1
|
Albeely AM, Williams OOF, Blight CR, Thériault RK, Perreault ML. Sex differences in neuronal oscillatory activity and memory in the methylazoxymethanol acetate model of schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:451-461. [PMID: 38643726 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.04.002] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) rodent model is used to study aspects of schizophrenia. However, numerous studies that have employed this model have used only males, resulting in a dearth of knowledge on sex differences in brain function and behaviour. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist between male and female MAM rats in neuronal oscillatory function within and between the prefrontal cortex (PFC), ventral hippocampus (vHIP) and thalamus, behaviour, and in proteins linked to schizophrenia neuropathology. We showed that female MAM animals exhibited region-specific alterations in theta power, elevated low and high gamma power in all regions, and elevated PFC-thalamus high gamma coherence. Male MAM rats had elevated beta and low gamma power in PFC, and elevated vHIP-thalamus coherence. MAM females displayed impaired reversal learning whereas MAM males showed impairments in spatial memory. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) was altered in the thalamus, with female MAM rats displaying elevated GSK-3α phosphorylation. Male MAM rats showed higher expression and phosphorylation GSK-3α, and higher expression of GSK-β. Sex-specific changes in phosphorylated Tau levels were observed in a region-specific manner. These findings demonstrate there are notable sex differences in behaviour, oscillatory network function, and GSK-3 signaling in MAM rats, thus highlighting the importance of inclusion of both sexes when using this model to study schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdalla M Albeely
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Colin R Blight
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jacobson PT, Vilarello BJ, Tervo JP, Waring NA, Gudis DA, Goldberg TE, Devanand DP, Overdevest JB. Associations between olfactory dysfunction and cognition: a scoping review. J Neurol 2024; 271:1170-1203. [PMID: 38217708 PMCID: PMC11144520 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12057-7] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Strong evidence suggests that olfactory dysfunction (OD) can predict additional neurocognitive decline in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, research exploring olfaction and cognition in younger populations is limited. The aim of this review is to evaluate cognitive changes among non-elderly adults with non-COVID-19-related OD. METHODS We performed a structured comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library in developing this scoping review. The primary outcome of interest was the association between OD and cognitive functioning in adults less than 60 years of age. RESULTS We identified 2878 studies for title and abstract review, with 167 undergoing full text review, and 54 selected for data extraction. Of these, 34 studies reported on populations of individuals restricted to the ages of 18-60, whereas the remaining 20 studies included a more heterogeneous population with the majority of individuals in this target age range in addition to some above the age of 60. The etiologies for smell loss among the included studies were neuropsychiatric disorders (37%), idiopathic cause (25%), type 2 diabetes (7%), trauma (5%), infection (4%), intellectual disability (4%), and other (18%). Some studies reported numerous associations and at times mixed, resulting in a total number of associations greater than the included number of 54 studies. Overall, 21/54 studies demonstrated a positive association between olfaction and cognition, 7/54 demonstrated no association, 25/54 reported mixed results, and only 1/54 demonstrated a negative association. CONCLUSION Most studies demonstrate a positive correlation between OD and cognition, but the data are mixed with associations less robust in this young adult population compared to elderly adults. Despite the heterogeneity in study populations and outcomes, this scoping review serves as a starting point for further investigation on this topic. Notably, as many studies in this review involved disorders that may have confounding effects on both olfaction and cognition, future research should control for these confounders and incorporate non-elderly individuals with non-psychiatric causes of smell loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia T Jacobson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brandon J Vilarello
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy P Tervo
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas A Waring
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - David A Gudis
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry E Goldberg
- Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - D P Devanand
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan B Overdevest
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spark DL, Ma S, Nowell CJ, Langmead CJ, Stewart GD, Nithianantharajah J. Sex-Dependent Attentional Impairments in a Subchronic Ketamine Mouse Model for Schizophrenia. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:229-239. [PMID: 38298794 PMCID: PMC10829638 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The development of more effective treatments for schizophrenia targeting cognitive and negative symptoms has been limited, partly due to a disconnect between rodent models and human illness. Ketamine administration is widely used to model symptoms of schizophrenia in both humans and rodents. In mice, subchronic ketamine treatment reproduces key dopamine and glutamate dysfunction; however, it is unclear how this translates into behavioral changes reflecting positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Methods In male and female mice treated with either subchronic ketamine or saline, we assessed spontaneous and amphetamine-induced locomotor activity to measure behaviors relevant to positive symptoms, and used a touchscreen-based progressive ratio task of motivation and the rodent continuous performance test of attention to capture specific negative and cognitive symptoms, respectively. To explore neuronal changes underlying the behavioral effects of subchronic ketamine treatment, we quantified expression of the immediate early gene product, c-Fos, in key corticostriatal regions using immunofluorescence. Results We showed that spontaneous locomotor activity was unchanged in male and female subchronic ketamine-treated animals, and amphetamine-induced locomotor response was reduced. Subchronic ketamine treatment did not alter motivation in either male or female mice. In contrast, we identified a sex-specific effect of subchronic ketamine on attentional processing wherein female mice performed worse than control mice due to increased nonselective responding. Finally, we showed that subchronic ketamine treatment increased c-Fos expression in prefrontal cortical and striatal regions, consistent with a mechanism of widespread disinhibition of neuronal activity. Conclusions Our results highlight that the subchronic ketamine mouse model reproduces a subset of behavioral symptoms that are relevant for schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisy L. Spark
- Drug Discovery Biology Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sherie Ma
- Drug Discovery Biology Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cameron J. Nowell
- Drug Discovery Biology Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Langmead
- Drug Discovery Biology Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory D. Stewart
- Drug Discovery Biology Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jess Nithianantharajah
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Freeman HB, Lee J. Sex Differences in Cognition in Schizophrenia: What We Know and What We Do Not Know. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 63:463-474. [PMID: 36271194 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia. This selective review examines whether schizophrenia patients show preserved sexual dimorphism in cognition. Existing studies using performance tasks largely show comparable sex effects between schizophrenia patients and healthy populations. This pattern appears to be similar across multiple cognitive domains and across phase of illness. Our selective review also identifies several unresolved questions about sex differences in cognition in schizophrenia. A better understanding of sex differences in cognition in schizophrenia may provide important clues to probing the relationship between cognitive impairment and pathophysiological processes of the disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Bin Freeman
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Junghee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Modeling the interplay of age at onset and sex on cognition in Schizophrenia. Asian J Psychiatr 2022; 75:103202. [PMID: 35907340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cognition remains one of the most critical features of the schizophrenia. A wide range of factors has been associated to neurocognition and, among these, sex and age of onset are two of the most consistently reported to influence the functional and cognitive outcome. This work aims to evaluate the effects of sex and age of onset and their interaction on cognition in 419 subjects with schizophrenia. Analyses of variance and analyses of covariance were performed to evaluate the effect of sex and age at onset on cognition. To model the possible interaction sex-onset on cognition, a separate slope regression analysis was performed. Analyses of variance showed significant differences between sexes for age and age at onset, both significantly higher among females, as well as for Executive Functions, with higher performance among males. When compared according to age at onset, late-onset patients performed better than both early- and intermediate-onset ones in Verbal Memory subtest, with a significant effect of length of illness. Moreover, early-onset patients showed a significantly lower IQ compared to both intermediate and late-onset ones, with no significant effect of length of illness. Finally, the separate slope regression revealed a significant interaction between sex and age at onset, with early-onset being associated to a worse global cognition only among male patients. Our finding of a significant sex-onset interaction effect on neurocognition sheds new light on the complex issue of cognitive heterogeneity in schizophrenia. Our data may help towards the development of personalized programs for preventive and rehabilitative purposes.
