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Guan Z. Alterations in Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Various Cognitive Impairments. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e70069. [PMID: 39370620 PMCID: PMC11456617 DOI: 10.1111/cns.70069] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a typical symptom of both neurodegenerative and certain other diseases. In connection with these different pathologies, the etiology and neurological and metabolic changes associated with cognitive impairment must differ. Until these characteristics and differences are understood in greater detail, pharmacological treatment of the different forms of cognitive impairment remains suboptimal. Neurotransmitter receptors, including neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), dopamine receptors, and glutamine receptors, play key roles in the functions and metabolisms of the brain. Among these, the role of nAChRs in the development of cognitive impairment has attracted more and more attention. The present review summarizes what is presently known concerning the structure, distribution, metabolism, and function of nAChRs, as well as their involvement in major cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, vascular dementia, schizophrenia, and diabetes mellitus. As will be discussed, the relevant scientific literature reveals clearly that the α4β2 and α7 nAChR subtypes and/or subunits of the receptors play major roles in maintaining cognitive function and in neuroprotection of the brain. Accordingly, focusing on these as targets of drug therapy can be expected to lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as AD and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi‐Zhong Guan
- Department of PathologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangP.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic DiseasesGuizhou Medical University, Ministry of Education and Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular BiologyGuiyangP.R. China
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2
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Weinstein JJ, Moeller SJ, Perlman G, Gil R, Van Snellenberg JX, Wengler K, Meng J, Slifstein M, Abi-Dargham A. Imaging the Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter in Schizophrenia: A Positron Emission Tomography Study Using [ 18F]-VAT. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 96:352-364. [PMID: 38309322 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite longstanding interest in the central cholinergic system in schizophrenia (SCZ), cholinergic imaging studies with patients have been limited to receptors. Here, we conducted a proof-of-concept positron emission tomography study using [18F]-VAT, a new radiotracer that targets the vesicular acetylcholine transporter as a proxy measure of acetylcholine transmission capacity, in patients with SCZ and explored relationships of vesicular acetylcholine transporter with clinical symptoms and cognition. METHODS A total of 18 adult patients with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder (the SCZ group) and 14 healthy control participants underwent a positron emission tomography scan with [18F]-VAT. Distribution volume (VT) for [18F]-VAT was derived for each region of interest, and group differences in VT were assessed with 2-sample t tests. Functional significance was explored through correlations between VT and scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and a computerized neurocognitive battery (PennCNB). RESULTS No group differences in [18F]-VAT VT were observed. However, within the SCZ group, psychosis symptom severity was positively associated with VT in multiple regions of interest, with the strongest effects in the hippocampus, thalamus, midbrain, cerebellum, and cortex. In addition, in the SCZ group, working memory performance was negatively associated with VT in the substantia innominata and several cortical regions of interest including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS In this initial study, the severity of 2 important features of SCZ-psychosis and working memory deficit-was strongly associated with [18F]-VAT VT in several cortical and subcortical regions. These correlations provide preliminary evidence of cholinergic activity involvement in SCZ and, if replicated in larger samples, could lead to a more complete mechanistic understanding of psychosis and cognitive deficits in SCZ and the development of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi J Weinstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos School of Medicine and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.
| | - Scott J Moeller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Greg Perlman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Roberto Gil
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jared X Van Snellenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Kenneth Wengler
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos School of Medicine and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York; Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jiayan Meng
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Mark Slifstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Anissa Abi-Dargham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos School of Medicine and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
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3
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Hyatt AS, Mulvaney-Day N, Chow CM, Cook BL, DeLisi LE. Association between electronic nicotine product use and subsequent first episode psychosis. Psychiatry Res 2024; 334:115785. [PMID: 38377800 PMCID: PMC10984181 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Tobacco use has been established as a possible risk factor for psychosis, but the effect of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ex. nicotine vapes) has not been independently established. Using the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study, we found that use of electronic nicotine products was significantly associated with later first episode psychosis after controlling for substance use and other confounders, and that this relationship was only significant among the heaviest users (>20 puffs/day). Given the rapid rise in electronic nicotine products use, clinicians and public health professionals should consider potential impacts and closely monitor trends in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Hyatt
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Norah Mulvaney-Day
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Clifton M Chow
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Benjamin Lê Cook
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Lynn E DeLisi
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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4
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Gott JA, Stücker S, Kanske P, Haaker J, Dresler M. Acetylcholine and metacognition during sleep. Conscious Cogn 2024; 117:103608. [PMID: 38042119 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2023.103608] [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] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator involved in a variety of cognitive functions. Additionally, acetylcholine is involved in the regulation of REM sleep: cholinergic neurons in the brainstem and basal forebrain project to and innervate wide areas of the cerebral cortex, and reciprocally interact with other neuromodulatory systems, to produce the sleep-wake cycle and different sleep stages. Consciousness and cognition vary considerably across and within sleep stages, with metacognitive capacity being strikingly reduced even during aesthetically and emotionally rich dream experiences. A notable exception is the phenomenon of lucid dreaming-a rare state whereby waking levels of metacognitive awareness are restored during sleep-resulting in individuals becoming aware of the fact that they are dreaming. The role of neurotransmitters in these fluctuations of consciousness and cognition during sleep is still poorly understood. While recent studies using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors suggest a potential role of acetylcholine in the occurrence of lucid dreaming, the underlying mechanisms by which this effect is produced remains un-modelled and unknown; with the causal link between cholinergic mechanisms and upstream psychological states being complex and elusive. Several theories and approaches targeting the association between acetylcholine and metacognition during wakefulness and sleep are highlighted in this review, moving through microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic levels of analysis to detail this phenomenon at several organisational scales. Several exploratory hypotheses will be developed to guide future research towards fully articulating how metacognition is affected by activity at the acetylcholine receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod A Gott
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sina Stücker
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Haaker
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Dresler
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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5
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Dondé C, Kantrowitz JT, Medalia A, Saperstein AM, Balla A, Sehatpour P, Martinez A, O'Connell MN, Javitt DC. Early auditory processing dysfunction in schizophrenia: Mechanisms and implications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 148:105098. [PMID: 36796472 PMCID: PMC10106448 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a major mental disorder that affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide. Cognitive deficits are a key feature of the disorder and a primary cause of long-term disability. Over the past decades, significant literature has accumulated demonstrating impairments in early auditory perceptual processes in schizophrenia. In this review, we first describe early auditory dysfunction in schizophrenia from both a behavioral and neurophysiological perspective and examine their interrelationship with both higher order cognitive constructs and social cognitive processes. Then, we provide insights into underlying pathological processes, especially in relationship to glutamatergic and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction models. Finally, we discuss the utility of early auditory measures as both treatment targets for precision intervention and as translational biomarkers for etiological investigation. Altogether, this review points out the crucial role of early auditory deficits in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, in addition to major implications for early intervention and auditory-targeted approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Dondé
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France; INSERM, U1216, F-38000 Grenoble, France; Psychiatry Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France; Psychiatry Department, CH Alpes-Isère, F-38000 Saint-Egrève, France.
