1
|
Trunfio M, Sacchi A, Vai D, Pittaluga F, Croce M, Cavallo R, Imperiale D, Bonora S, Di Perri G, Letendre SL, Calcagno A. Intrathecal production of anti-Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen IgG is associated with neurocognition and tau proteins in people with HIV. AIDS 2024; 38:477-486. [PMID: 37939156 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) co-infection has been linked to increased immune activation and larger HIV reservoir. We assessed whether anti-EBV humoral responses are associated with increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflammation and with neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in people with HIV (PWH). DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis in 123 EBV-seropositive PWH either on antiretroviral therapy ( n = 70) or not. METHODS Serum and CSF anti-EBV viral capsid antigen immunoglobulin G (anti-EVI) and CSF EBV DNA were measured by commercial immunoassay and RT-PCR. Seventy-eight participants without neurological confounding factors underwent neurocognitive assessment (Global Deficit Score, GDS). CSF total tau and 181-phosphorylated-tau (ptau) were measured by immunoassays together with biomarkers of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, immune activation, astrocytosis, and intrathecal synthesis. Logistic and linear regressions and moderation analysis were used to investigate the relationships between CSF anti-EVI, GDS, and biomarkers. RESULTS Twenty-one (17.1%) and 22 participants (17.9%) had detectable CSF anti-EVI (10.5-416.0 U/ml) and CSF EBV DNA (25-971 copies/ml). After adjusting for BBB integrity, age, and clinical factors, the presence of CSF anti-EVI was only associated with serum levels of anti-EVI, and not with CSF EBV DNA. CSF anti-EVI, tau and ptau showed reciprocal interactions affecting their associations with GDS. After adjusting for demographics and clinical parameters, higher CSF anti-EVI levels were associated with worse GDS (aβ 0.45, P < 0.001), and CSF levels of tau and ptau had a moderation effect on the strength of this association (models' P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Humoral immune responses against EBV within the central nervous system may contribute to NCI in PWH through mechanisms that involve neuronal injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Trunfio
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences at Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alessandra Sacchi
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino
| | - Daniela Vai
- Neurology unit, Maria Vittoria Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Pittaluga
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino
| | - Michele Croce
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences at Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rossana Cavallo
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino
| | | | - Stefano Bonora
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences at Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Perri
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences at Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Scott Lee Letendre
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrea Calcagno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences at Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Han S, Li Y, Gao J. Peripheral blood MicroRNAs as biomarkers of schizophrenia: expectations from a meta-analysis that combines deep learning methods. World J Biol Psychiatry 2024; 25:65-81. [PMID: 37703215 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2023.2258975] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed at identifying reliable differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) for schizophrenia in blood via meta-analyses combined with deep learning methods. METHODS First, we meta-analysed published DEMs. Then, we enriched the pool of schizophrenia-associated miRNAs by applying two computational learning methods to identify candidate biomarkers and verified the results in external datasets. RESULTS In total, 27 DEMs were found to be statistically significant (p < .05). Ten candidate schizophrenia-associated miRNAs were identified through computational learning methods. The diagnostic efficiency was verified on a blood-miRNA dataset (GSE54578) with a random forest (RF) model and achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 ± 0.14. Moreover, 855 experimentally validated target genes for these candidate miRNAs were retrieved, and 11 hub genes were identified. Enrichment analysis revealed that the main functions in which the target genes were enriched were those related to cell signalling, prenatal infections, cancers, cell deaths, oxidative stress, endocrine disorders, transcription regulation, and kinase activities. The diagnostic ability of the hub genes was reflected in a comparably good average AUC of 0.77 ± 0.09 for an external dataset (GSE38484). CONCLUSIONS A meta-analysis that combines computational and mathematical methods provides a reliable tool for identifying candidate biomarkers of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyuan Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yongning Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of International Medical Service, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bransfield RC, Mao C, Greenberg R. Microbes and Mental Illness: Past, Present, and Future. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:83. [PMID: 38200989 PMCID: PMC10779437 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A review of the association between microbes and mental illness is performed, including the history, relevant definitions, infectious agents associated with mental illnesses, complex interactive infections, total load theory, pathophysiology, psychoimmunology, psychoneuroimmunology, clinical presentations, early-life infections, clinical assessment, and treatment. Perspectives on the etiology of mental illness have evolved from demonic possession toward multisystem biologically based models that include gene expression, environmental triggers, immune mediators, and infectious diseases. Microbes are associated with a number of mental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders, as well as suicidality and aggressive or violent behaviors. Specific microbes that have been associated or potentially associated with at least one of these conditions include Aspergillus, Babesia, Bartonella, Borna disease virus, Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Candida, Chlamydia, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), Cryptococcus neoformans, cytomegalovirus, enteroviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus, human endogenous retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, influenza viruses, measles virus, Mycoplasma, Plasmodium, rubella virus, Group A Streptococcus (PANDAS), Taenia solium, Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Trypanosoma, and West Nile virus. Recognition of the microbe and mental illness association with the development of greater interdisciplinary research, education, and treatment options may prevent and reduce mental illness morbidity, disability, and mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Bransfield
- Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutey, NJ 07110, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hu Q, Jiao X, Zhou J, Tang Y, Zhang T, Song C, Wang J, Xiao Q, Ye J, Sun J, Wang X, Li C, Wang J. Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the right orbitofrontal cortex for patients with first-episode schizophrenia: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. Psychiatry Res 2023; 330:115600. [PMID: 37992513 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115600] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The conventional targets of rTMS treatment are the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and temporoparietal cortex (TPC). However, the efficacy of these two treatment strategies was quite heterogeneous. Structural and functional abnormalities of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in schizophrenia are closely related to negative symptoms. We sought to determine whether 1 Hz rTMS over the right OFC is effective in treating patients with first-episode schizophrenia. In this study, eighty-nine patients with drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia were randomly divided into the rTMS (n = 47) or sham stimulation (n = 42) groups, with both groups receiving twenty sessions of 1 Hz rTMS treatment. The PANSS was assessed at baseline, day 10, and day 20, and MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was implemented to assess the cognitive impairment at baseline and day 20. Results showed that patients in the active rTMS group had more improvement in clinical symptoms and cognitive deficits than patients in sham group at day 20. In conclusion, 1 Hz rTMS over OFC can improve psychotic symptoms and cognitive functions in schizophrenic patients. Our study provides a new alternative for the treatment of negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhenjiang Mental Health Center, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Xiong Jiao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Med-X Engineering Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Med-X Engineering Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yingying Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Tianhong Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chuanfu Song
- Department of Psychiatry, The Fourth People's Hospital of Wuhu, Anhui 231200, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215131, China
| | - Qiang Xiao
- The First Psychiatric Hospital of Harbin, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Junying Ye
- The First Psychiatric Hospital of Harbin, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Junfeng Sun
- Shanghai Med-X Engineering Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xijin Wang
- The First Psychiatric Hospital of Harbin, Harbin 150000, China.
