 96 % of all sessions by the participants. No severe adverse events or side effects were reported. Our findings indicate proof-of-concept and suggest a potential role of oxytocin on negative symptoms and related variables in SSD in combination with MBGT. Future research should examine the stability of these effects with larger sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zierhut
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Junior Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Niklas Bergmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inge Hahne
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josefa Wohlthan
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Kraft
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alice Braun
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thi Minh Tam Ta
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Hellmann-Regen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Ripke
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Malek Bajbouj
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eric Hahn
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerem Böge
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany
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Athota P, Nguyen NM, Schaal VL, Jagadesan S, Guda C, Yelamanchili SV, Pendyala G. Novel RNA-Seq Signatures Post-Methamphetamine and Oxycodone Use in a Model of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders. Viruses 2023; 15:1948. [PMID: 37766354 PMCID: PMC10534928 DOI: 10.3390/v15091948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the 21st century, the effects of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) have been significantly reduced in individuals due to the development of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs). However, the growing epidemic of polysubstance use (PSU) has led to concern for the effects of PSU on HIV-seropositive individuals. To effectively treat individuals affected by HAND, it is critical to understand the biological mechanisms affected by PSU, including the identification of novel markers. To fill this important knowledge gap, we used an in vivo HIV-1 Transgenic (HIV-1 Tg) animal model to investigate the effects of the combined use of chronic methamphetamine (METH) and oxycodone (oxy). A RNA-Seq analysis on the striatum-a brain region that is primarily targeted by both HIV and drugs of abuse-identified key differentially expressed markers post-METH and oxy exposure. Furthermore, ClueGO analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed crucial molecular and biological functions associated with ATP-activated adenosine receptors, neuropeptide hormone activity, and the oxytocin signaling pathway to be altered between the different treatment groups. The current study further reveals the harmful effects of chronic PSU and HIV infection that can subsequently impact neurological outcomes in polysubstance users with HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranavi Athota
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (P.A.); (N.M.N.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
| | - Nghi M. Nguyen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (P.A.); (N.M.N.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.J.); (C.G.)
| | - Victoria L. Schaal
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (P.A.); (N.M.N.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
| | - Sankarasubramanian Jagadesan
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.J.); (C.G.)
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.J.); (C.G.)
| | - Sowmya V. Yelamanchili
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (P.A.); (N.M.N.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.J.); (C.G.)
- National Strategic Research Institute, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (P.A.); (N.M.N.); (V.L.S.); (S.V.Y.)
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.J.); (C.G.)
- National Strategic Research Institute, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Child Health Research Institute, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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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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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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Korovaitseva GI, Oleichik IV, Golimbet VE. Investigation of the Relationship between Polymorphism of Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) and Social Functioning of Patients with Schizophrenia. RUSS J GENET+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795422030073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Oxytocin receptor genotype moderates the association between maternal prenatal stress and infant early self-regulation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 138:105669. [PMID: 35063684 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105669] [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: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal prenatal stress may have long-term adverse consequences for child development. Accumulating evidence shows that the oxytocin-receptor genotype may play a role in differential susceptibility to early-life adversity, but no studies have examined whether this moderation extends to the prenatal stress exposures. METHODS In the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, a sample of 1173 mother-child dyads were examined. We studied the possible moderating effect of the cumulative effect of infant oxytocin-receptor risk genotypes (rs53576GG and rs2254298A) in the association between maternal prenatal stress, and infant negative reactivity and emerging self-regulation at 6 months of age. RESULTS The number of OTr risk genotypes moderated the association between maternal prenatal anxiety and infant self-regulation, implying a cumulative effect of genotype, although effects sizes were small. In infants with two risk genotypes, a negative association between prenatal anxiety and self-regulation was observed, whereas in infants with one or no risk genotypes, the association between maternal prenatal anxiety and temperament was non-significant. CONCLUSION Oxytocin-receptor genotype may moderate the association of maternal stress during pregnancy and child social-emotional development. Possible mechanisms for this moderation effect are discussed. Further studies with a more comprehensive polygenic approach are needed to confirm these results.
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Zierhut M, Böge K, Bergmann N, Hahne I, Braun A, Kraft J, Ta TMT, Ripke S, Bajbouj M, Hahn E. The Relationship Between the Recognition of Basic Emotions and Negative Symptoms in Individuals With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders - An Exploratory Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:865226. [PMID: 35573376 PMCID: PMC9091587 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.865226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current research suggests that emotion recognition is impaired in individuals affected by schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, the specific impact of negative symptoms on the ability to recognize single basic emotions has not yet been explored sufficiently and is the aim of the present study. A sample of N = 66 individuals diagnosed with SSD was recruited at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. In a first step, correlation analyses were conducted between seven different negative symptom subdomains of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the accuracy and latency in recognizing the six basic emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise) using the Emotion Recognition Task (ERT) of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). The significant correlations were subjected to linear regression models that controlled for the significant covariates diagnoses, age, sex, and education. Results revealed that in individuals with SSD the negative symptom domain of blunted affect significantly predicted the accuracy of emotion recognition performance (p < 0.05), particularly, when recognizing happiness (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found that stereotyped thinking also predicted the performance of emotion recognition, especially the response latency (p < 0.05) and difficulty in abstract thinking predicted the recognition of fear (p < 0.05). However, the nominal significances did not withstand correction for multiple tests and therefore need to be followed up in further studies with a larger sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zierhut
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,BIH Charitè Junior Clinician Scientist Program, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerem Böge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Niklas Bergmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inge Hahne
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alice Braun
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Kraft
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thi Minh Tam Ta
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Ripke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Malek Bajbouj
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eric Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Veselinović T, Neuner I. Progress and Pitfalls in Developing Agents to Treat Neurocognitive Deficits Associated with Schizophrenia. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:819-858. [PMID: 35831706 PMCID: PMC9345797 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00935-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) represent a central element of the symptomatology of this severe mental disorder. CIAS substantially determine the disease prognosis and hardly, if at all, respond to treatment with currently available antipsychotics. Remarkably, all drugs presently approved for the treatment of schizophrenia are, to varying degrees, dopamine D2/D3 receptor blockers. In turn, rapidly growing evidence suggests the immense significance of systems other than the dopaminergic system in the genesis of CIAS. Accordingly, current efforts addressing the unmet needs of patients with schizophrenia are primarily based on interventions in other non-dopaminergic systems. In this review article, we provide a brief overview of the available evidence on the importance of specific systems in the development of CIAS. In addition, we describe the promising targets for the development of new drugs that have been used so far. In doing so, we present the most important candidates that have been investigated in the field of the specific systems in recent years and present a summary of the results available at the time of drafting this review (May 2022), as well as the currently ongoing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Veselinović