| | - Joshua T Kantrowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States; Schizophrenia Research Center, Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States
| | - Alice Medalia
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Alice M Saperstein
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Andrea Balla
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States
| | - Pejman Sehatpour
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States; Division of Experimental Therapeutics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Antigona Martinez
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States; Division of Experimental Therapeutics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Monica N O'Connell
- Translational Neuroscience Division, Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States
| | - Daniel C Javitt
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States; Division of Experimental Therapeutics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
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6
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Lipopolysaccharide Exacerbates Ketamine-Induced Psychotic-Like Behavior, Oxidative Stress, and Neuroinflammation in Mice: Ameliorative Effect of Diosmin. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:129-142. [PMID: 36652038 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia, a neuropsychiatric disorder has been associated with aberrant neurotransmission affecting behaviors, social preference, and cognition. Limitations in understanding its pathogenesis via the dopamine hypothesis have engendered other hypotheses such as the glutamate hypothesis. That antagonism of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) elicits schizophrenia-like behaviors indistinguishable from the disorder in animal and human models. There are growing concerns that redox imbalance and neuro-immuno dysfunction may play role in aggravating the symptomologies of this disorder. This 14-day treatment study was designed to investigate the effect of diosmin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus ketamine (NMDAR antagonist). Mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 6). Group 1 was administered 5% DMSO (10 mL/kg, i.p) while group 2-4 received LPS (0.1 mg/kg, i.p) daily for 14 days. Diosmin (50 mg/kg, i.p) and risperidone (0.5 mg/kg, i.p) were given to groups 3 and 4 respectively. Groups 2-4 were given KET (20 mg/kg, i.p.) daily from days 8-14. Behavioral tests were done 30 min after the last dose, and oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory maker were assayed. LPS plus ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion, stereotypy, decreased social preference, and memory impairment. Furthermore, LPS plus-ketamine-induced oxidative stress (reduced GSH, CAT, SOD, and increased MDA and nitrite levels) and marked pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 suggesting neuroinflammation. However, diosmin attenuated behavioral deficits and improved memory. Additionally, diosmin potentiated antioxidant level via increased GSH, CAT, and SOD while reducing MDA and nitrite levels. Finally, diosmin reduced TNF-α and IL-6 suggesting anti-neuro-immuno activity. Conclusively, diosmin attenuated LPS plus ketamine-induced behavioral deficits, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and improved memory.
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7
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Moghadam PR, Lotfi S, Askari N, Beheshti-Marnani A. Concurrent detection of low levels of two important neurotransmitters in real physiological samples by a nano-needle metal oxide hybridized with graphene oxide. Chem Phys Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2022.140044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Grinevich VP, Zakirov AN, Berseneva UV, Gerasimova EV, Gainetdinov RR, Budygin EA. Applying a Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry to Explore Dopamine Dynamics in Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091533. [PMID: 35563838 PMCID: PMC9100021 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Progress in the development of technologies for the real-time monitoring of neurotransmitter dynamics has provided researchers with effective tools for the exploration of etiology and molecular mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. One of these powerful tools is fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV), a technique which has progressively been used in animal models of diverse pathological conditions associated with alterations in dopamine transmission. Indeed, for several decades FSCV studies have provided substantial insights into our understanding of the role of abnormal dopaminergic transmission in pathogenetic mechanisms of drug and alcohol addiction, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, etc. Here we review the applications of FSCV to research neuropsychiatric disorders with particular attention to recent technological advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir P. Grinevich
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
| | - Amir N. Zakirov
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
| | - Uliana V. Berseneva
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
| | - Elena V. Gerasimova
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
| | - Raul R. Gainetdinov
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine and St. Petersburg State University Hospital, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb. 7-9, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Evgeny A. Budygin
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Spasova V, Mehmood S, Minhas A, Azhar R, Anand S, Abdelaal S, Sham S, Chauhan TM, Dragas D. Impact of Nicotine on Cognition in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e24306. [PMID: 35475247 PMCID: PMC9020415 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine is the psychoactive component given tobacco has several main components and acts as an agonist for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the nervous system. Although the ligand-gated cation channels known as nAChRs are found throughout the nervous system and body, this review focuses on neuronal nAChRs. Individuals with psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, comorbid substance use disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, major depression, and bipolar disorder have increased rates of smoking. These psychiatric disorders are associated with various cognitive deficits, including working memory, deficits in attention, and response inhibition functions. The cognitive-enhancing effects of nicotine may be particularly relevant predictors of smoking initiation and continuation in this comorbid population. Individuals with schizophrenia make up a significant proportion of smokers. Literature suggests that patients smoke to alleviate cognitive deficiencies due to the stimulating effects of nicotine. This narrative review examines the role of nicotine on cognition in schizophrenia.
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Vlcek P, Bob P. Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Pre-Attentional Inhibitory Deficits. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:821-827. [PMID: 35422621 PMCID: PMC9005071 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s352157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
According to recent findings schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as separate disease entities manifest similarities in neuropsychological functioning. Typical disturbances in both disorders are related to sensory gating deficits characterized by decreased inhibitory functions in responses to various insignificant perceptual signals which are experimentally tested by event related potentials (ERP) and measured P50 wave. In this context, recent findings implicate that disrupted binding and disintegration of consciousness in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that are related to inhibitory deficits reflected in P50 response may explain similarities in psychotic disturbances in both disorders. With this aim, this review summarizes literature about P50 in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Premysl Vlcek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Bob
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry and UHSL, First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, & Faculty of Medicine Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Ward HB, Brady RO, Halko MA, Lizano P. Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Nicotine Dependence in Schizophrenia: A Mini Review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:824878. [PMID: 35222123 PMCID: PMC8863675 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.824878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with schizophrenia are 10 times more likely to have a tobacco use disorder than the general population. Up to 80% of those with schizophrenia smoke tobacco regularly, a prevalence three-times that of the general population. Despite the striking prevalence of tobacco use in schizophrenia, current treatments are not tailored to the pathophysiology of this population. There is growing support for use of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to treat substance use disorders (SUDs), particularly for tobacco use in neurotypical smokers. NIBS interventions targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex have been effective for nicotine dependence in control populations-so much so that transcranial magnetic stimulation is now FDA-approved for smoking cessation. However, this has not borne out in the studies using this approach in schizophrenia. We performed a literature search to identify articles using NIBS for the treatment of nicotine dependence in people with schizophrenia, which identified six studies. These studies yielded mixed results. Is it possible that nicotine has a unique effect in schizophrenia that is different than its effect in neurotypical smokers? Individuals with schizophrenia may receive additional benefit from nicotine's pro-cognitive effects than control populations and may use nicotine to improve brain network abnormalities from their illness. Therefore, clinical trials of NIBS interventions should test a schizophrenia-specific target for smoking cessation. We propose a generalized approach whereby schizophrenia-specific brain circuitry related to SUDs is be identified and then targeted with NIBS interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Burrell Ward
- Department of Neurology, Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Roscoe O Brady
- Department of Neurology, Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark A Halko
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paulo Lizano
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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12
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Stuke H. Markers of muscarinic deficit for individualized treatment in schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1100030. [PMID: 36699495 PMCID: PMC9868756 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1100030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical studies have shown that agonists at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors effectively reduce schizophrenia symptoms. It is thus conceivable that, for the first time, a second substance class of procholinergic antipsychotics could become established alongside the usual antidopaminergic antipsychotics. In addition, various basic science studies suggest that there may be a subgroup of schizophrenia in which hypofunction of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors is of etiological importance. This could represent a major opportunity for individualized treatment of schizophrenia if markers can be identified that predict response to procholinergic vs. antidopaminergic interventions. In this perspective, non-response to antidopaminergic antipsychotics, specific symptom patterns like visual hallucinations and strong disorganization, the presence of antimuscarinic antibodies, ERP markers such as mismatch negativity, and radiotracers are presented as possible in vivo markers of muscarinic deficit and thus potentially of response to procholinergic therapeutics. Finally, open questions and further research steps are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiner Stuke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Sex differences in P50 inhibition defects with psychopathology and cognition in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110380. [PMID: 34111493 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110380] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large number of studies have shown that the pathophysiology of schizophrenia may be involved in sensory gating that appears to be P50 inhibition. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between clinical symptoms, cognitive impairment and sensory gating disorders in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to explore the sex differences in the relationship between clinical symptoms, cognitive impairment and P50 inhibition defects in patients with first-episode schizophrenia, which has not been reported. METHODS 130 patients with first-episode schizophrenia (53 males and 77 females) and 189 healthy controls (87 males and 102 females) participated in the study. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the patients' psychopathological symptoms, and the 64-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) system was used to record the P50 inhibition. RESULTS Male patients had higher PANSS negative symptom, general psychopathology, cognitive factor and total scores than female patients (all p < 0.01). The S1 amplitude was smaller in male than female patients (all p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that in male patients, S1 latency was contributor to negative symptoms, while S1 latency, S2 latency, age, and smoking status were contributors to cognitive factor (all p < 0.05). In female patients, no P50 component was found to be an independent contributor to PANSS scores (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that there is a sex difference in the relationship between clinical symptoms, cognitive impairment and P50 inhibition defects in Chinese Han patients with first-episode schizophrenia.