Collapse
|
6
|
Challakere Ramaswamy VM, Schofield PW. Olfaction and Executive Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:871391. [PMID: 35615205 PMCID: PMC9125097 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.871391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective tests of olfaction are widely available to aid in the assessment of olfaction. Their clearest role is in the characterization of olfactory changes, either reported by or suspected in a patient. There is a rapidly growing literature concerned with the association of olfactory changes with certain neuropsychiatric conditions and the use of olfactory testing to supplement conventional assessments in clinical and research practice is evolving. Neural pathways important for olfactory processing overlap extensively with pathways important for cognitive functioning, and especially those important for executive functioning, many of which are concentrated in the frontal lobes. Previous work has identified associations between performance on certain olfactory tests (most frequently olfactory identification) and executive functioning and behavioral measures (e.g. of impulsivity). More recently, similar associations have also been identified in non-clinical samples, raising new questions as to the utility of olfactory test scores as proxy measures for non-olfactory phenomena. In this systemic review, we sought to identify studies, both clinical and non-clinical, that investigated the associations of olfaction with performance on tasks sensitive to frontal lobe functioning. Our search criteria led to the identification of 70 studies published in English. We examined in detail and tabulated the data from these studies, highlighted each study's key findings, and critically evaluated these studies. We use the results of this review to reflect on some of the current and future challenges concerning the use of olfactory testing in clinical neuropsychiatric practice and research and speculate on the potential benefits of administering phonemic fluency in combination with olfactory testing to enhance its predictive value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasudeva Murthy Challakere Ramaswamy
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Vasudeva Murthy Challakere Ramaswamy
| | - Peter William Schofield
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Neuropsychiatry Service, Hunter New England Mental Health, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gaillard A, Tan EJ, Carruthers SP, Gurvich C, Hughes ME, Neill E, Sumner PJ, Van Rheenen TE, Rossell SL. No influence of sex on the relationship between schizotypy factors and executive control across the schizophrenia spectrum. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 148:325-331. [PMID: 35193036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.02.015] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in symptoms and executive control across schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are consistently reported. Similarly, these findings of sex differences are also observed in schizotypy, that is, schizophrenia-like features occurring in healthy individuals in the absence of a clinical diagnosis. This study aimed to examine the relationships between performance on three major domains of executive control: performance monitoring, response inhibition, and cognitive set-shifting, and schizotypy factor scores in both SSD patients and healthy controls (HCs), and whether sex moderated any relationships observed. A total of 111 (67 males and 44 females) patients with SSD and 258 (129 males and 129 females) HCs were included in this study. Schizotypal personality traits (in both SSD and HC) was assessed using the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE). Executive control performance was assessed using seven tasks. Stepwise linear regressions revealed that performance on cognitive set-shifting tasks was significantly associated with the introvertive anhedonia, cognitive disorganisation, and unusual experiences subscales of the O-LIFE. When sex was examined as a moderator, it was not a significant moderator of any of the relationships between cognitive set-shifting tasks and schizotypy factors. The results suggest that independent of sex, cognitive set-shifting ability is associated to an increased vulnerability to schizotypal personality traits, although performance monitoring and response inhibition did not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gaillard
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Eric J Tan
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sean P Carruthers
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Monash University and the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew E Hughes
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Erica Neill
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Monash University and the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip J Sumner
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tamsyn E Van Rheenen
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne, Level 3, Alan Gilbert Building, 161 Barry St, Carlton, Victory, 3053, Australia
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Monash University and the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Koch E, Nyberg L, Lundquist A, Kauppi K. Polygenic Risk for Schizophrenia Has Sex-Specific Effects on Brain Activity during Memory Processing in Healthy Individuals. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030412. [PMID: 35327966 PMCID: PMC8950000 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic risk for schizophrenia has a negative impact on memory and other cognitive abilities in unaffected individuals, and it was recently shown that this effect is specific to males. Using functional MRI, we investigated the effect of a polygenic risk score (PRS) for schizophrenia on brain activation during working memory and episodic memory in 351 unaffected participants (167 males and 184 females, 25–95 years), and specifically tested if any effect of PRS on brain activation is sex-specific. Schizophrenia PRS was significantly associated with decreased brain activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during working-memory manipulation and in the bilateral superior parietal lobule (SPL) during episodic-memory encoding and retrieval. A significant interaction effect between sex and PRS was seen in the bilateral SPL during episodic-memory encoding and retrieval, and sex-stratified analyses showed that the effect of PRS on SPL activation was male-specific. These results confirm previous findings of DLPFC inefficiency in schizophrenia, and highlight the SPL as another important genetic intermediate phenotype of the disease. The observed sex differences suggest that the previously shown male-specific effect of schizophrenia PRS on cognition translates into an additional corresponding effect on brain functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Koch
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (L.N.); (K.K.)
- Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-90-786-50-00
| | - Lars Nyberg
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (L.N.); (K.K.)
- Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Lundquist
- Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
- Department of Statistics, School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Karolina Kauppi
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (L.N.); (K.K.)
- Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Nobels väg 12A, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Giatti S, Melcangi RC. Allopregnanolone: An overview on its synthesis and effects. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e12996. [PMID: 34189791 PMCID: PMC9285581 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, a 3α,5α-progesterone metabolite, acts as a potent allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor. In the present review, the synthesis of this neuroactive steroid occurring in the nervous system is discussed with respect to physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, its physiological and neuroprotective effects are also reported. Interestingly, the levels of this neuroactive steroid, as well as its effects, are sex-dimorphic, suggesting a possible gender medicine based on this neuroactive steroid for neurological disorders. However, allopregnanolone presents low bioavailability and extensive hepatic metabolism, limiting its use as a drug. Therefore, synthetic analogues or a different therapeutic strategy able to increase allopregnanolone levels have been proposed to overcome any pharmacokinetic issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guan LY, Hou WL, Zhu ZH, Cao JQ, Tang Z, Yin XY, Xu DW, Yu X, Jia QF, Tang WJ, Zhang JP, Hui L. Associations among gonadal hormone, triglycerides and cognitive decline in female patients with major depressive disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 143:580-586. [PMID: 33213891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment has been identified as a core feature of depression. Serum triglycerides (TG), gonadal hormone and sex difference were shown to influence cognitive performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations among serum TG, gonadal hormone, sex difference and cognitive performance in patients with major depressive disorders (MDD). METHODS The enrolled 183 patients (male/female = 80/103) meeting DSM-IV criteria for MDD were divided into high TG group (patients-HTG) and normal TG group (patients-NTG) according to TG level. Serum TG, estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels were measured by the glycerokinase peroxidase-peroxidase and chemiluminescence methods. Cognition was assessed by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). The study was conducted between August 2016 and January 2020. RESULTS In female, patients-HTG had lower immediate memory, language, attention, delayed memory and RBANS total scores than patients-NTG after adjusting for covariates. There were significant differences in serum E2 and T levels between patients-HTG and patients-NTG in female after controlling for covariates. In female patients-HTG, serum E2 level was positively associated with immediate memory, delayed memory and RBANS total scores, and serum T level was positively related to immediate memory, language and RBANS total scores. These findings were not seen in male patients. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggested that patients-HTG exhibited poorer cognitive function compared with patients-NTG in female. Moreover, the decline in serum gonadal hormone level might contribute to the high TG development of female MDD, and was further implicated in their cognitive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang Guan
- School of Mental Health, First School of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, PR China; Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wen Long Hou
- School of Mental Health, First School of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, PR China; Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Zhen Hua Zhu
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jia Qi Cao
- School of Mental Health, First School of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, PR China; Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Zhen Tang
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xu Yuan Yin
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Dong Wu Xu
- School of Mental Health, First School of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xin Yu
- School of Mental Health, First School of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, PR China; Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Qiu Fang Jia
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wen Jie Tang
- School of Mental Health, First School of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, PR China; Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Jian-Ping Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Li Hui
- School of Mental Health, First School of Clinical Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, PR China; Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sex-specific effects of polygenic risk for schizophrenia on lifespan cognitive functioning in healthy individuals. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:520. [PMID: 34635642 PMCID: PMC8505489 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01649-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polygenic risk for schizophrenia has been associated with lower cognitive ability and age-related cognitive change in healthy individuals. Despite well-established neuropsychological sex differences in schizophrenia patients, genetic studies on sex differences in schizophrenia in relation to cognitive phenotypes are scarce. Here, we investigated whether the effect of a polygenic risk score (PRS) for schizophrenia on childhood, midlife, and late-life cognitive function in healthy individuals is modified by sex, and if PRS is linked to accelerated cognitive decline. Using a longitudinal data set from healthy individuals aged 25-100 years (N = 1459) spanning a 25-year period, we found that PRS was associated with lower cognitive ability (episodic memory, semantic memory, visuospatial ability), but not with accelerated cognitive decline. A significant interaction effect between sex and PRS was seen on cognitive task performance, and sex-stratified analyses showed that the effect of PRS was male-specific. In a sub-sample, we observed a male-specific effect of the PRS on school performance at age 12 (N = 496). Our findings of sex-specific effects of schizophrenia genetics on cognitive functioning across the lifespan indicate that the effects of underlying disease genetics on cognitive functioning is dependent on biological processes that differ between the sexes.