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Irene Neuner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN, Aachen, Germany
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Ghazy AA, Soliman OA, Elbahnasi AI, Alawy AY, Mansour AM, Gowayed MA. Role of Oxytocin in Different Neuropsychiatric, Neurodegenerative, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 186:95-134. [PMID: 36416982 DOI: 10.1007/112_2022_72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has recently gained significant attention because of its role in the pathophysiology and management of dominant neuropsychiatric disorders. Oxytocin, a peptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus, is released into different brain regions, acting as a neurotransmitter. Receptors for oxytocin are present in many areas of the brain, including the hypothalamus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens, which have been involved in the pathophysiology of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Animal studies have spotlighted the role of oxytocin in social, behavioral, pair bonding, and mother-infant bonding. Furthermore, oxytocin protects fetal neurons against injury during childbirth and affects various behaviors, assuming its possible neuroprotective characteristics. In this review, we discuss some of the concepts and mechanisms related to the role of oxytocin in the pathophysiology and management of some neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya A Ghazy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Omar A Soliman
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Aya I Elbahnasi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Aya Y Alawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amira Ma Mansour
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mennatallah A Gowayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Pharmacological Treatment for Social Cognition: Current Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147457. [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] [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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Nakata Y, Kanahara N, Kimura A, Niitsu T, Komatsu H, Oda Y, Nakamura M, Ishikawa M, Hasegawa T, Kamata Y, Yamauchi A, Inazumi K, Kimura H, Shiko Y, Kawasaki Y, Iyo M. Oxytocin system dysfunction in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: Alterations of blood oxytocin levels and effect of a genetic variant of OXTR. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 138:219-227. [PMID: 33866050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) has a quite complex pathophysiology that includes not only severe positive symptoms but also other symptom domains. Much attention has been devoted to the overlapping psychological and biological profiles of schizophrenia and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). We compared TRS patients (n = 30) with schizophrenia patients in remission (RemSZ, n = 28) and ASD patients (n = 28), focusing on general cognitive and social cognitive impairment and oxytocin system dysfunction. Our analyses revealed that there was no difference in oxytocin concentration among the three groups. The TRS patients' oxytocin blood concentrations were positively correlated with their processing speed and theory-of-mind scores, whereas the RemSZ and ASD groups had no significant relation with any measures. Rs53576, a single nucleotide polymorphism on the oxytocin receptor gene, affected social cognition abilities in the schizophrenia group. Although the overall findings are preliminary, they indicate that oxytocin system dysfunction could be involved in the serious cognitive deficits in TRS patients. Further, these results suggest that patients with TRS might have early neurodevelopmental abnormalities based on their shared biological features with ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nakata
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Nobuhisa Kanahara
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan; Division of Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation, Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Kimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomihisa Niitsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hideki Komatsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasunori Oda
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Miwako Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masatomo Ishikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tadashi Hasegawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan; Palliative Care Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yu Kamata
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamauchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, Chiba Rosai Hospital, Ichihara, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Inazumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, Gakuji-kai Kimura Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuki Shiko
- Biostatistics Section, Clinical Research Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yohei Kawasaki
- Biostatistics Section, Clinical Research Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaomi Iyo
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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Zhao N, Wang XH, Kang CY, Zheng Y, Yang LY, Guan TF, Bai YX, Wei R, Hinman HC, Zhang XY. Sex differences in association between cognitive impairment and clinical correlates in Chinese patients with first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2021; 20:26. [PMID: 33882965 PMCID: PMC8059310 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-021-00347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness with significant sex differences. Cognitive impairment is common in patients with schizophrenia, even in remission. This study was designed to examine the sex differences in the relationship between cognitive impairment and clinical correlations with first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) schizophrenia. METHODS 93 FEDN patients (male/female = 45/48) and 160 controls (male/female = 74/86) were enrolled to compare the sex differences in cognitive functions measured by the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were used to evaluate patients' clinical symptoms. We compared cognitive impairment with sociodemographic characteristics and measures of different genders, as well as group-by-sex interactions. RESULTS Our results showed that male patients had significantly lower scores for symbol coding, digital sequence, and verbal learning than female patients, while the healthy controls showed similar sex differences. In female patients, multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that PANSS negative symptoms and general psychopathology scores, HAMD total score, and education level were independent contributors to MCCB total score. In male patients, only education was an independent contributor to MCCB total score. CONCLUSIONS These findings revealed significant sex differences in cognitive impairments and clinical symptoms in FEDN, which will be worthy of a follow-up study of schizophrenia in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiao Hong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Chuan Yi Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Li Ying Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Tie Feng Guan
- Psychological Clinic, The First Hospital of Yichun, Yichun, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yun Xia Bai
- Psychological Clinic, The First Hospital of Yichun, Yichun, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ran Wei
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hunter C Hinman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiang Yang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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13
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Chuang BJ, Campellone TR, Woolley JD. Oxytocin does not improve emotional prosody recognition in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2020; 4:100011. [PMID: 35755629 PMCID: PMC9216402 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2020.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD) are associated with deficits in emotional prosody recognition. Whether administration of oxytocin can improve emotional prosody recognition accuracy in SSD is unknown. Sixty individuals with SSD and ninety-seven controls completed a placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial examining the effects of oxytocin on emotional prosody recognition accuracy. Compared to controls, SSD was associated with poorer emotional prosody recognition accuracy, regardless of stimulus valence or intensity, suggesting a generalized deficit. Oxytocin had no effect on emotional prosody recognition in either group, which is consistent with previous work suggesting that oxytocin only improves high-level social cognition in SSD. Deficits in emotional prosody recognition (EPR) are common across the course of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD). Oxytocin (OT) has been shown to improve aspects of social cognition and may ameliorate deficits in EPR. Individuals with and without SSD completed an EPR task after receiving OT or placebo in a cross-over design over two visits. Individuals with SSD had poorer EPR than controls. Oxytocin did not improve EPR in either group.