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Batool S, Akhter B, Zaidi J, Visser F, Petrie G, Hill M, Syed NI. Neuronal Menin Overexpression Rescues Learning and Memory Phenotype in CA1-Specific α7 nAChRs KD Mice. Cells 2021; 10:3286. [PMID: 34943798 PMCID: PMC8699470 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The perturbation of nicotinic cholinergic receptors is thought to underlie many neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia. We previously identified that the tumor suppressor gene, MEN1, regulates both the expression and synaptic targeting of α7 nAChRs in the mouse hippocampal neurons in vitro. Here we sought to determine whether the α7 nAChRs gene expression reciprocally regulates the expression of menin, the protein encoded by the MEN1 gene, and if this interplay impacts learning and memory. We demonstrate here that α7 nAChRs knockdown (KD) both in in vitro and in vivo, initially upregulated and then subsequently downregulated menin expression. Exogenous expression of menin using an AAV transduction approach rescued α7 nAChRs KD mediated functional and behavioral deficits specifically in hippocampal (CA1) neurons. These effects involved the modulation of the α7 nAChR subunit expression and functional clustering at the synaptic sites. Our data thus demonstrates a novel and important interplay between the MEN1 gene and the α7 nAChRs in regulating hippocampal-dependent learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadab Batool
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.B.); (B.A.); (F.V.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Basma Akhter
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.B.); (B.A.); (F.V.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Jawwad Zaidi
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
| | - Frank Visser
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.B.); (B.A.); (F.V.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Gavin Petrie
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.B.); (B.A.); (F.V.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Matthew Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (S.B.); (B.A.); (F.V.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Naweed I. Syed
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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15
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Wang X, Xiao H, Wang J, Huang Z, Peng G, Xie W, Bian X, Liu H, Shi C, Yang T, Li X, Gao J, Meng Y, Jiang Q, Chen W, Hu F, Wei N, Wang X, Zhang L, Wang K, Sun Q. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Triazine Derivatives as Positive Allosteric Modulators of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12379-12396. [PMID: 34374537 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Enhancing neuronal α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) function can alleviate cognitive deficits. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of N-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine derivatives 8-10 as a series of novel α7 nAChR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). The representative compound 10e functions as a type I PAM with an EC50 of 3.0 μM and approximately 38-fold enhancement of α7 current in the presence of agonist acetylcholine (100 μM). It specifically enhances α7 current with high selectivity. Compound 10e shows good pharmacokinetic property in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of 10e (3 mg/kg) exhibits sufficient blood-brain barrier penetration in mice. Furthermore, 10e can also rescue the auditory gating deficit in mice with schizophrenia-like behavior. Molecular docking of 10e with homopentameric α7 nAChR reveals a new mode of action. These results support the potential of 10e for treatment for schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Molecualr and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Haoran Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Zongze Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Geng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wenjun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Molecualr and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiling Bian
- Department of Molecualr and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Huijie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Cheng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Taoyi Yang
- Department of Molecualr and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Molecualr and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qianchen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Fang Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Ningning Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
- Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liangren Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - KeWei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
- Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Qi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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16
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Gulsevin A, Papke RL, Stokes C, Tran HNT, Jin AH, Vetter I, Meiler J. The Allosteric Activation of α7 nAChR by α-Conotoxin MrIC Is Modified by Mutations at the Vestibular Site. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080555. [PMID: 34437426 PMCID: PMC8402416 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
α-conotoxins are 13–19 amino acid toxin peptides that bind various nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes. α-conotoxin Mr1.7c (MrIC) is a 17 amino acid peptide that targets α7 nAChR. Although MrIC has no activating effect on α7 nAChR when applied by itself, it evokes a large response when co-applied with the type II positive allosteric modulator PNU-120596, which potentiates the α7 nAChR response by recovering it from a desensitized state. A lack of standalone activity, despite activation upon co-application with a positive allosteric modulator, was previously observed for molecules that bind to an extracellular domain allosteric activation (AA) site at the vestibule of the receptor. We hypothesized that MrIC may activate α7 nAChR allosterically through this site. We ran voltage-clamp electrophysiology experiments and in silico peptide docking calculations in order to gather evidence in support of α7 nAChR activation by MrIC through the AA site. The experiments with the wild-type α7 nAChR supported an allosteric mode of action, which was confirmed by the significantly increased MrIC + PNU-120596 responses of three α7 nAChR AA site mutants that were designed in silico to improve MrIC binding. Overall, our results shed light on the allosteric activation of α7 nAChR by MrIC and suggest the involvement of the AA site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alican Gulsevin
- Center for Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Roger L. Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (R.L.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Clare Stokes
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (R.L.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Hue N. T. Tran
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (H.N.T.T.); (A.H.J.); (I.V.)
| | - Aihua H. Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (H.N.T.T.); (A.H.J.); (I.V.)
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (H.N.T.T.); (A.H.J.); (I.V.)