Collapse
|
12
|
Carnemolla SE, Hsieh JW, Sipione R, Landis BN, Kumfor F, Piguet O, Manuel AL. Olfactory dysfunction in frontotemporal dementia and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:588-611. [PMID: 32818582 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Diagnosis of FTD, especially the behavioural variant, is challenging because of symptomatic overlap with psychiatric disorders (depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder). Olfactory dysfunction is common in both FTD and psychiatric disorders, and often appears years before symptom onset. This systematic review analysed 74 studies on olfactory function in FTD, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to identify differences in olfactory dysfunction profiles, focusing on the most common smell measures: odour identification and discrimination. Results revealed that FTD patients were severely impaired in odour identification but not discrimination; in contrast, patients diagnosed with schizophrenia showed impairments in both measures, while those diagnosed with depression showed no olfactory impairments. Findings in bipolar disorder were mixed. Therefore, testing odour identification and discrimination differentiates FTD from depression and schizophrenia, but not from bipolar disorder. Given the high prevalence of odour identification impairments in FTD, and that smell dysfunction predicts neurodegeneration in other diseases, olfactory testing seems a promising avenue towards improving diagnosis between FTD and psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julien Wen Hsieh
- Rhinology -Olfactology Unit, Department of Otorhinolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, 4 rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, CH-1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland; Laboratory of Inner ear and Olfaction, University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, 1, rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Sipione
- Laboratory of Inner ear and Olfaction, University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, 1, rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Basile N Landis
- Rhinology -Olfactology Unit, Department of Otorhinolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, 4 rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, CH-1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland; Laboratory of Inner ear and Olfaction, University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, 1, rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Kumfor
- The University of Sydney, Brain & Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Psychology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Olivier Piguet
- The University of Sydney, Brain & Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Psychology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aurélie L Manuel
- The University of Sydney, Brain & Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aarde SM, Genner RM, Hrncir H, Arnold AP, Jentsch JD. Sex chromosome complement affects multiple aspects of reversal-learning task performance in mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12685. [PMID: 32648356 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Determining the mechanisms by which the sex-chromosome complement (SCC) affects learning, attention, and impulsivity has implications for observed sex differences in prevalence, severity, and prognosis of psychiatric/neurodevelopmental disorders and syndromes associated with sex-chromosome aneuploidy. Here, Four Core Genotypes (FCG) mice were evaluated in order to assess the separable and/or interacting effects of gonads (testes vs. ovaries) and their secretions and/or SCC (XX vs. XY) acting via non-gonadal mechanisms on behavior. We tested FCG mice on a reversal-learning task that enables the quantification of aspects of learning, attention and impulsivity. Across testing phases (involving the initial acquisition of a spatial discrimination and subsequent reversal learning), overall error rate was larger in XY compared with XX mice. Although XX and XY groups did not differ in the total number of trials required in order to reach a preset performance criterion, analyses of reversal error types showed more perseverative errors in XY than XX mice, with no difference in regressive errors. Additionally, prepotent-response latencies during the reversal phase were shorter in XY males, as compared with both XX gonadal males and females of either SCC, and failures to sustain the observing response were more frequent in XY mice than XX mice during the acquisition phase. These results indicate that SCC affects the characteristic pattern of response selection during acquisition and reversal performance without affecting the overall learning rate. More broadly, these results show direct effects of the SCC on cognitive processes that are relevant to psychiatric/neurodevelopmental disorders and syndromes associated with sex-chromosome aneuploidies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Aarde
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rylee M Genner
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Haley Hrncir
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - James D Jentsch
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ittig S, Studerus E, Papmeyer M, Uttinger M, Koranyi S, Ramyead A, Riecher-Rössler A. Sex Differences in Cognitive Functioning in At-Risk Mental State for Psychosis, First Episode Psychosis and Healthy Control Subjects. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 30:242-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractBackground:Several sex differences in schizophrenia have been reported including differences in cognitive functioning. Studies with schizophrenia patients and healthy controls (HC) indicate that the sex advantage for women in verbal domains is also present in schizophrenia patients. However, findings have been inconsistent. No study focused on sex-related cognitive performance differences in at-risk mental state for psychosis (ARMS) individuals yet. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate sex differences in cognitive functioning in ARMS, first episode psychosis (FEP) and HC subjects. We expected a better verbal learning and memory performance of women in all groups.Methods:The neuropsychological data analysed in this study were collected within the prospective Früherkennung von Psychosen (FePsy) study. In total, 118 ARMS, 88 FEP individuals and 86 HC completed a cognitive test battery covering the domains of executive functions, attention, working memory, verbal learning and memory, IQ and speed of processing.Results:Women performed better in verbal learning and memory regardless of diagnostic group. By contrast, men as compared to women showed a shorter reaction time during the working memory task across all groups.Conclusion:The results provide evidence that women generally perform better in verbal learning and memory, independent of diagnostic group (ARMS, FEP, HC). The finding of a shorter reaction time for men in the working memory task could indicate that men have a superior working memory performance since they responded faster during the target trials, while maintaining a comparable overall working memory performance level.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ver Loren van Themaat AH, Uddin MJ, Christiani CJ, Hemager N, Ellersgaard D, Klee Burton B, Spang KS, Greve A, Gantriis D, Mors O, Elgaard Thorup AA, Plessen KJ, Nordentoft M, Møllegaard Jepsen JR. Odor identification in 7-year-old children at familial high risk of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder - the Danish high risk and resilience study VIA 7. Schizophr Res 2020; 216:77-84. [PMID: 31924376 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Odor identification deficits occur in individuals with schizophrenia and their unaffected first-degree relatives, while deficits are less pronounced in individuals with bipolar disorder. We hypothesized that children at familial high-risk for schizophrenia (FHR-SZ) show odor identification deficits compared to population-based controls and that children at familial high-risk for bipolar disorder (FHR-BP) perform intermediate. METHODS Odor identification was assessed at age 7 in 184 children with FHR-SZ, 106 children with FHR-BP, and 186 population-based controls with the Brief Smell Identification Test. Dimensional and predefined categorical outcomes were used in the analyses. Potential relationships with psychopathological, cognitive, and home environmental variables were conducted using hierarchical and logistic multiple regression analyses. RESULTS ANOVA revealed no between-group differences in odor identification. Using the recommended cut-off (below 5), we found a significantly greater proportion of boys at FHR-SZ than population-based boys with an abnormal odor identification (p = .013). However, a supplementary analysis using a Danish-based cut-off (below 4) did not support this. All children showed significant, positive associations of odor identification with female gender, social responsiveness, and verbal working memory. Lower social responsiveness predicted abnormal odor identification in boys at FHR-SZ, only using the recommended cut-off. CONCLUSIONS Odor identification efficacy and risk status appear independent in this early developmental phase. Using the recommended threshold, abnormal odor identification is more frequent in young boys at FHR-SZ than in population-based boys and is linked to lower social responsiveness. The validity of these results is questioned by non-significant differences in the rates when using an exploratory Danish-based threshold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hester Ver Loren van Themaat
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Services, Gentofte Hospitalsvej, Entrance 15, 4th Floor, DK-2900, Hellerup, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark.
| | - Md Jamal Uddin
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4th Floor, Hellerup, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark; Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, DK-10104 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camilla Jerlang Christiani
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4th Floor, Hellerup, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nicoline Hemager
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Services, Gentofte Hospitalsvej, Entrance 15, 4th Floor, DK-2900, Hellerup, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4th Floor, Hellerup, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ditte Ellersgaard
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4th Floor, Hellerup, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Klee Burton
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Services, Gentofte Hospitalsvej, Entrance 15, 4th Floor, DK-2900, Hellerup, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Katrine Søborg Spang
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Services, Gentofte Hospitalsvej, Entrance 15, 4th Floor, DK-2900, Hellerup, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Aja Greve
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark; Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 175, DK-8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ditte Gantriis
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark; Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 175, DK-8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Mors
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark; Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 175, DK-8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Amalie Elgaard Thorup
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4th Floor, Hellerup, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kerstin Jessica Plessen
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Services, Gentofte Hospitalsvej, Entrance 15, 4th Floor, DK-2900, Hellerup, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark; Service of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center, University of Lausanne, Avenue d'Echallens 9, CH-1004 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4th Floor, Hellerup, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Richardt Møllegaard Jepsen
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Services, Gentofte Hospitalsvej, Entrance 15, 4th Floor, DK-2900, Hellerup, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4th Floor, Hellerup, DK-2900 Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Fuglesangs Allé 26, DK-8210 Aarhus, Denmark; Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Services, Glostrup, Ndr. Ringvej 29-67, Copenhagen DK-2600, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark; Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Services, Nordstjernevej 41, Glostrup, Copenhagen DK-2600, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bohon C, Weinbach N, Lock J. Performance and brain activity during the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder and adolescents with weight-restored anorexia nervosa. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 29:217-226. [PMID: 31114967 PMCID: PMC6868308 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-019-01350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) both show a peak age of onset during adolescence and share a number of phenotypic features, such as rigid rule-bound behavior and perseverative thinking. There is evidence of difficulties with set shifting or task switching in adults with each disorder, but evidence in adolescents is limited. Furthermore, no studies have previously directly compared AN and OCD on this cognitive process or examined comparative neural correlates. This study provides exploratory analyses to address this gap by measuring brain activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a computerized version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in female adolescents with weight-restored AN (WR-AN) (n = 14), OCD (n = 11), and healthy controls (n = 24). Results revealed greater perseverative errors in the OCD group than healthy controls and WR-AN, but no difference between WR-AN and healthy controls. Greater activity in the right front pole, inferior frontal gyrus, and middle frontal gyrus during the task (compared to a control matching task) was associated with more perseverative errors in the OCD group, but not healthy controls. The correlation between perseverative errors and brain response to the task in the WR-AN group was not different from either comparison group. These findings propose a hypothesis that behavioral similarities between OCD and AN, as well as difficulties with set shifting in adults with AN, are driven by obsessive-compulsive features present in AN rather than a shared underlying neurocognitive signature. This notion should be tested in larger samples in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cara Bohon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5719, USA.