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14
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Barlati S, Minelli A, Ceraso A, Nibbio G, Carvalho Silva R, Deste G, Turrina C, Vita A. Social Cognition in a Research Domain Criteria Perspective: A Bridge Between Schizophrenia and Autism Spectra Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:806. [PMID: 33005149 PMCID: PMC7485015 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia and autism spectra disorders are currently conceptualized as distinct clinical categories. However, the relationship between these two nosological entities has been revisited in recent years due to the evidence that they share some important clinical and neurobiological features, putting into question the nature and the extent of their commonalities and differences. In this respect, some core symptoms that are present in both disorders, such as social cognitive deficits, could be a primary target of investigation. This review briefly summarizes the commonalities and overlapping features between schizophrenia and autism spectra disorders in social cognitive functions, considering this construct in a Research Domain Criteria perspective. The clinical manifestation of deficits in social cognition are similar in schizophrenia spectrum disorders and autism spectrum disorders, and brain areas that appear to be altered in relation to these impairments are largely shared; however, the results of various studies suggest that, in some cases, the qualitative nature of these alterations may be different in the two spectra. Moreover, relevant differences could be present at the level of brain networks and connections. More research is required in this field, regarding molecular and genetic aspects of both spectra, to better define the neurobiological mechanisms involved in social cognition deficits, with the objective of developing specific and targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Barlati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Minelli
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Ceraso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rosana Carvalho Silva
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Deste
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cesare Turrina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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15
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Exogenous effects of oxytocin in five psychiatric disorders: a systematic review, meta-analyses and a personalized approach through the lens of the social salience hypothesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 114:70-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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16
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Abram SV, De Coster L, Roach BJ, Mueller BA, van Erp TGM, Calhoun VD, Preda A, Lim KO, Turner JA, Ford JM, Mathalon DH, Woolley JD. Oxytocin Enhances an Amygdala Circuit Associated With Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Single-Dose, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover, Randomized Control Trial. Schizophr Bull 2020; 46:661-669. [PMID: 31595302 PMCID: PMC7147578 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbz091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Negative symptoms are core contributors to vocational and social deficits in schizophrenia (SZ). Available antipsychotic medications typically fail to reduce these symptoms. The neurohormone oxytocin (OT) is a promising treatment for negative symptoms, given its role in complex social behaviors mediated by the amygdala. In sample 1, we used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design to test the effects of a single dose of intranasal OT on amygdala resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in SZ (n = 22) and healthy controls (HC, n = 24) using a whole-brain corrected approach: we identified regions for which OT modulated SZ amygdala rsFC, assessed whether OT-modulated circuits were abnormal in SZ relative to HC on placebo, and evaluated whether connectivity on placebo and OT-induced connectivity changes correlated with baseline negative symptoms in SZ. Given our modest sample size, we used a second SZ (n = 183) and HC (n = 178) sample to replicate any symptom correlations. In sample 1, OT increased rsFC between the amygdala and left middle temporal gyrus, superior temporal sulcus, and angular gyrus (MTG/STS/AngG) in SZ compared to HC. Further, SZ had hypo-connectivity in this circuit compared to HC on placebo. More severe negative symptoms correlated with less amygdala-to-left-MTG/STS/AngG connectivity on placebo and with greater OT-induced connectivity increases. In sample 2, we replicated the correlation between amygdala-left-MTG/STS/AngG hypo-connectivity and negative symptoms, finding a specific association with expressive negative symptoms. These data suggest intranasal OT can normalize functional connectivity in an amygdala-to-left-MTG/STS/AngG circuit that contributes to negative symptoms in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha V Abram
- Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Centers, San Francisco VA Medical Center, and the University of California, San Francisco, CA,Mental Health Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lize De Coster
- Department of Computer Science, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Brian J Roach
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Bryon A Mueller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Theo G M van Erp
- Clinical Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Vince D Calhoun
- The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM,Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Adrian Preda
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kelvin O Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Judith M Ford
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Daniel H Mathalon
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Joshua D Woolley
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA,To whom correspondence should be addressed; 4150 Clement Street, Box (116C-1 [Joshua Woolley]), San Francisco, CA 94121, US; tel: 415-221-4810-x24117; fax: 415-379-5667, e-mail:
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17
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Giralt-López M, Miret S, Soler J, Campanera S, Parellada M, Fañanás L, Fatjó-Vilas M. The role of schizotypal traits and the OXTR gene in theory of mind in schizophrenia: A family-based study. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 63:e15. [PMID: 32093796 PMCID: PMC7315883 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2019.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is consistent evidence that theory of mind (ToM) is impaired in schizophrenia (SZ); however, it remains unclear whether such deficits are trait- or state-dependent. We evaluated ToM in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs), their healthy first-degree relatives, and controls to test its suitability as an endophenotypic marker. We also studied the modifying effect of markers of clinical and genetic liability to SZ (schizotypy and genetic variability in the oxytocin receptor gene: OXTR) on ToM in healthy individuals. METHODS The sample included 38 stable SSD patients, 80 unaffected first-degree relatives, and 81 controls. ToM was assessed using the Hinting Task (HT) and schizotypy via the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief (SPQ-B), which generates interpersonal (SPQ-IP), cognitive-perceptual (SPQ-CP), and disorganization (SPQ-D) scores. The polymorphism rs53576 of OXTR was genotyped. RESULTS Patients presented poorer HT performance than relatives and controls (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001). High SPQ-IP and SPQ-CP scores correlated with poorer ToM performance in relatives (p = 0.010 and p = 0.030), but not in controls. OXTR was not associated with HT scores, but it showed a modifying effect within controls; high SPQ-CP was related to HT poorer performance conditional to GG genotype (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS ToM deficits were present in patients but not in unaffected relatives or controls. However, our data indicate the usefulness of clinical and genetic liability markers to characterize differences in ToM abilities within healthy individuals. Then, the observed link between ToM and SZ liability suggests the putative role of ToM as an endophenotypic marker. Nevertheless, new analyses in larger samples are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Giralt-López
- Servei de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.,Departament de Psiquiatria i Medicina Legal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - S Miret
- Centre de Salut Mental d'Adults de Lleida, Servei de Psiquiatria, Salut Mental i Addiccions, Hospital Universitari Santa Maria, Lleida, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Soler
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Campanera
- Centre de Salut Mental d'Adults de Lleida, Servei de Psiquiatria, Salut Mental i Addiccions, Hospital Universitari Santa Maria, Lleida, Spain
| | - M Parellada
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psiquiatría del Niño y del Adolescente, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Fañanás
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Fatjó-Vilas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain.,FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Banki L, Büki A, Horvath G, Kekesi G, Kis G, Somogyvári F, Jancsó G, Vécsei L, Varga E, Tuboly G. Distinct changes in chronic pain sensitivity and oxytocin receptor expression in a new rat model (Wisket) of schizophrenia. Neurosci Lett 2020; 714:134561. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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19
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An epistasis between dopaminergic and oxytocinergic systems confers risk of post-traumatic stress disorder in a traumatized Chinese cohort. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19252. [PMID: 31848444 PMCID: PMC6917732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55936-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric syndrome that occurs after trauma exposure. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and oxytocin have been reported to be involved in neuropathology of PTSD. Previous studies indicated that the dopamine–oxytocin interaction may contribute to behavioral disorders. Thus, exploring the epistasis (gene–gene interaction) between oxytocinergic and dopaminergic systems might be useful to reveal the genetic basis of PTSD. In this study, we analyzed two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2268498 for oxytocinergic gene OXTR and rs1801028 for dopaminergic gene DRD2 based on putative oxytocin receptor–dopamine receptor D2 (OTR–DR2) heterocomplex in a Chinese cohort exposed to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake (156 PTSD cases and 978 controls). Statistical analyses did not find any single variant or gene–environment interaction (SNP × earthquake-related trauma exposure) associated with provisional PTSD diagnosis or symptoms. An OXTR–DRD2 interaction (rs2268498 × rs1801028) was identified to confer risk of provisional PTSD diagnosis (OR = 9.18, 95% CI = 3.07–27.46 and P = 7.37e-05) and further subset analysis indicated that rs2268498 genotypes controlled the association directions of rs1801028 and rs1801028 genotypes also controlled the association directions of rs2268498. Rs2268498 × rs1801028 is also associated with PTSD symptoms (P = 0.043). Our study uncovered a genetic and putative function-based contribution of dopaminergic–oxytocinergic system interaction to PTSD.