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jens Meiler
- Center for Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA;
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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17
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Abstract
The α7-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is one of the most unique and interesting of all the members of the cys-loop superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels. Since it was first identified initially as a binding site for α-bungarotoxin in mammalian brain and later as a functional homomeric receptor with relatively high calcium permeability, it has been pursued as a potential therapeutic target for numerous indications, from Alzheimer disease to asthma. In this review, we discuss the history and state of the art for targeting α7 receptors, beginning with subtype-selective agonists and the basic pharmacophore for the selective activation of α7 receptors. A key feature of α7 receptors is their rapid desensitization by standard "orthosteric" agonist, and we discuss insights into the conformational landscape of α7 receptors that has been gained by the development of ligands binding to allosteric sites. Some of these sites are targeted by positive allosteric modulators that have a wide range of effects on the activation profile of the receptors. Other sites are targeted by direct allosteric agonist or antagonists. We include a perspective on the potential importance of α7 receptors for metabotropic as well as ionotropic signaling. We outline the challenges that exist for future development of drugs to target this important receptor and approaches that may be considered to address those challenges. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The α7-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is acknowledged as a potentially important therapeutic target with functional properties associated with both ionotropic and metabotropic signaling. The functional properties of α7 nAChR can be regulated in diverse ways with the variety of orthosteric and allosteric ligands described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L Papke
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.L.P) and Chemistry (N.A.H.), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Nicole A Horenstein
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.L.P) and Chemistry (N.A.H.), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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18
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Huang J, Tong J, Zhang P, Zhou Y, Cui Y, Tan S, Wang Z, Yang F, Kochunov P, Chiappelli J, Tian B, Tian L, Tan Y, Hong LE. Effects of neuroactive metabolites of the tryptophan pathway on working memory and cortical thickness in schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:198. [PMID: 33795641 PMCID: PMC8016899 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of tryptophan metabolites known to be neuroactive have been examined for their potential associations with cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Among these metabolites, kynurenic acid (KYNA), 5-hydroxyindole (5-HI), and quinolinic acid (QUIN) are documented in their diverse effects on α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and/or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), two of the receptor types thought to contribute to cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. In this study, serum levels of KYNA, 5-HI, and QUIN were measured in 195 patients with schizophrenia and in 70 healthy controls using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; cognitive performance in MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery and cortical thickness measured by magnetic resonance imaging were obtained. Patients with schizophrenia had significantly lower serum KYNA (p < 0.001) and QUIN (p = 0.02) levels, and increased 5-HI/KYNA (p < 0.001) and QUIN/KYNA ratios (p < 0.001) compared with healthy controls. Multiple linear regression showed that working memory was positively correlated with serum 5-HI levels (t = 2.10, p = 0.04), but inversely correlated with KYNA concentrations (t = -2.01, p = 0.05) in patients. Patients with high 5-HI and low KYNA had better working memory than other subgroups (p = 0.01). Higher 5-HI levels were associated with thicker left lateral orbitofrontal cortex (t = 3.71, p = 2.94 × 10-4) in patients. The different effects of 5-HI and KYNA on working memory may appear consistent with their opposite receptor level mechanisms. Our findings appear to provide a new insight into the dynamic roles of tryptophan pathway metabolites on cognition, which may benefit novel therapeutic development that targets cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchao Huang
- grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghui Tong
- grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfang Zhou
- grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yimin Cui
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuping Tan
- grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiren Wang
- grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fude Yang
- grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peter Kochunov
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Joshua Chiappelli
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Baopeng Tian
- grid.414351.60000 0004 0530 7044Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Tian
- grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Yunlong Tan
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - L. Elliot Hong
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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19
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Recio-Barbero M, Segarra R, Zabala A, González-Fraile E, González-Pinto A, Ballesteros J. Cognitive Enhancers in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Alpha-7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonists for Cognitive Deficits and Negative Symptoms. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:631589. [PMID: 33889097 PMCID: PMC8055861 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.631589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Schizophrenia is a severe and enduring disease and is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Cognitive impairment is a core clinical symptom that plays a crucial role in functional outcomes and prognosis, thus making it a relevant treatment target. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists (α7 nAChR) as adjunctive treatment to enhance cognition and ameliorate negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: A search strategy was developed for MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to May 2019. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared antipsychotic treatment plus α7 nAChR agonists with antipsychotic treatment plus placebo and determined their effects on the main cognitive domains proposed by the MATRICS initiative and on negative symptoms. Two authors independently reviewed study eligibility and data extraction and assessed the risk of bias of the studies included. According to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework, we used a random-effects model and assessed the quality of the evidence. Results: Thirteen studies were included in the quantitative analysis. No differences were found in any of the cognitive domains assessed in four RCTs (n = 414). In contrast, nine RCTs (n = 978) presented a small effect in support of α7 nAChR agonists for negative symptoms [standardized mean difference -0.28, 95% CI (-0.56 to -0.00); P = 0.05], even though the confidence to support this evidence is low according to the GRADE system. Conclusions: Current evidence is too weak to consider α7 nAChR agonists as an effective add-on treatment to antipsychotics to enhance cognition and negative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Segarra
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arantzazu Zabala
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana González-Pinto
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Javier Ballesteros
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Gulsevin A, Meiler J, Horenstein NA. A Computational Analysis of the Factors Governing the Dynamics of α7 nAChR and Its Homologs. Biophys J 2020; 119:1656-1669. [PMID: 33010233 PMCID: PMC7642335 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a homopentameric ion channel from the Cys-loop receptor superfamily targeted for psychiatric indications and inflammatory pain. Molecular dynamics studies of the receptor have focused on residue mobility and global conformational changes to address receptor function. However, a comparative analysis of α7 with its homologs that cannot trigger channel opening has not been made so far. To identify the residues involved in α7 activation, we ran triplicate 500-ns molecular dynamics simulations with an α7 extracellular domain homology model and two acetylcholine-binding protein homologs. We tested the effect of ligand binding and amino acid sequence on the structure and dynamics of the three proteins. We found that mobile regions identified based on root mean-square deviation and root mean-square fluctuation values are not always consistent among the individual α7 extracellular domain simulations. Comparison of the replica-average properties of the three proteins based on dynamic cross-correlation maps showed that ligand binding affects the coupling between the C-loop and the Cys-loop, vestibular loop, and β1-β2 loops. In addition, the main-immunogenic-region-like domain of α7 went through correlated motions with multiple domains of the receptor. These correlated motions were absent or diminished in α7 homologs, suggesting a unique role in α7 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alican Gulsevin
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry Division, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
| | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Leipzig University Medical School, Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicole A Horenstein
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry Division, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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21
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Gulsevin A. Nicotinic receptor pharmacology in silico: Insights and challenges. Neuropharmacology 2020; 177:108257. [PMID: 32738311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are homo- or hetero-pentameric ligand-gated ion channels of the Cys-loop superfamily and play important roles in the nervous system and muscles. Studies on nAChR benefit from in silico modeling due to the lack of high-resolution structures for most receptor subtypes and challenges in experiments addressing the complex mechanism of activation involving allosteric sites. Although there is myriad of computational modeling studies on nAChR, the multitude of the methods and parameters used in these studies makes modeling nAChR a daunting task, particularly for the non-experts in the field. To address this problem, the modeling literature on Torpedo nAChR and α7 nAChR were focused on as examples of heteromeric and homomeric nAChR, and the key in silico modeling studies between the years 1995-2019 were concisely reviewed. This was followed by a critical analysis of these studies by comparing the findings with each other and with the emerging experimental and computational data on nAChR. Based on these critical analyses, suggestions were made to guide the future researchers in the field of in silico modeling of nAChR. This article is part of the special issue on 'Contemporary Advances in Nicotine Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alican Gulsevin
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA, 37221.