| | - Noam Weinbach
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - James Lock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5719, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Since its earliest conceptualization, schizophrenia has been considered a disorder of "young men." Contemporary research suggests that there are sex differences in schizophrenia that are both transdiagnostic and representative of general sex/gender differences across the psychopathology spectrum. This chapter selectively summarizes representative sex/gender differences in clinical expression, epidemiology, risk factors, treatment, as well as course and outcome in schizophrenia. The consistent sex differences found, such as onset age, generic brain anomalies, and hormonal involvement, are not specific to schizophrenia or necessarily to psychopathology. It is suggested that in working with those diagnosed as meeting the current criteria for schizophrenia, clinicians adopt a transdiagnostic framework informed by sex and gender role processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lewine
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.
| | - Mara Hart
- Department of Psychiatry, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital, Worcester, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Prospective memory in schizophrenia: A meta-analysis of comparative studies. Schizophr Res 2019; 212:62-71. [PMID: 31447355 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairment of prospective memory (PM) in schizophrenia has gained increasing attention. This meta-analysis systematically examined PM impairment in schizophrenia. METHODS Both English (PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) and Chinese (WanFang, Chinese Biomedical and China Journal Net databases) databases were systematically searched from their inception until August 14, 2017. Case-control studies of PM in schizophrenia were included. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random-effects model. RESULTS Twenty-nine case-control studies (n = 2492) were included in the analyses. The overall and three subtypes of PM were compared between patients with schizophrenia (n = 1284) and healthy controls (n = 1208). Compared to healthy controls, patients performed significantly poorer in overall (SMD = -1.125), time-based (SMD = -1.155), event-based (SMD = -1.068), and activity-based PM (SMD = -0.563). Subgroup analyses revealed significant differences between older and younger patients (SMD = -1.398 vs. -0.763), higher male predominance and no sex predominance (SMD = -1.679 vs. -0.800), lower and higher education level (SMD = -1.373 vs.-0.637), chronic and first-episode patients (SMD = -1.237 vs. -0.641) and between eco-valid and dual-task laboratory measurements (SMD = -1.542 vs. -0.725) regarding overall PM. Meta-regression analysis showed that higher negative symptom score was significantly associated with more severe overall PM impairment in patients (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS In this meta-analysis the overall PM and all its subtypes, particularly the time-based PM, were significantly impaired in schizophrenia.
Collapse
|
20
|
Sex differences in stress reactivity in arousal and attention systems. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:129-139. [PMID: 30022063 PMCID: PMC6235989 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0137-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Women are more likely than men to suffer from psychiatric disorders with hyperarousal symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression. In contrast, women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which share attentional impairments as a feature. Stressful events exacerbate symptoms of the aforementioned disorders. Thus, researchers are examining whether sex differences in stress responses bias women and men towards different psychopathology. Here we review the preclinical literature suggesting that, compared to males, females are more vulnerable to stress-induced hyperarousal, while they are more resilient to stress-induced attention deficits. Specifically described are sex differences in receptors for the stress neuropeptide, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), that render the locus coeruleus arousal system of females more vulnerable to stress and less adaptable to CRF hypersecretion, a condition found in patients with PTSD and depression. Studies on the protective effects of ovarian hormones against CRF-induced deficits in sustained attention are also detailed. Importantly, we highlight how comparing males and females in preclinical studies can lead to the development of novel therapeutics to improve treatments for psychiatric disorders in both women and men.
Collapse
|
21
|
Li AWY, Hui CLM, Lee EHM, Chang WC, Chan SKW, Chen EYH. Gender differences in correlates of cognition in first-episode psychosis. Psychiatry Res 2019; 271:412-420. [PMID: 30537663 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Studies of gender cognitive differences in schizophrenia have reported mixed results. This study examined cognitive correlates including demographics, symptoms and functioning in men and women in a large sample of first-episode adult-onset psychosis patients. Detailed demographic, clinical and functioning data were collected from 360 first-episode patients upon admission into an early intervention service for psychotic disorders. They were also administered a comprehensive neurocognitive battery. Correlation analyses showed that memory and working memory were more significantly associated with onset age, negative symptoms and side effects in women. Processing speed correlated with antipsychotic dosage in men and side effects in women. Selective attention correlated with reality distortion and negative symptoms in women, and onset age and education in men. Executive function correlated with onset age and reality distortion in women. All cognitive domains significantly correlated with educational level and functioning in both genders. Negative symptoms explained significant variability in cognition in both genders, while reality distortion, side effects and affective symptoms were significant factors that differentiated between genders. Although there are similarities in cognitive deficits, considerable heterogeneity exists in associations of symptoms and cognition in men and women. Results facilitate individualised tailoring of interventions, including cognitive remediation therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne W Y Li
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Christy L M Hui
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Edwin H M Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - W C Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sherry K W Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eric Y H Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Walsh-Messinger J, Wong PS, Antonius D, McMahon K, Opler LA, Ramirez PM, Malaspina D. Sex differences in hedonic judgement of odors in schizophrenia cases and healthy controls. Psychiatry Res 2018; 269:345-353. [PMID: 30173040 PMCID: PMC6207462 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The neurocircuitries subserving affective and olfactory processes overlap, are sexually dimorphic, and show disruptions in schizophrenia, suggesting their intersection may be a window on the core process producing psychosis. This study investigated diagnostic and sex differences in hedonic judgments of odors and smell identification in 26 schizophrenia cases and 27 healthy controls. Associations between olfaction measures and psychiatric symptoms were also examined. Cases and controls had similar identification accuracy of unpleasant odors, but cases were significantly less accurate in naming pleasant odors. In cases, greater negative symptom severity was related to abnormal hedonic judgments; specifically, higher pleasantness ratings for unpleasant odors and higher unpleasantness ratings for pleasant odors. Greater positive symptom severity was associated with lower pleasantness ratings for neutral odors. Regarding sex differences, male cases and female controls rated pleasant odors as significantly more unpleasant than male controls. Correlations between depression severity and pleasantness ratings of neutral odors were in opposite directions in male and female cases. These results suggest that a normal sexual dimorphism in the circuitry for hedonic odor judgments may interact with schizophrenia pathology, supporting the utility of olfactory hedonics as a sex-specific biomarker of this pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Walsh-Messinger
- Department of Psychology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA.