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20
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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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21
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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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A dose-finding study of oxytocin using neurophysiological measures of social processing. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:289-294. [PMID: 30082892 PMCID: PMC6300532 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0165-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recent interest has focused on oxytocin (OT), a neurotransmitter that promotes social processing, to improve social functioning in people with schizophrenia. However, little information is available regarding the doses of OT that are effective for influencing social processing in the brain (i.e., target engagement). In this study, we conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over dose ranging study of OT. In total 47 patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to one of eight doses of OT (8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, or 84 IU). Patients completed two social processing tasks: one electroencephalography (EEG) task, a biological motion Mu-suppression task (i.e., identifying the gender, emotion, or direction of walking of point-light animations of human movement); and one pupillometry task, pupil dilation in response to viewing affective faces. Participants completed these tasks twice, one week apart, and were randomly administered drug or placebo intranasally 30 min prior to each session. Mu-suppression, i.e., suppression of oscillations in the 8-12 Hz range over central electrodes in response to social stimuli, was significantly enhanced at doses of 36 and 48 IU in comparison to placebo, but not at other doses. Significant pupil dilation was observed in response to faces vs. non-face stimuli, though there were no drug effects at any dose. Results suggest that OT affects central measures of social information processing in patients with schizophrenia and is optimal at a mid-range dose (36-48 IU). These results provide dosing guidance for future studies of OT to be used to enhance social processing in people with schizophrenia.
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23
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Bartholomeusz CF, Ganella EP, Whittle S, Allott K, Thompson A, Abu-Akel A, Walter H, McGorry P, Killackey E, Pantelis C, Wood SJ. An fMRI study of theory of mind in individuals with first episode psychosis. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2018; 281:1-11. [PMID: 30212786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer one's own and others' mental states, is the social cognitive process shown to have the greatest impact on functional outcome in schizophrenia. It is not yet known if neural abnormalities underlying ToM present early, during the first episode of psychosis (FEP). Fourteen FEP participants and twenty-two healthy control participants, aged 15-25, were included in analyses. All participants had a 3T magnetic resonance imaging scan and completed a block-design picture-story attribution-of-intentions ToM fMRI task, and completed a battery of behavioral social cognitive measures including a ToM task. General linear model analyses were carried out. Post-hoc regression analyses were conducted to explore whether aberrant ToM-related activation in FEP participants was associated with symptomatology and global social and occupational functioning. FEP participants, when compared to healthy controls, had significantly less activity in the right temporoparietal junction, right orbitofrontal cortex and left middle prefrontal/inferior frontal cortex, when making social attributions. Aberrant ToM-related activation in the right temporoparietal junction was associated with severity of overall psychopathology, but not functional outcome. Specific regions of the social brain network, associated with ToM, are dysfunctional in young people with FEP. Future research should determine whether alteration of normal brain functioning in relation to ToM occurs before or during illness onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cali F Bartholomeusz
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville 3053, Victoria, Australia; The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Eleni P Ganella
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville 3053, Victoria, Australia; The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Whittle
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kelly Allott
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville 3053, Victoria, Australia; The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Thompson
- Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Henrik Walter
- Division of Mind and Brain Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy CCM, Charité - Berlin University of Medicine, corporate member of Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick McGorry
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville 3053, Victoria, Australia; The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eóin Killackey
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville 3053, Victoria, Australia; The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christos Pantelis
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Neural Engineering (CfNE), Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia; Florey Institute for Neuroscience & Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen J Wood
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville 3053, Victoria, Australia; The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Grace SA, Rossell SL, Heinrichs M, Kordsachia C, Labuschagne I. Oxytocin and brain activity in humans: A systematic review and coordinate-based meta-analysis of functional MRI studies. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 96:6-24. [PMID: 29879563 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide which has a critical role in human social behaviour and cognition. Research investigating the role of OXT on functional brain changes in humans has often used task paradigms that probe socioemotional processes. Preliminary evidence suggests a central role of the amygdala in the social cognitive effects of intranasal OXT (IN-OXT), however, inconsistencies in task-design and analysis methods have led to inconclusive findings regarding a cohesive model of the neural mechanisms underlying OXT's actions. The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically investigate these findings. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases was conducted for fMRI studies which compared IN-OXT to placebo in humans. First, we systematically reviewed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of IN-OXT, including studies of healthy humans, those with clinical disorders, and studies examining resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI). Second, we employed a coordinate-based meta-analysis for task-based neuroimaging literature using activation likelihood estimation (ALE), whereby, coordinates were extracted from clusters with significant differences in IN-OXT versus placebo in healthy adults. Data were included for 39 fMRI studies that reported a total of 374 distinct foci. The meta-analysis identified task-related IN-OXT increases in activity within a cluster of the left superior temporal gyrus during tasks of emotion processing. These findings are important as they implicate regions beyond the amygdala in the neural effects of IN-OXT. The outcomes from this meta-analysis can guide a priori predictions for future OXT research, and provide an avenue for targeted treatment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Grace
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Markus Heinrichs
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Brain Imaging Center, University Medical Center, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Izelle Labuschagne
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