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22
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da Cruz JR, Shaqiri A, Roinishvili M, Favrod O, Chkonia E, Brand A, Figueiredo P, Herzog MH. Neural Compensation Mechanisms of Siblings of Schizophrenia Patients as Revealed by High-Density EEG. Schizophr Bull 2020; 46:1009-1018. [PMID: 31961928 PMCID: PMC7345810 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbz133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Visual backward masking (VBM) deficits are candidate endophenotypes of schizophrenia indexing genetic liability of the disorder. In VBM, a target is followed by a mask that deteriorates target perception. Schizophrenia patients and, to a lesser extent, their unaffected relatives show strong and reproducible VBM deficits. In patients, VBM deficits are associated with strongly decreased amplitudes in the evoked-related potentials (ERPs). Here, to unveil the neural mechanisms of VBM in schizophrenia, circumventing illness-specific confounds, we investigated the electroencephalogram correlates of VBM in unaffected siblings of schizophrenia patients. We tested 110 schizophrenia patients, 60 siblings, and 83 healthy controls. As in previous studies, patients showed strong behavioral deficits and decreased ERP amplitudes compared to controls. Surprisingly, the ERP amplitudes of siblings were even higher than the ones of controls, while their performances were similar. ERP amplitudes in siblings were found to correlate with performance. These results suggest that VBM is deteriorated in patients and siblings. However, siblings, unlike patients, can partially compensate for the deficits by over-activating a network of brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janir R da Cruz
- Laboratory of Psychophysics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland,Institute for Systems and Robotics – Lisbon (LARSyS) and Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,To whom correspondence should be addressed; CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; tel: +41 21 693 17 42, fax: +41 21 693 1749, e-mail:
| | - Albulena Shaqiri
- Laboratory of Psychophysics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maya Roinishvili
- Laboratory of Vision Physiology, Beritashvili Centre of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi, Georgia,Institute of Cognitive Neurosciences, Free University of Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Ophélie Favrod
- Laboratory of Psychophysics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eka Chkonia
- Institute of Cognitive Neurosciences, Free University of Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia,Department of Psychiatry, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Andreas Brand
- Laboratory of Psychophysics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrícia Figueiredo
- Institute for Systems and Robotics – Lisbon (LARSyS) and Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Michael H Herzog
- Laboratory of Psychophysics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Caton M, Ochoa ELM, Barrantes FJ. The role of nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission in delusional thinking. NPJ SCHIZOPHRENIA 2020; 6:16. [PMID: 32532978 PMCID: PMC7293341 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-020-0105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Delusions are a difficult-to-treat and intellectually fascinating aspect of many psychiatric illnesses. Although scientific progress on this complex topic has been challenging, some recent advances focus on dysfunction in neural circuits, specifically in those involving dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Here we review the role of cholinergic neurotransmission in delusions, with a focus on nicotinic receptors, which are known to play a part in some illnesses where these symptoms appear, including delirium, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, Parkinson, Huntington, and Alzheimer diseases. Beginning with what we know about the emergence of delusions in these illnesses, we advance a hypothesis of cholinergic disturbance in the dorsal striatum where nicotinic receptors are operative. Striosomes are proposed to play a central role in the formation of delusions. This hypothesis is consistent with our current knowledge about the mechanism of action of cholinergic drugs and with our abstract models of basic cognitive mechanisms at the molecular and circuit levels. We conclude by pointing out the need for further research both at the clinical and translational levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Caton
- The Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Santa Rosa Department of Psychiatry, 2235 Mercury Way, Santa Rosa, CA, 95047, USA
- Heritage Oaks Hospital, 4250 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA, 95841, USA
| | - Enrique L M Ochoa
- Heritage Oaks Hospital, 4250 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA, 95841, USA
- Volunteer Clinical Faculty, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at Davis, 2230 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Francisco J Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Faculty of Medical Sciences, UCA-CONICET, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, C1107AFF, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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P50 inhibition deficit in patients with chronic schizophrenia: Relationship with cognitive impairment of MATRICS consensus cognitive battery. Schizophr Res 2020; 215:105-112. [PMID: 31780341 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive impairment is a core symptom of schizophrenia (SCZ); however, its pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. The sensory gating (SG) deficits reflected by P50 inhibition are recurring in SCZ, and this inhibition may be related to the cognitive deficits seen in these individuals. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between P50 inhibition and cognitive dysfunction in SCZ, which has not been fully investigated up to this point. METHODS A total of 270 individuals with chronic SCZ and 116 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Psychopathology of SCZ was rated by the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), while cognitive function and P50 inhibition of subjects were assessed by the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and the electroencephalography system. RESULTS The MCCB total and its 10 index scores were significantly lower in patients than those in healthy controls (all p < 0.001). SCZ patients had a lower amplitude of S1, and higher P50 ratio than healthy controls (both p < 0.01). However, there were no significant correlations between the P50 ratio and any of the PANSS total and its subscale scores in SCZ patients (all p > 0.05). Moreover, no correlation was found between the P50 components and the MCCB scores (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the P50 inhibition deficits occur in Chinese individuals with SCZ, which may not be associated with their clinical symptoms and cognitive impairment.
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Gulsevin A, Papke RL, Horenstein N. In Silico Modeling of the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor: New Pharmacological Challenges Associated with Multiple Modes of Signaling. Mini Rev Med Chem 2020; 20:841-864. [PMID: 32000651 PMCID: PMC8719523 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200130105256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a homopentameric ion-channel of the Cys-loop superfamily characterized by its low probability of opening, high calcium permeability, and rapid desensitization. The α7 receptor has been targeted for the treatment of the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease, but it is also involved in inflammatory modulation as a part of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Despite its functional importance, in silico studies of the α7 receptor cannot produce a general model explaining the structural features of receptor activation, nor predict the mode of action for various ligand classes. Two particular problems in modeling the α7 nAChR are the absence of a high-resolution structure and the presence of five potentially nonequivalent orthosteric ligand binding sites. There is wide variability regarding the templates used for homology modeling, types of ligands investigated, simulation methods, and simulation times. However, a systematic survey focusing on the methodological similarities and differences in modeling α7 has not been done. In this work, we make a critical analysis of the modeling literature of α7 nAChR by comparing the findings of computational studies with each other and with experimental studies under the main topics of structural studies, ligand binding studies, and comparisons with other nAChR. In light of our findings, we also summarize current problems in the field and make suggestions for future studies concerning modeling of the α7 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alican Gulsevin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7200, United States
| | - Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Nicole Horenstein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7200, United States
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Liu W, Su K. A Review on the Receptor-ligand Molecular Interactions in the Nicotinic Receptor Signaling Systems. Pak J Biol Sci 2019; 21:51-66. [PMID: 30221881 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2018.51.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine is regarded as the main active addictive ingredient in tobacco products driving continued tobacco abuse behavior (smoking) to the addiction behavior, whereas nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) is the crucial effective apparatus or molecular effector of nicotine and acetylcholine and other similar ligands. Many nAChR subunits have been revealed to bind to either neurotransmitters or exogenous ligands, such as nicotine and acetylcholine, being involved in the nicotinic receptor signal transduction. Therefore, the nicotinic receptor signalling molecules and the receptor-ligand molecular interactions between nAChRs and their ligands are universally regarded as crucial mediators of cellular functions and drug targets in medical treatment and clinical diagnosis. Given numerous endeavours have been made in defining the roles of nAChRs in response to nicotine and other addictive drugs, this review focuses on studies and reports in recent years on the receptor-ligand interactions between nAChR receptors and ligands, including lipid-nAChR and protein-nAChR molecular interactions, relevant signal transduction pathways and their molecular mechanisms in the nicotinic receptor signalling systems. All the references were carefully retrieved from the PubMed database by searching key words "nicotine", "acetylcholine", "nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(s)", "nAChR*", "protein and nAChR", "lipid and nAChR", "smok*" and "tobacco". All the relevant referred papers and reports retrieved were fully reviewed for manual inspection. This effort intend to get a quick insight and understanding of the nicotinic receptor signalling and their molecular interactions mechanisms. Understanding the cellular receptor-ligand interactions and molecular mechanisms between nAChRs and ligands will lead to a better translational and therapeutic operations and outcomes for the prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction and other chronic drug addictions in the brain's reward circuitry.