| | - Philip S. Wong
- Department of Psychology, Long Island University, Brooklyn,
NY
| | - Daniel Antonius
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU School of Medicine, New York,
NY,University at Buffalo, State University of NY, Buffalo,
NY,Erie County Forensic Mental Health Services, Buffalo,
NY
| | - Kevin McMahon
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU School of Medicine, New York,
NY
| | - Lewis A. Opler
- Department of Psychology, Long Island University, Brooklyn,
NY
| | | | - Dolores Malaspina
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Genetics,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Walsh-Messinger J, Stepanek C, Wiedemann J, Goetz D, Goetz RR, Malaspina D. Normal sexual dimorphism in theory of mind circuitry is reversed in Schizophrenia. Soc Neurosci 2018; 14:583-593. [PMID: 30373474 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2018.1536613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability to mentalize, or theory of mind (ToM), is sexually dimorphic in humans and impaired in schizophrenia. This sex-stratified study probed cognitive (indexed by intelligence) and affective (indexed by olfactory tasks) contributions to ToM performance in 37 individuals with schizophrenia and 31 healthy controls. The schizophrenia group showed impairments in mental state identification and inferring intentions compared to controls. Higher intelligence was correlated with mental state identification and inferring intentions in healthy females, whereas better smell identification was associated with mental state identification in healthy males. Conversely, higher intelligence was associated with mental state identification and inferring intentions in schizophrenia males, while better smell identification was correlated with mental state identification in schizophrenia females. These findings suggest that for ToM circuitry, the cognitive influences in healthy females and affective influences in healthy males are reversed in schizophrenia and may be displaced to lower circuitries by disease pathology. Symptom associations with emotion and cognition are also dimorphic, plausibly due to similar pathology superimposed on normal sex-specific circuitries. Males appear to rely on limbic processing for ToM, and disruption to this circuitry may contribute to development of negative symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of utilizing sex-stratified designs in schizophrenia research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Walsh-Messinger
- a Department of Psychology, University of Dayton , Dayton , OH , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine , Dayton , OH , USA
| | - Christine Stepanek
- c Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Genetics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Julia Wiedemann
- a Department of Psychology, University of Dayton , Dayton , OH , USA
| | - Deborah Goetz
- c Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Genetics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Raymond R Goetz
- d New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center , New York , NY , USA
| | - Dolores Malaspina
- c Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Genetics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Takahashi T, Nakamura M, Sasabayashi D, Komori Y, Higuchi Y, Nishikawa Y, Nishiyama S, Itoh H, Masaoka Y, Suzuki M. Olfactory deficits in individuals at risk for psychosis and patients with schizophrenia: relationship with socio-cognitive functions and symptom severity. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2018; 268:689-698. [PMID: 29071372 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-017-0845-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Odor identification deficits are well documented in patients with schizophrenia, but it remains unclear whether individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis exhibit similar changes and whether their olfactory function is related to social/cognitive functions and symptomatology. In this study, we investigated odor detection sensitivity and identification ability in 32 individuals with at-risk mental state (ARMS), 59 schizophrenia patients, and 169 healthy controls using a T&T olfactometer. The ARMS and schizophrenia subjects were administered the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), the Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS), and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) to assess their cognitive and social functions, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for clinical symptoms. Both the ARMS and schizophrenia subjects had lower odor identification ability when compared with healthy controls, while no significant difference was found in the odor detection sensitivity. The lower odor identification ability in the ARMS group correlated with the severity of negative symptoms and weakly correlated with lower performance on the BACS verbal fluency test. The olfactory measures of schizophrenia patients did not correlate with illness duration, medication, symptom severity, and social and cognitive functions. For the ARMS and schizophrenia groups, the olfactory measures did not correlate with the SOFAS and SCoRS scores. These findings suggest that high-risk subjects for psychosis already show odor identification deficits similar to those observed in schizophrenia patients, which probably reflect a biological trait related to vulnerability to psychosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Takahashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry University of Toyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
| | - Mihoko Nakamura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry University of Toyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Daiki Sasabayashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry University of Toyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuko Komori
- Department of Neuropsychiatry University of Toyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuko Higuchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry University of Toyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yumiko Nishikawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry University of Toyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shimako Nishiyama
- Department of Neuropsychiatry University of Toyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hiroko Itoh
- Department of Neuropsychiatry University of Toyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuri Masaoka
- Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michio Suzuki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry University of Toyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
de Nijs J, Meijer JH, de Haan L, Meijer CJ, Bruggeman R, van Haren NEM, Kahn RS, Cahn W. Associations between olfactory identification and (social) cognitive functioning: A cross-sectional study in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. Psychiatry Res 2018; 266:147-151. [PMID: 29864614 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia patients have difficulties identifying odors, possibly a marker of cognitive and social impairment. This study investigated olfactory identification (OI) differences between patients and controls, related to cognitive and social functioning in childhood and adolescence, to present state cognition and to present state social cognition. 132 schizophrenia patients and 128 healthy controls were assessed on OI performance with the Sniffin' Sticks task. Multiple regression analyses were conducted investigating OI in association with cognitive and social functioning measures in childhood/adolescence and in association with IQ, memory, processing speed, attention, executive functioning, face recognition, emotion recognition and theory of mind. Patients had reduced OI performance compared to controls. Also, patients scored worse on childhood/adolescence cognitive and social functioning, on present state cognitive functioning and present state social cognition compared to controls. OI in patients and controls was significantly related to cognitive and social functioning in childhood/adolescence, to present state cognition and to present state social cognition, with worse functioning being associated with worse OI. In this study, findings of worse OI in patients relative to controls were replicated. We also showed associations between OI and cognitive and social functioning which are not specific to schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica de Nijs
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Julia H Meijer
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carin J Meijer
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Bruggeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Neeltje E M van Haren
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - René S Kahn
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wiepke Cahn
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Turetsky BI, Moberg PJ, Quarmley M, Dress E, Calkins ME, Ruparel K, Prabhakaran K, Gur RE, Roalf DR. Structural anomalies of the peripheral olfactory system in psychosis high-risk subjects. Schizophr Res 2018; 195:197-205. [PMID: 28974405 PMCID: PMC5878118 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfactory impairments are prominent in both schizophrenia and the preceding at-risk state. Their presence prior to illness predicts poor functional outcome. In schizophrenia, these impairments reflect peripheral olfactory structural abnormalities, which are hypothesized to arise during early embryonic development. If this is correct, then similar structural anomalies should be apparent among clinical high-risk subjects. METHODS Thirty-nine clinical high-risk (CR) subjects (24M/15F) were compared to 36 low-risk (LR) subjects (19M/17F). Olfactory measures derived from 3T MRI scans included olfactory bulb volume, primary olfactory cortical gray matter volume, and the depth of the olfactory sulcus overlying the bulb. Additionally, nasal cavity volumes were assessed with acoustic rhinometry. RESULTS Male CR subjects exhibited bilateral reductions in olfactory bulb volume and abnormal asymmetries of the posterior nasal cavities and olfactory sulci (left reduced relative to right). Post-hoc contrasts also indicated reduced left, but not right, olfactory cortical gray matter volume. Female CRs had no significant abnormalities, although they exhibited similar trend effects. Left olfactory bulb volume correlated, across all CR subjects, with negative, but not positive, symptoms. In a classification analysis, with 80% target specificity, olfactory measurements distinguished male CR from male LR subjects with 93% sensitivity. Among females, the comparable sensitivity was 69%. CONCLUSION Psychosis-risk youths exhibit an array of sexually dimorphic and laterally asymmetric anomalies of the peripheral olfactory system. These are consistent with a developmental disruption primarily affecting male fetuses. These structural biomarkers may enhance the identification of at-risk subjects with poor prognosis, before their clinical trajectory is apparent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce I. Turetsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104,Smell and Taste Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Paul J. Moberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104,Smell and Taste Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Megan Quarmley
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Erich Dress
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Monica E. Calkins
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Kosha Ruparel
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Karthik Prabhakaran
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Raquel E. Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - David R. Roalf
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though olfactory deficits are well-documented in schizophrenia, fewer studies have examined olfactory performance profiles across the psychosis spectrum. The current study examined odor identification, discrimination, and detection threshold performance in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, major depression with psychotic features, and other psychotic conditions. METHOD FEP patients (n = 97) and healthy adults (n = 98) completed birhinal assessments of odor identification, discrimination, and detection threshold sensitivity for lyral and citralva. Participants also completed measures of anticipatory pleasure, anhedonia, and empathy. Differences in olfactory performances were assessed between FEP patients and controls and within FEP subgroups. Sex-stratified post hoc analyses were employed for a complete analysis of sex differences. Relationships between self-report measures and olfactory scores were also examined. RESULTS Individuals with psychosis had poorer scores across all olfactory measures when compared to the control group. Within the psychosis cohort, patients with schizophrenia-associated psychosis had poorer odor identification, discrimination, and citralva detection threshold scores relative to controls. In schizophrenia patients, greater olfactory disturbance was associated with increased negative symptomatology, greater self-reported anhedonia, and lower self-reported anticipatory pleasure. Patients with mood-associated psychosis performed comparable to controls though men and women in this cohort showed differential olfactory profiles. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that olfactory deficits extend beyond measures of odor identification in FEP with greater deficits observed in schizophrenia-related subgroups of psychosis. Studies examining whether greater olfactory dysfunction confers greater risk for developing schizophrenia relative to other forms of psychosis are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vidyulata Kamath
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; Division of Medical Psychology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Meyer 218, Baltimore, MD 21287-7218, US; tel: 410-614-6342, fax: 410-955-0504, e-mail:
| | - Patricia Lasutschinkow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Koko Ishizuka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
McGregor C, Riordan A, Thornton J. Estrogens and the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia: Possible neuroprotective mechanisms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 47:19-33. [PMID: 28673758 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric illness with marked sex differences. Women have later onset and lesser symptoms, which has led to the hypothesis that estrogens are protective in schizophrenia. Cognitive dysfunction is a hallmark of the disease and the symptom most correlated with functional outcome. Here we describe a number of mechanisms by which estrogens may be therapeutic in schizophrenia, with a focus on cognitive symptoms. We review the relationship between estrogens and brain derived neurotrophic factor, neuroinflammation, NMDA receptors, GABA receptors, and luteinizing hormone. Exploring these pathways may enable novel treatments for schizophrenia and a greater understanding of this devastating disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire McGregor
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA.