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Keech B, Crowe S, Hocking DR. Intranasal oxytocin, social cognition and neurodevelopmental disorders: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 87:9-19. [PMID: 29032324 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in social cognition are pervasive and characteristic of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Clinical trials of intranasal oxytocin (IN-OT) to improve social cognition have yielded inconclusive results. The current study is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) considering the effect of IN-OT on social cognitive domains across a range of NDDs. Medline, PsychINFO and Scopus were searched for RCTs published through to July 25, 2017. Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 466 participants with a NDD. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model, revealed that IN-OT had no significant effect on emotion recognition (Hedges' g=0.08), a moderate but non-significant effect on empathy (Hedges' g=0.49), and a small, significant effect on theory of mind (ToM) (Hedges' g=0.21). Meta-regression indicated that the effect of IN-OT on social cognition was not moderated by the diagnosis or age of participants, or the dose or frequency of IN-OT administration. The results highlight a need for more well-designed RCTs, as it remains difficult to draw conclusions about the potential for IN-OT to improve social cognition in NDDs. The promise of IN-OT should be considered tentative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britney Keech
- Developmental Neuromotor & Cognition Lab, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Simon Crowe
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Darren R Hocking
- Developmental Neuromotor & Cognition Lab, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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Javed A, Charles A. The Importance of Social Cognition in Improving Functional Outcomes in Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:157. [PMID: 29740360 PMCID: PMC5928350 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Social cognition has become recognized as an important driver of functional outcomes and overall recovery in patients with schizophrenia, mediating the relationship between neurocognition and social functioning. Since antipsychotic therapy targeting remission of clinical symptoms has been shown to have a limited impact on social cognition, there has been an increasing drive to develop therapeutic strategies to specifically improve social cognition in schizophrenia. We sought to review current evidence relating to social cognition in schizophrenia and its clinical implications, including interventions designed to target the core domains of social cognition (emotion processing, theory of mind, attributional bias, and social perception) as a means of improving functional outcomes and thereby increasing the likelihood of recovery. Relevant articles were identified by conducting a literature search in PubMed using the search terms "schizophrenia" AND "cognition" AND "social functioning," limited to Title/Abstract, over a time period of the past 10 years. Current evidence demonstrates that schizophrenia is associated with impairments in all four core domains of social cognition, during the pre-first-episode, first-episode, early, and chronic phases of the disease, and that such impairments are important determinants of functional outcome. Interventions targeting the four core domains of social cognition comprise psychosocial approaches (social cognition training programs) and pharmacological therapies. Social cognition training programs targeting multiple and specific core domains of social cognition have shown promise in improving social cognition skills, which, in some cases, has translated into improvements in functional outcomes. Use of some psychosocial interventions has additionally resulted in improvements in clinical symptoms and/or quality of life. Pharmacological therapies, including oxytocin and certain antipsychotics, have yielded more mixed results, due in part to the confounding impact of factors including variation in receptor genetics, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and drug-drug interactions, and inconsistencies between study designs and medication dosages. Additional research is required to advance our understanding of the role of social cognition in schizophrenia, and to further establish the utility of targeted interventions in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Javed
- Jepson House, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Nuneaton, United Kingdom
| | - Asha Charles
- Caludon Centre, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Current neuroimaging perspectives on a variety of mental disorders emphasize dysfunction of the amygdala. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT), a key mediator in the regulation of social cognition and behavior, accumulates in cerebrospinal fluid after intranasal administration in macaques and humans and modulates amygdala reactivity in both species. However, the translation of neuromodulatory OXT effects to novel treatment approaches is hampered by the absence of studies defining the most effective dose and dose-response latency for targeting the amygdala. METHODS To address this highly relevant issue, a total of 116 healthy men underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study design. The experimental rationale was to systematically vary dose-test latencies (15-40, 45-70, and 75-100 minutes) and doses of OXT (12, 24, and 48 international units) in order to identify the most robust effects on amygdala reactivity. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, subjects completed an emotional face recognition task including stimuli with varying intensities ranging from low (highly ambiguous) to high (less ambiguous). RESULTS Our results indicate that the OXT-induced inhibition of amygdala responses to fear was most effective in a time window between 45 and 70 minutes after administration of a dose of 24 international units. Furthermore, the observed effect was most evident in subjects scoring high on measures of autistic-like traits. Behavioral response patterns suggest that OXT specifically reduced an emotional bias in the perception of ambiguous faces. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide initial evidence of the most effective dose and dose-test interval for future experimental or therapeutic regimens aimed at targeting amygdala functioning using intranasal OXT administration.
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Jusiak K, Brudkowska Ż, Gołębiowska M, Morylowska-Topolska J, Gołębiowska B, Próchnicki M, Próchnicka A, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H. The role of oxytocin in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/cpp-2017-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Until recently, oxytocin was mainly associated with the pathophysiology of childbirth and sexual functions, but lately this hormone has become the object of interest to psychiatry and psychology due to the significant influence of oxytocin on human behavior in the field of social and emotional functioning. Current scientific research focuses on the participation of oxytocin in the pathogenesis and therapy of mental disorders.
Aim: The aim of the paper is to present, on the basis of available literature, the significance of oxytocin for various psychological functions, with particular emphasis on the influence of oxytocin on the course and clinical picture of schizophrenia.
Method: Available articles from the Medline / PubMed database were analyzed, which were searched using keywords: oxytocin, schizophrenia, therapeutic use of oxytocin, social cognition, positive symptoms, negative symptoms and time descriptors: 2013-2017. There are included articles published in Polish and English.
Results:The research results carried out so far suggest that oxytocin plays a significant role in modulating complex socio-emotional behaviors in schizophrenic patients. The existing research results also indicate a relationship between the dysregulation of the oxytocinergic system and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Many of the studies prove that there is a relationship between the level of oxytocin in the patients' blood plasma and the severity of the disease symptoms. Recent genetic studies indicate a possible relationship between polymorphism of oxytocin genesand polymorphism of oxytocin receptor genes and the risk of developing schizophrenia.