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Kozak K, Lowe DJE, George TP. Effects of Tobacco Smoking Status on Verbal Learning and Memory in Patients With Schizophrenia and Non-Psychiatric Controls. Am J Addict 2019; 28:503-511. [PMID: 31291035 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Patients with schizophrenia have higher rates of tobacco smoking compared to the general population. Moreover, these patients have deficits in cognition, including verbal learning and memory. However, it is not clear whether smoking status alters verbal learning and memory in schizophrenia. We examined the effects of smoking abstinence and reinstatement on verbal learning and memory in people with schizophrenia and nonpsychiatric controls and other cognitive domains as exploratory. METHODS Smoking participants (N = 28; 14 schizophrenia smokers; 14 nonpsychiatric smokers) were studied under smoking satiated, overnight abstinence and smoking reinstatement conditions. Nonsmokers ( n = 30; 15 schizophrenia nonsmokers; 15 nonpsychiatric nonsmokers) were also studied. A comprehensive cognitive battery was administered including verbal learning and memory using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R). RESULTS A 2 (diagnosis) × 2 (smoking status) repeated measures analysis of variance with time (session) as the within-subjects factor and diagnosis and smoking status as the between-subject factors was performed for HVLT-R and other cognitive outcomes. Smoking abstinence produced a decline in verbal memory of the HVLT discrimination index in smokers with schizophrenia that was partially revised by reinstatement, although trends for other HVLT measures were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Acute cigarette smoking and abstinence may selectively alter verbal learning and memory deficits in smokers with schizophrenia compared to nonpsychiatric smoking controls and nonsmokers, but additional studies are needed to confirm the preliminary findings in this small sample. (Am J Addict 2019;00:1-9).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kozak
- Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
| | - Darby J E Lowe
- Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
| | - Tony P George
- Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Division of Brain and Therapeutics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
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28
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Sun LL, Yang TY, Wei NN, Lu W, Jiao WX, Zhou QQ, Miao YZ, Gao Q, Wang XT, Sun Q, Wang K. Pharmacological characterization of JWX-A0108 as a novel type I positive allosteric modulator of α7 nAChR that can reverse acoustic gating deficits in a mouse prepulse inhibition model. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:737-745. [PMID: 30333556 PMCID: PMC6786413 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0163-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) is a ligand-gated Ca2+-permeable homopentameric ion channel implicated in cognition and neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacological enhancement of α7 nAChR function has been suggested for improvement of cognitive deficits. In the present study, we characterized a thiazolyl heterocyclic derivative, 6-(2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2-((3-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)amino)thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7(6H)-one (JWX-A0108), as a novel type I α7 nAChR positive allosteric modulator (PAM), and evaluated its ability to reverse auditory gating and spatial working memory deficits in mice. In Xenopus oocytes expressing human nAChR channels, application of JWX-A0108 selectively enhanced α7 nAChR-mediated inward current in the presence of the agonist ACh (EC50 value = 4.35 ± 0.12 µM). In hippocampal slices, co-application of ACh and JWX-A0108 (10 µM for each) markedly increased both the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) recorded in pyramidal neurons, but JWX-A0108 did not affect GABA-induced current in oocytes expressing human GABAA receptor α1β3γ2 and α5β3γ2 subtypes. In mice with MK-801-induced deficits in auditory gating, administration of JWX-A0108 (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently attenuates MK-801-induced auditory gating deficits in five prepulse intensities (72, 76, 80, 84, and 88 dB). Furthermore, administration of JWX-A0108 (0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reversed MK-801-induced impaired spatial working memory in mice. Our results demonstrate that JWX-A0108 is a novel type I PAM of α7 nAChR, which may be beneficial for improvement of cognitive deficits commonly found in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lan Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Tao-Yi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ning-Ning Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Wen-Xuan Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qi-Qi Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Yong-Zhen Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Qin Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Xin-Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - KeWei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, 266021, China.
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Novel Approach for the Search for Chemical Scaffolds with Dual Activity with Acetylcholinesterase and the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-A Perspective for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030446. [PMID: 30691196 PMCID: PMC6384821 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, belong to the group of the most difficult and challenging conditions with very limited treatment options. Attempts to find new drugs in most cases fail at the clinical stage. New tactics to develop better drug candidates to manage these diseases are urgently needed. It is evident that better understanding of the neurodegeneration process is required and targeting multiple receptors may be essential. Herein, we present a novel approach, searching for dual active compounds interacting with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) using computational chemistry methods including homology modelling and high throughput virtual screening. Activities of identified hits were evaluated at the two targets using the colorimetric method of Ellman and two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology, respectively. Out of 87,250 compounds from a ZINC database of natural products and their derivatives, we identified two compounds, 8 and 9, with dual activity and balanced IC50 values of 10 and 5 µM at AChE, and 34 and 14 µM at α7 nAChR, respectively. This is the first report presenting successful use of virtual screening in finding compounds with dual mode of action inhibiting both the AChE enzyme and the α7 nAChR and shows that computational methods can be a valuable tool in the early lead discovery process.