| | - Alexander Riordan
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| | - Janice Thornton
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bangasser DA, Eck SR, Telenson AM, Salvatore M. Sex differences in stress regulation of arousal and cognition. Physiol Behav 2017; 187:42-50. [PMID: 28974457 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
There are sex differences in the prevalence and presentation of many psychiatric disorders. For example, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression are more common in women than men, and women with these disorders present with more hyperarousal symptoms than men. In contrast, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia are more common in men than women, and men with these disorders have increased cognitive deficits compared to women. A shared feature of the aforementioned psychiatric disorders is the contribution of stressful events to their onset and/or severity. Here we propose that sex differences in stress responses bias females towards hyperarousal and males towards cognitive deficits. Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies is detailed. We also describe underlying neurobiological mechanisms. For example, sex differences in stress receptor signaling and trafficking in the locus coeruleus-arousal center are detailed. In learning circuits, evidence for sex differences in dendritic morphology is provided. Finally, we describe how evaluating sex-specific mechanisms for responding to stress in female and male rodents can lead to better treatments for stress-related psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debra A Bangasser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Samantha R Eck
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Alexander M Telenson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Madeleine Salvatore
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Haring L, Mõttus R, Kajalaid K, Koch K, Uppin K, Maron E, Vasar E. The course of cognitive functioning after first-episode of psychosis: A six month follow-up study. Schizophr Res 2017; 182:31-41. [PMID: 27746055 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2016.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Our aim with the present study was to evaluate rank-order and mean-level cognitive functioning stability among first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients, measured using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), over a six month period. We also aimed to examine longitudinal measurement invariance and identify factors-such as age, gender, educational level, treatment and psychopathological change scores-potentially linked to cognitive change among patients. In addition, correlations between objectively measured and subjectively evaluated cognitive functioning were estimated. Neuropsychological assessments were administered to 85 patients after the initial stabilisation of their psychosis; 82 of the patients were retested. Subjectively perceived cognitive functioning was measured using a subscale derived from the Estonian version of the Subjective Well-Being Under Neuroleptic Scale (SWN-K-E). On average, executive functioning and processing speed improved significantly, while memory test scores decreased significantly, over time. Very high rank-order stability (r=0.80 to 0.94, p<0.001) was observed with all measured ability scores. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed the loadings of a single (broad ability) factor model were equal across both measurement occasions, but the lack of intercept invariance suggested that mean-level comparisons are more appropriately carried out at a subtest level. On average psychopathology scores and antipsychotics doses declined over time, with the latter also significantly correlating with better executive functioning. Gender was a significant moderator of some domains of cognitive performance, and decline tended to be somewhat more pronounced for women. The results also indicated the lack of any relationship between objective and subjective measurements of cognitive functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liina Haring
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - René Mõttus
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
| | | | - Kadri Koch
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Kärt Uppin
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Eduard Maron
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia; North Estonia Medical Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Tallinn, Estonia; Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - Eero Vasar
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ruiz-Veguilla M, Moreno-Granados J, Salcedo-Marin MD, Barrigon ML, Blanco-Morales MJ, Igunza E, Cañabate A, Garcia MD, Guijarro T, Diaz-Atienza F, Ferrin M. Sex-specific cognitive abnormalities in early-onset psychosis. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2017; 39:28-35. [PMID: 28291864 PMCID: PMC7112732 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2015-1807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Brain maturation differs depending on the area of the brain and sex. Girls show an earlier peak in maturation of the prefrontal cortex. Although differences between adult females and males with schizophrenia have been widely studied, there has been less research in girls and boys with psychosis. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in verbal and visual memory, verbal working memory, auditory attention, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility between boys and girls. Methods: We compared a group of 80 boys and girls with first-episode psychosis to a group of controls. Results: We found interactions between group and sex in verbal working memory (p = 0.04) and auditory attention (p = 0.01). The female controls showed better working memory (p = 0.01) and auditory attention (p = 0.001) than males. However, we did not find any sex differences in working memory (p = 0.91) or auditory attention (p = 0.93) in the psychosis group. Conclusions: These results are consistent with the presence of sex-modulated cognitive profiles at first presentation of early-onset psychosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ruiz-Veguilla
- Grupo Psicosis y Neurodesarrollo, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla, Unidad de Hospitalizacion de Salud Mental, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Josefa Moreno-Granados
- Grupo Psicosis y Neurodesarrollo, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla, Unidad de Hospitalizacion de Salud Mental, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Maria D Salcedo-Marin
- Grupo Psicosis y Neurodesarrollo, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla, Unidad de Hospitalizacion de Salud Mental, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Maria L Barrigon
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, ISS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Centro de Investigación en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Evelio Igunza
- Unidad de Salud Mental Infantil (USMI), Hospital Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Shepard R, Heslin K, Coutellier L. The transcription factor Npas4 contributes to adolescent development of prefrontal inhibitory circuits, and to cognitive and emotional functions: Implications for neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 99:36-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
|
33
|
Chow TJ, Tee SF, Yong HS, Tang PY. Genetic Association of TCF4 and AKT1 Gene Variants with the Age at Onset of Schizophrenia. Neuropsychobiology 2017; 73:233-40. [PMID: 27305091 DOI: 10.1159/000446285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age at onset (AAO) is a known prognostic indicator for schizophrenia and is hypothesized to correlate with cognition and symptom severity. TCF4 and AKT1 are schizophrenia risk genes involved in cognitive functions. The current study examined the interactive effects of TCF4 and AKT1 variants with gender, family history of psychiatric disorders and ethnicity on the AAO of schizophrenia. METHODS This study consisted of 322 patients with schizophrenia meeting the DSM-IV criteria. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TCF4 (rs12966547, rs8766, rs2958182, rs9960767, rs10401120 and rs17512836) and seven AKT1 SNPs (rs2498804, rs3803304, rs2494732, rs3730358, rs1130214, rs2498784 and rs3803300) were genotyped using the TaqMan® SNP genotyping-based assays method. The relationship of AAO with each variant was investigated using analyses of covariance. RESULTS Among the TCF4 variants, rs12966547 (p = 0.024) and rs8766 (p = 0.021) were significantly associated with earlier AAO. We found a lower average AAO in patients with the AA genotype of rs12966547, while the CT genotype of rs8766 was demonstrated to have a protective effect on AAO. For rs8766, there was significant gene × gender interaction (p = 0.012) in influencing AAO. However, these results were not significant after false discovery rate correction. Significant gene × ethnicity interactions were observed to influence AAO (p < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier curve of the minor AA genotype of rs12966547 displayed a significant trend (p = 0.008) for onset after 19 years of age. Similarly, the minor CC genotype of rs8766 showed a significantly (p = 0.034) lower AAO compared to the TT genotype. CONCLUSION Our analyses suggest that individual risk genotypes may influence the risk of schizophrenia in an age-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tze Jen Chow
- Department of Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Tunku Abdul Rahman University, Kajang, Malaysia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Sex differences in animal models of schizophrenia shed light on the underlying pathophysiology. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:41-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
35
|
Levels and actions of neuroactive steroids in the nervous system under physiological and pathological conditions: Sex-specific features. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:25-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
36
|
Mendrek A, Mancini-Marïe A. Sex/gender differences in the brain and cognition in schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 67:57-78. [PMID: 26743859 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The early conceptualizations of schizophrenia have noted some sex/gender differences in epidemiology and clinical expression of the disorder. Over the past few decades, the interest in differences between male and female patients has expanded to encompass brain morphology and neurocognitive function. Despite some variability and methodological shortcomings, a few patterns emerge from the available literature. Most studies of gross neuroanatomy show more enlarged ventricles and smaller frontal lobes in men than in women with schizophrenia; finding reflecting normal sexual dimorphism. In comparison, studies of brain asymmetry and specific corticolimbic structures, suggest a disturbance in normal sexual dimorphism. The neurocognitive findings are somewhat consistent with this picture. Studies of cognitive functions mediated by the lateral frontal network tend to show sex differences in patients which are in the same direction as those observed in the general population, whereas studies of processes mediated by the corticolimbic system more frequently reveal reversal of normal sexual dimorphisms. These trends are faint and future research would need to delineate neurocognitive differences between men and women with various subtypes of schizophrenia (e.g., early versus late onset), while taking into consideration hormonal status and gender of tested participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Mendrek
- Department of Psychology, Bishop's University, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Adham Mancini-Marïe
- Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Centre neuchâtelois de psychiatrie, Neuchâtel, Suisse
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hölter SM, Garrett L, Einicke J, Sperling B, Dirscherl P, Zimprich A, Fuchs H, Gailus-Durner V, Hrabě de Angelis M, Wurst W. Assessing Cognition in Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 5:331-358. [DOI: 10.1002/9780470942390.mo150068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine M. Hölter
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - Lillian Garrett
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - Jan Einicke
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - Bettina Sperling
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - Petra Dirscherl
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
| | - Annemarie Zimprich
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
| | - Valerie Gailus-Durner
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
| | - Martin Hrabě de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- Technical University of Munich, Department of Experimental Genetics; Munich Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research; Neuherberg Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich Germany
- Technical University of Munich, Department of Developmental Genetics; Munich Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases; Munich Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy); Munich Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tan GKN, Tee SF, Tang PY. Genetic association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in dystrobrevin binding protein 1 gene with schizophrenia in a Malaysian population. Genet Mol Biol 2015; 38:138-46. [PMID: 26273215 PMCID: PMC4530642 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-4757382220140142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrobrevin binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) gene is pivotal in regulating the glutamatergic system. Genetic variants of the DTNBP1 affect cognition and thus may be particularly relevant to schizophrenia. We therefore evaluated the association of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with schizophrenia in a Malaysian population (171 cases; 171 controls). Associations between these six SNPs and schizophrenia were tested in two stages. Association signals with p < 0.05 and minor allele frequency > 0.05 in stage 1 were followed by genotyping the SNPs in a replication phase (stage 2). Genotyping was performed with sequenced specific primer (PCR-SSP) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In our sample, we found significant associations between rs2619522 (allele p = 0.002, OR = 1.902, 95%CI = 1.266 – 2.859; genotype p = 0.002) and rs2619528 (allele p = 0.008, OR = 1.606, 95%CI = 1.130 – 2.281; genotype p = 6.18 × 10−5) and schizophrenia. Given that these two SNPs may be associated with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, further studies on the other DTNBP1 variants are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Kang Ning Tan