| | - Chunbo Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China; Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jijun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, China; Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dickerson F, Vaidya D, Liu Y, Yolken R. Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Are Elevated in Persons With Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder: The Role of Modifiable Factors. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:766-772. [PMID: 37881562 PMCID: PMC10593883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a diverse set of enzymes associated with inflammation. MMP-9 is of particular interest because it has been associated with autoimmune and cardiopulmonary disorders, tobacco smoking, and obesity, prevalent in psychiatric populations. Methods Sensitive enzyme immunoassays measured MMP-9 in blood samples from 1121 individuals (mean age = 35.6 [SD = 13.0] years; 47.7% male; 440 with schizophrenia, 399 with bipolar disorder, and 282 without a psychiatric disorder). We estimated the odds of diagnosis associated with MMP-9, demographic variables, tobacco smoking, and obesity, and also the partial explained variance using regression methods. We also determined the association between psychiatric medications and MMP-9 levels. Results Individuals with elevated MMP-9 levels had higher odds of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder compared with the nonpsychiatric group adjusted for demographic variables. Partial correlation analyses indicated the demographic-adjusted variance associated with MMP-9, smoking, obesity, and their interaction explained 59.6% for schizophrenia and 39.9% for bipolar disorder. Levels of MMP-9 were substantially lower in individuals receiving valproate, particularly relatively high doses. Conclusions Individuals with higher levels of MMP-9 have significantly higher odds of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Individuals receiving valproate had substantially lower levels of MMP-9, possibly related to its ability to inhibit histone deacetylation. A substantial portion of the variance in clinical disorders associated with MMP-9 can be attributed to smoking or obesity. Interventions to reduce smoking and obesity might reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with elevated MMP-9 levels and improve the health outcomes of individuals with these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faith Dickerson
- Stanley Research Program, Sheppard Pratt, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dhananjay Vaidya
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yisi Liu
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Social interaction, psychotic disorders and inflammation: A triangle of interest. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 122:110697. [PMID: 36521587 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110697] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Social interaction difficulties are a hallmark of psychotic disorders, which in some cases can be definitely traced back to autoimmunological causes. Interestingly, systemic and intrathecal inflammation have been shown to significantly influence social processing by increasing sensitivity to threatening social stimuli, which bears some resemblance to psychosis. In this article, we review evidence for the involvement of systemic and intrathecal inflammatory processes in psychotic disorders and how this might help to explain some of the social impairments associated with this group of disorders. Vice versa, we also discuss evidence for the immunomodulatory function of social interactions and their potential role for therapeutic interventions in psychotic disorders.
Collapse
|
7
|
Dickerson F, Dilmore AH, Godoy-Vitorino F, Nguyen TT, Paulus M, Pinto-Tomas AA, Moya-Roman C, Zuniga-Chaves I, Severance EG, Jeste DV. The Microbiome and Mental Health Across the Lifespan. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 61:119-140. [PMID: 35947353 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The combined genetic material of the microorganisms in the human body, known as the microbiome, is being increasingly recognized as a major determinant of human health and disease. Although located predominantly on mucosal surfaces, these microorganisms have profound effects on brain functioning through the gut-brain axis. METHOD The content of the chapter is based on a study group session at the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP). The objective was to discuss the emerging relationship between the human microbiome and mental health as relevant to ACNP's interests in developing and evaluating novel neuropsychiatric treatment strategies. The focus is on specific brain disorders, such as schizophrenia, substance use, and Alzheimer's disease, as well as on broader clinical issues such as suicidality, loneliness and wisdom in old age, and longevity. RESULTS Studies of schizophrenia indicate that the microbiome of individuals with this disorder differs from that of non-psychiatric comparison groups in terms of diversity and composition. Differences are also found in microbial metabolic pathways. An early study in substance use disorders found that individuals with this disorder have lower levels of beta diversity in their oral microbiome than a comparison group. This measure, along with others, was used to distinguish individuals with substance use disorders from controls. In terms of suicidality, there is preliminary evidence that persons who have made a suicide attempt differ from psychiatric and non-psychiatric comparison groups in measures of beta diversity. Exploratory studies in Alzheimer's disease indicate that gut microbes may contribute to disease pathogenesis by regulating innate immunity and neuroinflammation and thus influencing brain function. In another study looking at the microbiome in older adults, positive associations were found between wisdom and alpha diversity and negative associations with subjective loneliness. In other studies of older adults, here with a focus on longevity, individuals with healthy aging and unusually long lives had an abundance of specific microorganisms which distinguished them from other individuals. DISCUSSION Future studies would benefit from standardizing methods of sample collection, processing, and analysis. There is also a need for the standardized collection of relevant demographic and clinical data, including diet, medications, cigarette smoking, and other potentially confounding factors. While still in its infancy, research to date indicates a role for the microbiome in mental health disorders and conditions. Interventions are available which can modulate the microbiome and lead to clinical improvements. These include microbiome-altering medications as well as probiotic microorganisms capable of modulating the inflammation in the brain through the gut-brain axis. This research holds great promise in terms of developing new methods for the prevention and treatment of a range of human brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faith Dickerson