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30
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Lucatch AM, Lowe DJE, Clark RC, Kozak K, George TP. Neurobiological Determinants of Tobacco Smoking in Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:672. [PMID: 30574101 PMCID: PMC6291492 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose of review: To provide an overview of the underlying neurobiology of tobacco smoking in schizophrenia, and implications for treatment of this comorbidity. Recent findings: Explanations for heavy tobacco smoking in schizophrenia include pro-cognitive effects of nicotine, and remediation of the underlying pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Nicotine may ameliorate neurochemical deficits through nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) located on the dopamine, glutamate, and GABA neurons. Neurophysiological indices including electroencephalography, electromyography, and smooth pursuit eye movement (SPEM) paradigms may be biomarkers for underlying neuronal imbalances that contribute to the specific risk of tobacco smoking initiation, maintenance, and difficulty quitting within schizophrenia. Moreover, several social factors including socioeconomic factors and permissive smoking culture in mental health facilities, may contribute to the smoking behaviors (initiation, maintenance, and inability to quit smoking) within this disorder. Summary: Tobacco smoking may alleviate specific symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings and psychosocial determinants of this comorbidity may better explain these potential beneficial effects, while also providing important insights into effective treatments for smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya M. Lucatch
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Darby J. E. Lowe
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel C. Clark
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karolina Kozak
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tony P. George
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division and Brain and Therapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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31
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Otto SL, Yakel JL. The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors regulate hippocampal adult-neurogenesis in a sexually dimorphic fashion. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 224:829-846. [PMID: 30515567 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1799-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Disruption in cholinergic signaling has been linked to many environmental and/or pathological conditions known to modify adult neurogenesis. The α7 nAChRs are in the family of cys-loop receptor channels which have been shown to be neuroprotective in adult neurons and are thought to be critical for survival and integration of immature neurons. However, in developing neurons, poor calcium buffering may cause α7 nAChR activation to be neurotoxic. To investigate whether the α7 nAChR regulates neurogenesis in the hippocampus, we used a combination of mouse genetics and imaging to quantify neural stem cell (NSC) densities located in the dentate gyrus of adult mice. In addition, we considered whether the loss of α7 nAChRs had functional consequences on a spatial discrimination task that is thought to rely on pattern separation mechanisms. We found that the loss of α7 nAChRs resulted in increased neurogenesis in male mice only, while female mice showed increased cell divisions and intermediate progenitors but no change in neurogenesis. Knocking out the α7 nAChR from nestin+ NSCs and their progeny showed signaling in these cells contributes to regulating neurogenesis. In addition, male, but not female, mice lacking α7 nAChRs performed significantly worse in the spatial discrimination task. This task was sexually dimorphic in wild-type mice, but not in the absence of α7 nAChRs. We conclude that α7 nAChRs regulate adult neurogenesis and impact spatial discrimination function in male, but not female mice, via a mechanism involving nestin+ NSCs and their progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone L Otto
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, P.O. box 12233, Mail Drop F2-08, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Jerrel L Yakel
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, P.O. box 12233, Mail Drop F2-08, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
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Datta D, Arnsten AF. Unique Molecular Regulation of Higher-Order Prefrontal Cortical Circuits: Insights into the Neurobiology of Schizophrenia. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2127-2145. [PMID: 29470055 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is associated with core deficits in cognitive abilities and impaired functioning of the newly evolved prefrontal association cortex (PFC). In particular, neuropathological studies of schizophrenia have found selective atrophy of the pyramidal cell microcircuits in deep layer III of the dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC) and compensatory weakening of related GABAergic interneurons. Studies in monkeys have shown that recurrent excitation in these layer III microcircuits generates the precisely patterned, persistent firing needed for working memory and abstract thought. Importantly, excitatory synapses on layer III spines are uniquely regulated at the molecular level in ways that may render them particularly vulnerable to genetic and/or environmental insults. Glutamate actions are remarkably dependent on cholinergic stimulation, and there are inherent mechanisms to rapidly weaken connectivity, e.g. during stress. In particular, feedforward cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-calcium signaling rapidly weakens network connectivity and neuronal firing by opening nearby potassium channels. Many mechanisms that regulate this process are altered in schizophrenia and/or associated with genetic insults. Current data suggest that there are "dual hits" to layer III dlPFC circuits: initial insults to connectivity during the perinatal period due to genetic errors and/or inflammatory insults that predispose the cortex to atrophy, followed by a second wave of cortical loss during adolescence, e.g. driven by stress, at the descent into illness. The unique molecular regulation of layer III circuits may provide a nexus where inflammation disinhibits the neuronal response to stress. Understanding these mechanisms may help to illuminate dlPFC susceptibility in schizophrenia and provide insights for novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyadeep Datta
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Amy F.T. Arnsten
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
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Yohn SE, Conn PJ. Positive allosteric modulation of M 1 and M 4 muscarinic receptors as potential therapeutic treatments for schizophrenia. Neuropharmacology 2018; 136:438-448. [PMID: 28893562 PMCID: PMC5844786 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Current antipsychotic drugs provide symptomatic relief for positive symptoms of schizophrenia, but do not offer symptom management for negative and cognitive symptoms. In addition, many patients discontinue treatment due to adverse side effects. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop more effective and safe treatment options. Although the etiology of schizophrenia is unclear, considerable data from post-mortem, neuroimaging and neuropharmacology studies support a role of the muscarinic acetylcholine (mAChRs) in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Substantial evidence suggests that activation of mAChRs has the potential to treat all symptom domains of schizophrenia. Despite encouraging results in demonstrating efficacy, clinical trials of nonselective mAChR agonists were limited in their clinical utility due to dose-limiting peripheral side effects. Accordingly, efforts have been made to specifically target centrally located M1 and M4 mAChR subtypes devoid of adverse-effect liability. To circumvent this limitation, there have been tremendous advances in the discovery of ligands that bind at allosteric sites, binding sites distinct from the orthosteric site, which are structurally less conserved and thereby afford high levels of receptor subtype selectivity. The discovery of subtype-specific allosteric modulators has greatly advanced our understanding of the physiological role of various muscarinic receptor subtypes in schizophrenia and the potential utility of M1 and M4 mAChR subtypes as targets for the development of novel treatments for schizophrenia and related disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Neuropharmacology on Muscarinic Receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Yohn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
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CHRFAM7A gene expression in schizophrenia: clinical correlates and the effect of antipsychotic treatment. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:741-748. [PMID: 29305655 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1833-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Earlier studies have implicated CHRNA7, coding α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), and its partially duplicated chimeric gene CHRFAM7A in schizophrenia. However, the relationship between the alterations in peripheral gene expression of CHRFAM7A and severity of clinical symptoms has not been examined. Furthermore, potential influence of the antipsychotic medication on CHRFAM7A expression in drug-naive or drug-free schizophrenia is an unexplored area. CHRFAM7A gene expression in lymphocytes was analyzed in 90 antipsychotic-naïve or free schizophrenia patients using TaqMan-based quantitative RT-PCR. Psychotic symptoms were assessed using Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms and Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS). The relationship between psychopathology and CHRFAM7A expression was examined. In addition, measurement of CHRFAM7A gene expression was repeated during follow-up after short-term antipsychotic treatment in 38 patients. There was significant inverse correlation between CHRFAM7A expression and total negative psychopathology score-SANS, and this relationship persisted after accounting for possible confounders such as age, sex and smoking. On exploration of the factor structure of psychopathology using principal component analysis, all the negative symptoms-affective flattening, alogia, apathy, anhedonia and inattention were found to be inversely associated with CHRFAM7A expression. Furthermore, analysis of repeated measures revealed a significant increase in CHRFAM7A expression in patients after short-term administration of antipsychotic medication. Our study observations support the role for CHRFAM7A gene in schizophrenia pathogenesis and suggest a potential novel link between deficient CHRFAM7A expression and negative psychopathology. Furthermore, up-regulation of CHRFAM7A gene expression by antipsychotics suggests that it could be a potential state marker for clinical severity.