- Department of Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shiau Foon Tee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pek Yee Tang
- Department of Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Strauss ME, McLouth CJ, Barch DM, Carter CS, Gold JM, Luck SJ, MacDonald AW, Ragland JD, Ranganath C, Keane BP, Silverstein SM. Temporal stability and moderating effects of age and sex on CNTRaCS task performance. Schizophr Bull 2014; 40:835-44. [PMID: 23817024 PMCID: PMC4059430 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbt089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Research in schizophrenia has increasingly focused on incorporating measures from cognitive neuroscience, but little is known about their psychometric characteristics. Here, we extend prior research by reporting on temporal stability, as well as age and sex effects, for cognitive neuroscience paradigms optimized as part of the Cognitive Neuroscience Test Reliability and Clinical applications for Schizophrenia consortium. Ninety-nine outpatients with schizophrenia and 131 healthy controls performed 5 tasks assessing 4 constructs at 3 sessions. The constructs were (1) Goal maintenance (Dot Probe Expectancy [DPX] and AX continuous performance tasks [AX-CPT]); (2) Episodic memory (Relational and Item-Specific Encoding and Retrieval task [RiSE]); (3) Visual integration (Jittered Orientation Visual Integration task [JOVI]); and (4) Perceptual gain control (Contrast-Contrast Effect Task [CCE]). Patients performed worse than controls on all but the CCE, and the magnitude of these group differences was stable across sessions, with no sex differences observed. Improvements over sessions were seen for the AX-CPT, the DPX, and the JOVI though practice effects for the AX-CPT and the DPX were primarily present in older participants. For the AX-CPT and the JOVI, practice effects were larger for T1 to T2 than for T2 to T3. Age was associated with poor associative recognition on the RiSE and accuracy on the JOVI. Test-rest reliability ranged from poor for the JOVI threshold score to adequate to good for the DPX, AX-CPT, and JOVI accuracy measures, with RiSE and CCE measures in the moderate range. These results suggest that group differences in DPX, AX-CPT, RiSE, and JOVI are robust and consistent across repeated testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milton E Strauss
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM;
| | | | - Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychology, Washington University, St Louis, MO
| | | | - James M Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Steven J Luck
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | | | | | | | - Brian P Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ; Center for Cognitive Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Steven M Silverstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mesholam-Gately RI, Gibson LE, Seidman LJ, Green AI. Schizophrenia and co-occurring substance use disorder: reward, olfaction and clozapine. Schizophr Res 2014; 155:45-51. [PMID: 24685823 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD), including alcohol, are common in schizophrenia (SZ) and are associated with poor outcome. Emerging data suggest that individuals with SZ have a dysfunctional brain reward circuit that may underlie their frequent use of alcohol and other substances, and further, that the atypical antipsychotic, clozapine (CLOZ), limits alcohol/substance use in these individuals, potentially by ameliorating this brain reward circuit dysfunction. To explore this hypothesis, reward functioning in a SZ sample with a history of co-occurring SUD, treated with either CLOZ (n=13) or typical antipsychotic agents (TYP), haloperidol or fluphenazine (n=14), as well as healthy controls (n=16), was evaluated through ratings of pleasurable and aversive odors, stimuli that are processed by several neural structures thought to play a key role in processing rewarding stimuli. Results suggest that CLOZ treatment is associated with broadening and strengthening the hedonic experience of these rewarding olfactory stimuli, both of a pleasant and unpleasant nature. This hedonic appraisal of odors appeared to be independent of odor perception (intensity ratings) and clinical symptoms. These preliminary findings provide important new data in support of the hypothesis that CLOZ ameliorates some aspects of abnormal brain reward functioning in individuals with co-occurring SZ and SUD. Further research may have valuable treatment implications for this population including interventions for other reward-associated deficits in learning, social interactions and other aspects of behavior and cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquelle I Mesholam-Gately
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Mental Health Center Public Psychiatry Division of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lauren E Gibson
- Psychology Department, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Larry J Seidman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Mental Health Center Public Psychiatry Division of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan I Green
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Hanover, NH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kamath V, Turetsky BI, Calkins ME, Kohler CG, Conroy CG, Borgmann-Winter K, Gatto DE, Gur RE, Moberg PJ. Olfactory processing in schizophrenia, non-ill first-degree family members, and young people at-risk for psychosis. World J Biol Psychiatry 2014; 15:209-18. [PMID: 22070564 PMCID: PMC3922881 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2011.615862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While deficits in odor identification and discrimination have been reported in schizophrenia, few studies have examined the relative specificity of these deficits in patients and at-risk youth. METHOD Sniffin' Sticks odor identification and discrimination were assessed in schizophrenia outpatients and non-ill first-degree relatives (Study One), as well as youth at clinical (CR) or genetic (GR) risk for schizophrenia (Study Two). Scores were z-transformed, using the performance of a demographically-matched adult or adolescent comparison group. RESULTS Patients and relatives were impaired on odor identification, but odor discrimination impairment was limited to the patient group. A similar pattern of impairment emerged in at-risk youth. GR youth were impaired on odor identification but not discrimination, while CR youth were impaired on both tasks. In patients, olfactory impairment was correlated with negative symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that CR youth are impaired on both olfactory tasks, as observed in adult schizophrenia patients. GR youth were impaired only on odor identification like their adult counterparts. These data suggest that odor identification impairment, in isolation, may represent a genetic marker of vulnerability for schizophrenia, while odor discrimination deficits may be a biomarker associated with the development of psychosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vidyulata Kamath
- Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA,Correspondence to: Vidya Kamath, Ph.D., Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 3400 Spruce Street, 10 Floor – Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Telephone: 215.839.9193 Fax: 215.662.7903
| | - Bruce I. Turetsky
- Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA,Smell and Taste Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Monica E. Calkins
- Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Christian G. Kohler
- Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Catherine G. Conroy
- Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Karin Borgmann-Winter
- Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA,Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Dana E. Gatto
- Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Raquel E. Gur
- Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA,Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Paul J. Moberg
- Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA,Smell and Taste Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zanelli J, Morgan K, Dazzan P, Morgan C, Russo M, Pilecka I, Fearon P, Demjaha A, Doody GA, Jones PB, Murray RM, Reichenberg A. Gender differences in neuropsychological performance across psychotic disorders--a multi-centre population based case-control study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77318. [PMID: 24204806 PMCID: PMC3810462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with schizophrenia and other psychoses exhibit a wide range of neuropsychological deficits. An unresolved question concerns whether there are gender differences in cognitive performance. METHODS Data were derived from a multi-centre population based case-control study of patients with first-episode psychosis. A neuropsychological test battery was administered to patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (N=70, 36% females), bipolar/mania (N=34, 60% females), depressive psychosis (N=36, 58% females) and healthy controls (N=148, 55% females). Generalized and specific cognitive deficits were compared. RESULTS There was strong evidence for disorder-specific gender differences in neuropsychological performance. Males and females with schizophrenia showed similar pervasive neuropsychological impairments. In psychotic depressive disorder females performed worse than males across neuropsychological measures. Differences in neuropsychological performance between males and females with bipolar/manic disorder were restricted to language functions. Symptom severity did not contribute to the observed gender differences. CONCLUSIONS Early in the course of psychotic illness, gender related factors appear to moderate the severity of cognitive deficits in depressive psychosis and bipolar/mania patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Zanelli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Morgan
- Department of Psychology, Westminster University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Dazzan
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Morgan
- Centre for Public Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manuela Russo
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Izabela Pilecka
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Fearon
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arsime Demjaha
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gill A. Doody
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Peter B. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robin M. Murray
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Abraham Reichenberg
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kayser J, Tenke CE, Kroppmann CJ, Alschuler DM, Ben-David S, Fekri S, Bruder GE, Corcoran CM. Olfaction in the psychosis prodrome: electrophysiological and behavioral measures of odor detection. Int J Psychophysiol 2013; 90:190-206. [PMID: 23856353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Smell identification deficits (SIDs) are relatively specific to schizophrenia and its negative symptoms, and may predict transition to psychosis in clinical high-risk (CHR) individuals. Moreover, event-related potentials (ERPs) to odors are reduced in schizophrenia. This study examined whether CHR patients show SIDs and abnormal olfactory N1 and P2 potentials. ERPs (49 channels) were recorded from 21 CHR and 20 healthy participants (13 males/group; ages 13-27 years) during an odor detection task using three concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or blank air presented unilaterally by a constant-flow olfactometer. Neuronal generator patterns underlying olfactory ERPs were identified and measured by principal components analysis (unrestricted Varimax) of reference-free current source densities (CSD). Replicating previous findings, CSD waveforms to H2S stimuli were characterized by an early N1 sink (345 ms, lateral-temporal) and a late P2 source (600 ms, mid-frontocentroparietal). N1 and P2 varied monotonically with odor intensity (strong > medium > weak) and did not differ across groups. Patients and controls also showed comparable odor detection and had normal odor identification and thresholds (Sniffin' Sticks). However, olfactory ERPs strongly reflected differences in odor intensity and detection in controls, but these associations were substantially weaker in patients. Moreover, severity of negative symptoms in patients was associated with reduced olfactory ERPs and poorer odor detection, identification and thresholds. Three patients who developed psychosis had poorer odor detection and thresholds, and marked reductions of N1 and P2. Thus, despite the lack of overall group differences, olfactory measures may be of utility in predicting transition to psychosis among CHR patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ramos-Loyo J, Medina-Hernández V, Estarrón-Espinosa M, Canales-Aguirre A, Gómez-Pinedo U, Cerdán-Sánchez LF. Sex differences in lipid peroxidation and fatty acid levels in recent onset schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 44:154-61. [PMID: 23421976 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in the symptomatology and course of illness have been reported among schizophrenic patients. Hence, the principal objective of the present study was to investigate sex differences in the concentrations of the lipid peroxidation metabolites MDA and 4-HNE, and in the membrane phospholipid levels of ARA, EPA and DHA in patients with schizophrenia. A total of 46 paranoid schizophrenics (25 women) with short-term evolution who were in an acute psychotic stage and 40 healthy controls (23 women) participated in the study. Psychopathology was evaluated by BPRS and PANSS. Lipid peroxidation sub-products (MDA, 4-HNE) and fatty acid levels (ARA, EPA, DHA) were determined in erythrocyte membranes. The men in both groups showed higher lipid peroxidation levels and those values were higher in schizophrenic patients than controls, with only EPA fatty acid concentrations found to be lower in the former than the latter. These results suggest that men may suffer greater oxidative neuronal damage than women, and that this could worsen the course of illness and result in greater disease severity.