- Sheppard Pratt, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Amanda Hazel Dilmore
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Filipa Godoy-Vitorino
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Tanya T Nguyen
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Martin Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | | | - Ibrahim Zuniga-Chaves
- Department of Bacteriology, Microbial Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Emily G Severance
- Stanley Neurovirology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dilip V Jeste
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
There is increasingly compelling evidence that microorganisms may play an etiological role in the emergence of mental illness in a subset of the population. Historically, most work has focused on the neurotrophic herpesviruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as well as the protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. In this chapter, we provide an umbrella review of this literature and additionally highlight prospective studies that allow more mechanistic conclusions to be drawn. Next, we focus on clinical trials of anti-microbial medications for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. We critically evaluate six trials that tested the impact of anti-herpes medications on inflammatory outcomes in the context of a medical disorder, nine clinical trials utilizing anti-herpetic medications for the treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) or schizophrenia, and four clinical trials utilizing anti-parasitic medications for the treatment of schizophrenia. We then turn our attention to evidence for a gut dysbiosis and altered microbiome in psychiatric disorders, and the potential therapeutic effects of probiotics, including an analysis of more than 10 randomized controlled trials of probiotics in the context of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Collapse
|
9
|
COVID-19-induced psychosis: two case reports and narrative literature review. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/cpp-2022-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection might be presented in many various specific and non-specific manifest and symptoms from different systems. Also, the psychotic symptoms are documented but the explanation for their pathophysiology remains debatable and a complex matter. The main objective of this paper is to present cases of patients without a history of psychiatric disorders who developed the first episode of psychosis during the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Material and methods: Two cases of not-related patients with no previous psychiatric history developed psychotic episodes during COVID-19 infection. In both cases chronologically first they experienced symptoms of infection, secondly, delusions and psychomotor agitation that required psychiatric hospitalization. Full remission was observed after antipsychotic treatment in both cases.
Results: Even though the pathophysiology of the post-COVID-19 psychiatric symptoms remains unclear, some reports that indicate associations between the infection and the onset of such symptoms. The infection itself, by the induction of cytokine storm followed by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, is considered to stimulate the potential onset of the psychosis, however, other factors such as medications used during treatment (with a particular emphasis on glucocorticosteroids) or psychological factors should be considered as well.
Conclusions: Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 might develop serious psychotic episodes even without a prior psychiatric history. Besides, psychiatric symptoms might be the first the even the only manifestations associated with the active SARSCoV-2 infection which seems to be very challenging especially in cases of rapid psychotic episodes without any clear respiratory symptoms.
Collapse
|
10
|
Rantala MJ, Luoto S, Borráz-León JI, Krams I. Schizophrenia: the new etiological synthesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104894. [PMID: 36181926 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia has been an evolutionary paradox: it has high heritability, but it is associated with decreased reproductive success. The causal genetic variants underlying schizophrenia are thought to be under weak negative selection. To unravel this paradox, many evolutionary explanations have been suggested for schizophrenia. We critically discuss the constellation of evolutionary hypotheses for schizophrenia, highlighting the lack of empirical support for most existing evolutionary hypotheses-with the exception of the relatively well supported evolutionary mismatch hypothesis. It posits that evolutionarily novel features of contemporary environments, such as chronic stress, low-grade systemic inflammation, and gut dysbiosis, increase susceptibility to schizophrenia. Environmental factors such as microbial infections (e.g., Toxoplasma gondii) can better predict the onset of schizophrenia than polygenic risk scores. However, researchers have not been able to explain why only a small minority of infected people develop schizophrenia. The new etiological synthesis of schizophrenia indicates that an interaction between host genotype, microbe infection, and chronic stress causes schizophrenia, with neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis mediating this etiological pathway. Instead of just alleviating symptoms with drugs, the parasite x genotype x stress model emphasizes that schizophrenia treatment should focus on detecting and treating possible underlying microbial infection(s), neuroinflammation, gut dysbiosis, and chronic stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus J Rantala
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland.