Conclusions: Contemporary research on the therapeutic potential of oxytocin and its influence on the functioning of schizophrenia patients seem to be very promising and may contribute to increasing the effectiveness of treatment of schizophrenia and possibly other mental disorders, which in turn will improve the quality of life of patients in cognitive, social and emotional functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Jusiak
- I Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention , Medical University of Lublin
| | - Żaneta Brudkowska
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry , Medical University of Lublin
| | - Maria Gołębiowska
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, III Chair of Pediatrics , Medical University of Lublin
| | | | - Beata Gołębiowska
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, III Chair of Pediatrics , Medical University of Lublin
| | - Michał Próchnicki
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry , Medical University of Lublin
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Nielsen EI, Al-Saqi SH, Jonasson AF, Uvnäs-Moberg K. Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Vaginally and Intravenously Administered Oxytocin in Postmenopausal Women. J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 57:1573-1581. [DOI: 10.1002/jcph.961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet I. Nielsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - Shahla H. Al-Saqi
- Department of Clinical Science; Intervention and Technology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Aino F. Jonasson
- Department of Clinical Science; Intervention and Technology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Skara Sweden
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30
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Ramadas S, Bonanthaya V. Quality of life of patients with schizophrenia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An observational study. Ind Psychiatry J 2017; 26:140-145. [PMID: 30089960 PMCID: PMC6058440 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_76_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality of life (QOL) is a novel and holistic parameter in measuring health outcome. Recently, the concept is gaining importance as an outcome measure in illnesses, with a chronic and progressive course. Schizophrenia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are psychological and physical illnesses, respectively, which share this characteristic. Studies comparing the QOL of psychological and physical illnesses are few. The extant literature did not reveal any studies comparing the QOL of schizophrenia and COPD. AIM The aim of this study was to compare the QOL of patients with schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric disorder, and COPD, a chronic physical illness. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was cross-sectional in design. The QOL of thirty patients each with schizophrenia and COPD, from a tertiary care teaching hospital, was assessed using the WHO Quality of Life Assessment-BREF scale. Comparison was done between the two groups. RESULTS The QOL of patients with schizophrenia was significantly better in the physical domain (Z = 2.75, P = 0.006) and overall perception of life (Z = 3.25, P = 0.001). Overall perception of health was also better in schizophrenia (Z = 1.94, P = 0.052). The social domain was the only one in which COPD patients had a better score than schizophrenic patients, though it was not statistically significant (Z = 0.17, P = 0.86). CONCLUSION The QOL of schizophrenic patients is slightly better compared to that of COPD patients. Only in the social domain was the QOL of schizophrenic patients inferior to that of COPD patients. Therefore, in schizophrenic patients, priority interventions to improve the social deficits are important because these determine their QOL vis a vis, a chronic physical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smitha Ramadas
- Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
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31
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Jarskog LF, Pedersen CA, Johnson JL, Hamer RM, Rau SW, Elliott T, Penn DL. A 12-week randomized controlled trial of twice-daily intranasal oxytocin for social cognitive deficits in people with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2017; 185:88-95. [PMID: 28094169 PMCID: PMC5474129 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Social cognition is impaired in people with schizophrenia and these deficits are strongly correlated with social functioning. Oxytocin is a hypothalamic peptide that contributes to maternal infant bonding and has diverse pro-social effects in adults. This study tested the hypothesis that 12weeks of intranasal oxytocin will improve social cognitive function in outpatients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Sixty-eight eligible participants were randomized to oxytocin (24IU twice daily) or placebo. Social cognitive function was assessed using the Emotion Recognition-40, Brüne Theory of Mind, Reading the Mind in the Eyes test, Trustworthiness task and Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire at baseline, 6weeks and 12weeks. In addition, social function was assessed using the Specific Levels of Functioning Scale and a role-play test, and psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Fifty-five participants completed the 12-week trial. The study found no evidence for a differential advantage of oxytocin over placebo on social cognition. Among secondary outcomes, there was a modest advantage for oxytocin over placebo on a component of social functioning, although there was also evidence that the placebo group outperformed the oxytocin group on the role-play task. No between-group differences emerged on measures of psychopathology in pre-specified comparisons, but oxytocin showed significant within-group reduction in PANSS negative symptoms and significant between-group improvement in negative symptoms in the schizophrenia subgroup. Further testing is needed to clarify whether oxytocin has therapeutic potential for social cognitive deficits and/or negative symptoms in people with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Fredrik Jarskog
- Department of Psychiatry, CB#7160, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Cort A. Pedersen
- Department of Psychiatry, CB#7160, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jacqueline L. Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, CB#7160, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA ,Department of Biostatistics, CB#7420, University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Robert M. Hamer
- Department of Psychiatry, CB#7160, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA ,Department of Biostatistics, CB#7420, University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Shane W. Rau
- Department of Psychiatry, CB#7160, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Tonya Elliott
- Department of Psychiatry, CB#7160, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David L. Penn
- Department of Psychiatry, CB#7160, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA ,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, CB#3270, University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA ,Australian Catholic University, School of Psychology, Melbourne,
VIC, Australia
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32
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Oxytocin effects in schizophrenia: Reconciling mixed findings and moving forward. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 80:36-56. [PMID: 28506922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that causes major functional impairment. Current pharmacologic treatments are inadequate, particularly for addressing negative and cognitive symptoms of the disorder. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide known to moderate social behaviors, has been investigated as a potential therapeutic for schizophrenia in recent years. Results have been decidedly mixed, leading to controversy regarding oxytocin's utility. In this review, we outline several considerations for interpreting the extant literature and propose a focused agenda for future work that builds on the most compelling findings regarding oxytocin effects in schizophrenia to date. Specifically, we examine underlying causes of heterogeneity in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) conducted thus far and highlight the complexity of the human oxytocin system. We then review evidence of oxytocin's effects on specific deficits in schizophrenia, arguing for further study using objective, precise outcome measures in order to determine whether oxytocin has the potential to improve functional impairment in schizophrenia.