Collapse
|
45
|
Kao YC, Liu YP, Lien YJ, Lin SJ, Lu CW, Wang TS, Loh CH. The influence of sex on cognitive insight and neurocognitive functioning in schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 44:193-200. [PMID: 23419242 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Revised: 01/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Both impaired insight and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are core features of this disorder. Previous studies have demonstrated the complex relationships between neurocognition and cognitive insight, as well as the contribution of neurocognition in explaining cognitive insight. However, there is lack of research regarding the influences of sex on the relation of neurocognition and cognitive insight. The present study sought to elucidate sex differences in cognitive insight and neurocognition in schizophrenia. Seventy three outpatients (male=39) with DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. The participants were assessed with cognitive insight using the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, executive functions using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, sustained attention using the Conner's Continuous Performance Test (Second Edition), and intelligence using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third version, respectively. Sex differences in demographic and clinical variables were small; nevertheless, female patients had significantly later age of illness onset and higher levels of formal education than males (p<0.05). Poor cognitive insight was attributed to impairment in performance of executive function and sustained attention. Results from hierarchical regression analyses indicated sex as a moderator only in the association between cognitive insight and executive function. Our findings support an association between poor cognitive insight and neurocognitive impairment in outpatients with schizophrenia and suggest that the relationship may be sex-specific. This study highlights potential targets for effective intervention and rehabilitation in improving patients' insight toward mental illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Kao
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital Songshan Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kaneda A, Katagai T, Yasui-Furukori N. Comparing the influences of age and disease on the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia in Japanese patients with schizophrenia. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2013; 9:1203-8. [PMID: 23983469 PMCID: PMC3748053 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s43280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) is an evaluation of cognitive function that can be completed with more cases. However, there are few studies that compare which factor, disease or aging, is a better determinant of performance on the BACS. The present study aimed to investigate the influences of disease and aging on BACS performance in schizophrenic patients using subjects with a wide range of ages. METHODS Schizophrenic patients (n = 165) and a comparison group (n = 171) were recruited as subjects. All participants completed the Japanese language version of the BACS (BACS-J), and the influences of disease and aging on performance in the BACS were examined with the use of multiple regression analysis. RESULTS There was a significant influence of diagnosis and level of education on all six tasks of the BACS and the performance and composite scores. In addition, age was found to influence five tasks and the composite score, the duration of illness influenced four tasks and the composite score, and gender influenced one task and the composite score. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that performance on the BACS was impaired not only by disease but also by level of education and aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Kaneda
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan ; Department of Psychiatry, Kuroishi-Akebono Hospital, Kuroishi, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Han M, Huang XF, Chen DC, Xiu MH, Hui L, Liu H, Kosten TR, Zhang XY. Gender differences in cognitive function of patients with chronic schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 39:358-63. [PMID: 22820676 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2012] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenic patients have cognitive impairments, but gender differences in these cognitive deficits have had limited study. This study assessed cognitive functioning in 471 subjects including 122 male and 78 female schizophrenic patients and 141 male and 130 female healthy controls. We found that immediate memory, language, delayed memory and total RBANS scores were significantly decreased in schizophrenia compared with healthy controls for both genders. Male patients had significant lower immediate memory, delayed memory and total RBANS scores than female patients, and healthy controls showed a similar gender difference. The RBANS showed modest correlations with PANSS scores, duration of illness and antipsychotic dose (chlorpromazine equivalents). Almost all RBANS scores in the schizophrenics and healthy controls showed significant positive correlations with education. Thus, patients of both sexes with schizophrenia experienced more deteriorated performance than healthy controls on cognitive domains of immediate memory, language and delayed memory. Furthermore, male schizophrenic patients had more serious cognitive deficits than female patients in immediate and delayed memory, but not in language, visuospatial and attention indices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Han
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
The peak in incidence for schizophrenia is during late adolescence for both sexes, but within this time frame the peak is both earlier and steeper for males. Additionally, women have a second peak in incidence following menopause. Two meta-analyses have reported that men have an overall ∼40% greater chance of developing schizophrenia than do women (Aleman et al., 2003; McGrath et al., 2004). These and other findings have led to the suggestion that ovarian hormones may be protective against schizophrenia. Less explored is the potential role of testosterone in schizophrenia, although disruptions in steroid levels have also been reported in men with the illness. The relationship between increased gonadal hormone release per se and peri-adolescent vulnerability for psychiatric illness is difficult to tease apart from other potentially contributory factors in clinical studies, as adolescence is a turbulent period characterized by many social and biological changes. Despite the obvious opportunity provided by animal research, surprisingly little basic science effort has been devoted to this important issue. On the other hand, the animal work offers an understanding of the many ways in which gonadal steroids exert a powerful impact on the brain, both shaping its development and modifying its function during adulthood. Recently, investigators using preclinical models have described a greater male vulnerability to neurodevelopmental insults that are associated with schizophrenia; such studies may provide clinically relevant insights into the role of gonadal steroids in psychiatric illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Markham
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland-Baltimore School of Medicine, P.O. Box 21247, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Doty RL. Olfaction in Parkinson's disease and related disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 46:527-52. [PMID: 22192366 PMCID: PMC3429117 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Revised: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction is an early 'pre-clinical' sign of Parkinson's disease (PD). The present review is a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of such dysfunction in PD and related disorders. The olfactory bulb is implicated in the dysfunction, since only those syndromes with olfactory bulb pathology exhibit significant smell loss. The role of dopamine in the production of olfactory system pathology is enigmatic, as overexpression of dopaminergic cells within the bulb's glomerular layer is a common feature of PD and most animal models of PD. Damage to cholinergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic systems is likely involved, since such damage is most marked in those diseases with the most smell loss. When compromised, these systems, which regulate microglial activity, can influence the induction of localized brain inflammation, oxidative damage, and cytosolic disruption of cellular processes. In monogenetic forms of PD, olfactory dysfunction is rarely observed in asymptomatic gene carriers, but is present in many of those that exhibit the motor phenotype. This suggests that such gene-related influences on olfaction, when present, take time to develop and depend upon additional factors, such as those from aging, other genes, formation of α-synuclein- and tau-related pathology, or lowered thresholds to oxidative stress from toxic insults. The limited data available suggest that the physiological determinants of the early changes in PD-related olfactory function are likely multifactorial and may include the same determinants as those responsible for a number of other non-motor symptoms of PD, such as dysautonomia and sleep disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Doty
- Smell & Taste Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tsai PC, McDowd J, Tang TC, Su CY. Processing Speed Mediates Gender Differences in Memory in Schizophrenia. Clin Neuropsychol 2012; 26:626-40. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2012.678887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|