| | - Severi Luoto
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, 1023 Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Indrikis Krams
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, 1004, Rīga, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Runge K, Balla A, Fiebich BL, Maier SJ, Pankratz B, Schlump A, Nickel K, Dersch R, Domschke K, Tebartz van Elst L, Endres D. Antibody indices of infectious pathogens from serum and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:61. [PMID: 35906648 PMCID: PMC9338642 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00355-7] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infectious and immunological theories of schizophrenia have been discussed for over a century. Contradictory results for infectious agents in association with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) were reported. The rationale of this study was to investigate intrathecal antibody synthesis of the most frequently discussed neurotropic pathogens using a pathogen-specific antibody index (AI) in patients with SSD in comparison to controls. Methods In 100 patients with SSD and 39 mentally healthy controls with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), antibodies against the herpesviruses EBV, CMV, and HSV 1/2 as well as the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, were measured in paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples with ELISA-kits. From these antibody concentrations the pathogen-specific AIs were determined with the assumption of intrathecal antibody synthesis at values > 1.5. Results No significant difference was detected in the number of SSD patients with elevated pathogen-specific AI compared to the control group. In a subgroup analysis, a significantly higher EBV AI was observed in the group of patients with chronic SSD compared to patients with first-time SSD diagnosis (p = 0.003). In addition, two identified outlier EBV patients showed evidence for polyspecific immune reactions (with more than one increased AI). Conclusions Evidence for the role of intrathecal EBV antibody synthesis was found in patients with chronic SSD compared to those first diagnosed. Apart from a possible infectious factor in SSD pathophysiology, the evidence for polyspecific immune response in outlier patients may also suggest the involvement of further immunological processes in a small subgroup of SSD patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12987-022-00355-7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimon Runge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Agnes Balla
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon J Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Pankratz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Schlump
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rick Dersch
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Murdock KW, Stowe RP, Engeland CG. Diminished Cellular Immunity and Executive Cognitive Functioning Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:679-684. [PMID: 35420592 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Within the field of psychoneuroimmunology, much attention has been given to immune dysregulation and its impact on cognitive functioning. Some of this work has focused on the association between high levels of basal proinflammatory cytokines and poorer performance on measures of executive functioning; however, effect sizes have been quite small in human studies. METHODS We investigated whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titers, a marker of immune dysregulation related to cellular immunity, may be associated with executive functioning while also attempting to replicate prior studies using two markers of proinflammatory cytokine production (i.e., circulating and lipopolysaccharide [LPS]-stimulated cytokines [interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, interferon-γ]). A total of 71 community-dwelling adults (mean [standard deviation] age = 60.87 [6.26] years) who were seropositive for EBV infection participated in the study. RESULTS Findings indicated that greater EBV antibody titers were associated with poorer performance on measures of the executive functions of inhibition ( B = -2.36, standard error = 1.06, p = .028) and cognitive flexibility ( B = -2.89, standard error = 1.13, p = .013) when including circulating and LPS-stimulated cytokines and other relevant covariates (i.e., age, sex, and body mass index) in linear regression analyses. Neither circulating nor LPS-stimulated cytokines were associated with performance on the cognitive tasks in the regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that EBV antibody titers may be an indicator of immune dysregulation that is more relevant to executive functioning performance than either circulating or stimulated proinflammatory cytokines among community-dwelling adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle W Murdock
- From the Department of Biobehavioral Health (Murdock, Engeland), The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania; Microgen Laboratories (Stowe), La Marque, Texas; and College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University (Engeland), University Park, Pennsylvania
| | | | | |
Collapse
|