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Sannino S, Chini B, Grinevich V. Lifespan oxytocin signaling: Maturation, flexibility, and stability in newborn, adolescent, and aged brain. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 77:158-168. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sannino
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Universitá degli Studi di Milano, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience; Milan Italy
| | - Bice Chini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Universitá degli Studi di Milano, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience; Milan Italy
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Schaller Research Group on Neuropeptides at German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, Central Institute of Mental Health and CellNetworks Cluster of Excellence at the University of Heidelberg; Heidelberg Mannheim Germany
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34
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Cotter J, Bartholomeusz C, Papas A, Allott K, Nelson B, Yung AR, Thompson A. Examining the association between social cognition and functioning in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2017; 51:83-92. [PMID: 26698819 DOI: 10.1177/0004867415622691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social and role functioning are compromised for the majority of individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis, and it is important to identify factors that contribute to this functional decline. This study aimed to investigate social cognitive abilities, which have previously been linked to functioning in schizophrenia, as potential factors that impact social, role and global functioning in ultra-high risk patients. METHOD A total of 30 ultra-high risk patients were recruited from an established at-risk clinical service in Melbourne, Australia, and completed a battery of social cognitive, neurocognitive, clinical and functioning measures. We examined the relationships between all four core domains of social cognition (emotion recognition, theory of mind, social perception and attributional style), neurocognitive, clinical and demographic variables with three measures of functioning (the Global Functioning Social and Role scales and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale) using correlational and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS Performance on a visual theory of mind task (visual jokes task) was significantly correlated with both concurrent role ( r = 0.425, p = 0.019) and global functioning ( r = 0.540, p = 0.002). In multivariate analyses, it also accounted for unique variance in global, but not role functioning after adjusting for negative symptoms and stress. Social functioning was not associated with performance on any of the social cognition tasks. CONCLUSION Among specific social cognitive abilities, only a test of theory of mind was associated with functioning in our ultra-high risk sample. Further longitudinal research is needed to examine the impact of social cognitive deficits on long-term functional outcome in the ultra-high risk group. Identifying social cognitive abilities that significantly impact functioning is important to inform the development of targeted intervention programmes for ultra-high risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Cotter
- 1 Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cali Bartholomeusz
- 2 Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,3 Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alicia Papas
- 2 Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,3 Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelly Allott
- 2 Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,3 Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Barnaby Nelson
- 2 Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,3 Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison R Yung
- 1 Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Thompson
- 4 Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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35
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Ettinger U, Hurlemann R, Chan RCK. Oxytocin and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 35:515-527. [PMID: 28864974 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we present an overview of studies of oxytocin (OXT) in schizophrenia and the schizophrenia spectrum. We first outline the current state of pharmacological treatment of the symptoms of schizophrenia and point to unmet clinical needs. These relate particularly to the debilitating negative symptoms and social cognitive deficits that are frequently observed in patients suffering from schizophrenia. We argue that new treatments are needed to alleviate these impairments. As OXT has been proposed and investigated as a putative treatment, we will then summarise evidence from studies in patients with schizophrenia that have investigated the effects of OXT at several levels, i.e. at the levels of clinical symptoms, social cognitive function as assessed with experimental and neuropsychological tasks, and brain function as assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Finally, we will introduce the concept of the schizophrenia spectrum and highlight the importance of studying OXT effects in subclinical spectrum samples, such as in people with high levels of schizotypal personality. We conclude that the evidence of beneficial effects of OXT in schizophrenia is inconsistent, calling for further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Ettinger
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - René Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn - Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience (NACN) Lab, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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36
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Association between oxytocin and receptor genetic polymorphisms and aggression in a northern Chinese Han population with alcohol dependence. Neurosci Lett 2016; 636:140-144. [PMID: 27818356 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.10.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol dependence (AD) is a common chronic brain disorder precipitated by complex interactions between biological, genetic, and environmental risk factors. Aggression often occurs in the context of AD. Previous studies have shown that Oxytocin (OXT) and OXT receptor (OXTR) are involved in the regulation of aggression. The present study investigated whether variations and interactions of OXT and OXTR genes were associated with AD-related aggression in a genetically homogeneous northern Chinese Han population. METHODS Three hundred and twenty-four male AD patients and 510 male healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. A Chinese version of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire was used as a subjective measurement of aggressive behavior. Three variations, rs2254298, rs53576, and rs6133010 were genotyped using TaqMan and ligase detection reaction for all subjects. Generalized Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction was used to detect interactions between genetic attributes and environmental attributes. RESULTS The frequencies of alleles and genotypes of rs6133010 were significantly different between AD patients and HCs (p<0.001). In HCs, the effect of genotype GG of rs53576 on hostility aggression was significantly stronger than that of genotype AA and AG (p=0.001 and p=0.004, respectively), and the subjects with the interaction combination of rs6133010AA×rs2254298GG×rs53576AG exhibited significant effect on physical aggression (p=0.0107). CONCLUSION The present study found that rs6133010 in the OXT gene is associated with AD in the northern Chinese Han population. The polymorphisms of OXT/R may play a key role in the susceptibility of AD-related aggression.
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Uhrig S, Hirth N, Broccoli L, von Wilmsdorff M, Bauer M, Sommer C, Zink M, Steiner J, Frodl T, Malchow B, Falkai P, Spanagel R, Hansson AC, Schmitt A. Reduced oxytocin receptor gene expression and binding sites in different brain regions in schizophrenia: A post-mortem study. Schizophr Res 2016; 177:59-66. [PMID: 27132494 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder with impairments in social cognition. Several brain regions have been implicated in social cognition, including the nucleus caudatus, prefrontal and temporal cortex, and cerebellum. Oxytocin is a critical modulator of social cognition and the formation and maintenance of social relationships and was shown to improve symptoms and social cognition in schizophrenia patients. However, it is unknown whether the oxytocin receptor is altered in the brain. Therefore, we used qRT-PCR and Ornithine Vasotocin Analog ([125I]OVTA)-based receptor autoradiography to investigate oxytocin receptor expression at both the mRNA and protein level in the left prefrontal and middle temporal cortex, left nucleus caudatus, and right posterior superior vermis in 10 schizophrenia patients and 6 healthy controls. Furthermore, to investigate confounding effects of long-term antipsychotic medication we treated rats with clozapine or haloperidol for 12weeks and assessed expression of the oxytocin receptor in cortical and subcortical brain regions. In schizophrenia patients, we found a downregulation of oxytocin receptor mRNA in the temporal cortex and a decrease in receptor binding in the vermis. In the other regions, the results showed trends in the same direction, without reaching statistical significance. We found no differences between antipsychotic-treated rats and controls. Downregulated expression and binding of the oxytocin receptor in brain regions involved in social cognition may lead to a dysfunction of oxytocin signaling. Our results support a dysfunction of the oxytocin receptor in schizophrenia, which may contribute to deficits of social cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Uhrig
- Neuroanatomy Research Group, Institute for Psychopharmacology at Central Institute for Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Germany
| | - Natalie Hirth
- Neuroanatomy Research Group, Institute for Psychopharmacology at Central Institute for Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Germany
| | - Laura Broccoli
- Neuroanatomy Research Group, Institute for Psychopharmacology at Central Institute for Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Germany
| | - Martina von Wilmsdorff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Bergische Landstrasse 2, 40629 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Manfred Bauer
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 24, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Clemens Sommer
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mathias Zink
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Germany
| | - Johann Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Frodl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Nußbaumstrasse 7, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Nußbaumstrasse 7, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Neuroanatomy Research Group, Institute for Psychopharmacology at Central Institute for Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Germany
| | - Anita C Hansson
- Neuroanatomy Research Group, Institute for Psychopharmacology at Central Institute for Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Germany
| | - Andrea Schmitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Nußbaumstrasse 7, 80336 München, Germany; Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM27), Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos 785, 05453-010 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Haram M, Bettella F, Brandt CL, Quintana DS, Nerhus M, Bjella T, Djurovic S, Westlye LT, Andreassen OA, Melle I, Tesli M. Contribution of oxytocin receptor polymorphisms to amygdala activation in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. BJPsych Open 2016; 2:353-358. [PMID: 27847593 PMCID: PMC5099986 DOI: 10.1192/bjpo.bp.116.003376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Revised: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin has been proposed to mediate amygdala dysfunction associated with altered emotion processing in schizophrenia, but the contribution of oxytocin pathway genes is yet to be investigated. AIMS To identify potential different contributions of three oxytocin receptor polymorphisms (rs53576, rs237902 and rs2254298) between patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SCZ), affective spectrum disorders (AD) and healthy controls (HC). METHOD In a total of 346 participants (104 with SCZ, 100 with AD, and 142 HC) underwent genotyping and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an emotional faces matching paradigm. Genetic association analyses were performed to test the possible effects on task-induced BOLD amygdala response to fearful/angry faces. RESULTS In participants with SCZ, the rs237902 G allele was associated with low amygdala activation (left hemisphere: b=-4.99, Bonferroni corrected P=0.04) and interaction analyses showed that this association was disorder specific (left hemisphere: Bonferroni corrected P=0.003; right hemisphere: Bonferroni corrected P=0.03). There were no associations between oxytocin polymorphisms and amygdala activation in the total sample, among AD patients or HC. CONCLUSIONS Rs237902 was associated with amygdala activation in response to fearful/angry faces only in patients with SCZ. Our findings indicate that the endogenous oxytocin system could serve as a contributing factor in biological underpinnings of emotion processing and that this contribution is disorder specific. DECLARATION OF INTEREST O.A.A. received speaker's honoraria from GSK, Otsuka, Lundbeck. COPYRIGHT AND USAGE © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) licence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit Haram
- , MD, NORMENT, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Francesco Bettella
- , PhD, NORMENT, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christine Lycke Brandt
- , MsC, NORMENT, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel S Quintana
- , PhD, NORMENT, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari Nerhus
- , MD, NORMENT, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Bjella
- , MsC, NORMENT, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Srdjan Djurovic
- , PhD, NORMENT, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars T Westlye
- , PhD, Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- , MD, PhD, NORMENT, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- , MD, PhD, NORMENT, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Tesli
- , MD, PhD, NORMENT, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Division of Mental Health, Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Grove TB, Burghardt KJ, Kraal AZ, Dougherty RJ, Taylor SF, Ellingrod VL. Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) Methylation and Cognition in Psychotic Disorders. MOLECULAR NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2016; 2:151-160. [PMID: 27867940 DOI: 10.1159/000448173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous reports have identified an association between cognitive impairment and genetic variation in psychotic disorders. In particular, this association may be related to abnormal regulation of genes responsible for broad cognitive functions such as the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). Within psychotic disorders, it is unknown if OXTR methylation, which can have important implications for gene regulation, is related to cognitive function. The current study examined peripheral blood OXTR methylation and general cognition in people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (N = 101). Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, methylation at the Chr3:8767638 site was significantly associated with composite cognitive performance independent of demographic and medication factors while controlling for multiple testing in this combined diagnostic sample (adjusted p = 0.023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Grove
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA
| | - Kyle J Burghardt
- Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich., USA
| | - A Zarina Kraal
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA
| | - Ryan J Dougherty
- Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif.,USA
| | - Stephan F Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA
| | - Vicki L Ellingrod
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA; College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA
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Kawohl W, Wyss C, Roser P, Brüne M, Rössler W, Juckel G. [Social psychiatry and neurobiology : A long overdue convergence exemplified by schizophrenia]. DER NERVENARZT 2016; 88:510-519. [PMID: 27491537 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-016-0179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proliferation of biological psychiatry has greatly increased over the last two decades. With the possibility to carry out brain research using modern technical methods, it seemed that social influencing factors would lose importance in the development of mental diseases; however, in actual fact this does not seem to be justified. It is necessary to overcome this separation, in that social factors are incorporated into a conceptual framework in the development of mental diseases, which simultaneously also takes the results of current neurobiological research into consideration. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS The aims of this review article are to summarize the current state of sociopsychiatric research and to emphasize the perspectives of the biological principles and their validity with respect to the social dimensions of psychiatry, as exemplified by schizophrenic disorders. The article presents the options for a biosocial approach in social psychiatry and gives an overview of the currently available literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION There is an abundance of neurobiological research approaches, which are closely associated with sociopsychiatric topics, such as social cognition. Social psychiatry and biological psychiatry should no longer be considered as diametrically opposed subdisciplines. On the contrary, the options which could emerge from a synthesis must be used in research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Kawohl
- Zentrum für Soziale Psychiatrie, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich, Militärstr. 8, Postfach 1930, 8021, Zürich, Schweiz. .,Universität Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz. .,Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, Lüneburg, Deutschland.
| | - C Wyss
- Zentrum für Soziale Psychiatrie, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich, Militärstr. 8, Postfach 1930, 8021, Zürich, Schweiz.,Universität Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz
| | - P Roser
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Präventivmedizin, LWL-Universitätsklinik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - M Brüne
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Präventivmedizin, LWL-Universitätsklinik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland.,Forschungsabteilung für Kognitive Neuropsychiatrie und Psychiatrische Präventivmedizin, LWL-Universitätsklinik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - W Rössler
- Universität Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz.,Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, Lüneburg, Deutschland
| | - G Juckel
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Präventivmedizin, LWL-Universitätsklinik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
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41
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Can Oxytocin Enhance Social Affiliation in Schizophrenia? Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40473-016-0080-7] [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: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous, debilitating disorder characterized by three distinct sets of clinical features: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits. Extant antipsychotic drugs have been most successful at treating the positive symptoms of patients with schizophrenia but have minimal therapeutic effects on negative symptoms and cognitive deficits, which are the symptoms that best predict the poor prognosis of these patients. Therefore, there has been a major effort towards identifying compounds that alleviate these symptoms. Oxytocin (OT) is a nonapeptide that regulates peripheral reproductive-relevant functions, and also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Converging evidence from both preclinical and clinical research suggests that OT may have therapeutic efficacy for the positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. In the majority of the small, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted to date, OT has shown particular promise in its potential to treat the intractable negative symptoms and social cognitive deficits exhibited by most of the patients with this debilitating disorder. In this leading article, we summarize the clinical evidence relevant to (1) endogenous OT and schizophrenia, and (2) the putative therapeutic effects of OT on each of the three clinical domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Shilling
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92103-8218, USA.
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43
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Flores G, Morales-Medina JC, Diaz A. Neuronal and brain morphological changes in animal models of schizophrenia. Behav Brain Res 2016; 301:190-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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