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Calabrò M, Porcelli S, Crisafulli C, Wang SM, Lee SJ, Han C, Patkar AA, Masand PS, Albani D, Raimondi I, Forloni G, Bin S, Cristalli C, Mantovani V, Pae CU, Serretti A. Genetic Variants Within Molecular Targets of Antipsychotic Treatment: Effects on Treatment Response, Schizophrenia Risk, and Psychopathological Features. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 64:62-74. [PMID: 29164477 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-017-1002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a common and severe mental disorder. Genetic factors likely play a role in its pathophysiology as well as in treatment response. In the present study, we investigated the effects of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 9 genes involved with antipsychotic (AP) mechanisms of action. Two independent samples were recruited. The Korean sample included 176 subjects diagnosed with SCZ and 326 healthy controls, while the Italian sample included 83 subjects and 194 controls. AP response as measured by the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) was the primary outcome, while the secondary outcome was the SCZ risk. Exploratory analyses were performed on (1) symptom clusters response (as measured by PANSS subscales); (2) age of onset; (3) family history; and (4) suicide history. Associations evidenced in the primary analyses did not survive to the FDR correction. Concerning SCZ risk, we partially confirmed the associations among COMT and MAPK1 genetic variants and SCZ. Finally, our exploratory analysis suggested that CHRNA7 and HTR2A genes may modulate both positive and negative symptoms responses, while PLA2G4A and SIGMAR1 may modulate respectively positive and negative symptoms responses. Moreover, GSK3B, HTR2A, PLA2G4A, and S100B variants may determine an anticipation of SCZ age of onset. Our results did not support a primary role for the genes investigated in AP response as a whole. However, our exploratory findings suggested that these genes may be involved in symptom clusters response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Calabrò
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Images, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Stefano Porcelli
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Concetta Crisafulli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Images, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sheng-Min Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsu Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ashwin A Patkar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Prakash S Masand
- Global Medical Education, New York, NY, USA
- Academic Medicine Education Institute, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Diego Albani
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Raimondi
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Sofia Bin
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA, St. Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Cristalli
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA, St. Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vilma Mantovani
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA, St. Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chi-Un Pae
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, 2 Sosa-Dong, Wonmi-Gu, Bucheon, Kyeonggi-Do, 420-717, Republic of Korea.
- Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Valentine G, Sofuoglu M. Cognitive Effects of Nicotine: Recent Progress. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:403-414. [PMID: 29110618 PMCID: PMC6018192 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171103152136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking is the main cause of preventable death in developed countries. While the direct positive behavioral reinforcing effect of nicotine has historically been considered the primary mechanism driving the development of TUD, accumulating contemporary research suggests that the cognitive-enhancing effects of nicotine may also significantly contribute to the initiation and maintenance of TUD, especially in individuals with pre-existing cognitive deficits. METHODS We provide a selective overview of recent advances in understanding nicotine's effects on cognitive function, a discussion of the role of cognitive function in vulnerability to TUD, followed by an overview of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the cognitive effects of nicotine. RESULTS Preclinical models and human studies have demonstrated that nicotine has cognitiveenhancing effects. Attention, working memory, fine motor skills and episodic memory functions are particularly sensitive to nicotine's effects. Recent studies have demonstrated that the α4, β2, and α7 subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) participate in the cognitive-enhancing effects of nicotine. Imaging studies have been instrumental in identifying brain regions where nicotine is active, and research on the dynamics of large-scale networks after activation by, or withdrawal from, nicotine hold promise for improved understanding of the complex actions of nicotine on human cognition. CONCLUSION Because poor cognitive performance at baseline predicts relapse among smokers who are attempting to quit smoking, studies examining the potential efficacy of cognitive-enhancement as strategy for the treatment of TUD may lead to the development of more efficacious interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehmet Sofuoglu
- Address correspondence to this author at the Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Tel: 1 203 737 4882; Fax: 1 203 737 3591; E-mail:
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Functional mapping and annotation of genetic associations with FUMA. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1826. [PMID: 29184056 PMCID: PMC5705698 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01261-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2003] [Impact Index Per Article: 286.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A main challenge in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is to pinpoint possible causal variants. Results from GWAS typically do not directly translate into causal variants because the majority of hits are in non-coding or intergenic regions, and the presence of linkage disequilibrium leads to effects being statistically spread out across multiple variants. Post-GWAS annotation facilitates the selection of most likely causal variant(s). Multiple resources are available for post-GWAS annotation, yet these can be time consuming and do not provide integrated visual aids for data interpretation. We, therefore, develop FUMA: an integrative web-based platform using information from multiple biological resources to facilitate functional annotation of GWAS results, gene prioritization and interactive visualization. FUMA accommodates positional, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and chromatin interaction mappings, and provides gene-based, pathway and tissue enrichment results. FUMA results directly aid in generating hypotheses that are testable in functional experiments aimed at proving causal relations. Prioritizing genetic variants is a major challenge in genome-wide association studies. Here, the authors develop FUMA, a web-based bioinformatics tool that uses a combination of positional, eQTL and chromatin interaction mapping to prioritize likely causal variants and genes.
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Mikanmaa E, Grent-'t-Jong T, Hua L, Recasens M, Thune H, Uhlhaas PJ. Towards a neurodynamical understanding of the prodrome in schizophrenia. Neuroimage 2017; 190:144-153. [PMID: 29175199 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of schizophrenia that could inform novel treatment developments is an important objective of current research. This paper will summarize recent work that has investigated changes in oscillatory activity and event-related potentials with Electro/Magnetoencephalography (EEG/MEG) in participants at high-risk for the development of schizophrenia, highlighting disruptions in sensory and cognitive operations prior to the onset of the syndrome. Changes in EEG/MEG-data are consistent with evidence for alterations in Glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission as disclosed by Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and brain stimulation, indicating changes in Excitation/Inhibition balance parameters prior to the onset of psychosis. Together these data emphasize the importance of research into neuronal dynamics as a crucial approach to establish functional relationships between impairments in neural circuits and emerging psychopathology that together could be fundamental for early intervention and the identification of novel treatments for emerging psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Mikanmaa
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Lingling Hua
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marc Recasens
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hanna Thune
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter J Uhlhaas
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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Significance of the nicotinic alpha7 receptor in cognition and antipsychotic-like behavior in the rat. Behav Brain Res 2017; 333:129-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Broyd A, Balzan RP, Woodward TS, Allen P. Dopamine, cognitive biases and assessment of certainty: A neurocognitive model of delusions. Clin Psychol Rev 2017; 54:96-106. [PMID: 28448827 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines the evidence that delusions can be explained within the framework of a neurocognitive model of how the brain assesses certainty. Here, 'certainty' refers to both low-level interpretations of one's environment and high-level (conscious) appraisals of one's beliefs and experiences. A model is proposed explaining how the brain systems responsible for assigning certainty might dysfunction, contributing to the cause and maintenance of delusional beliefs. It is suggested that delusions arise through a combination of perturbed striatal dopamine and aberrant salience as well as cognitive biases such as the tendency to jump to conclusions (JTC) and hypersalience of evidence-hypothesis matches. The role of emotion, stress, trauma and sociocultural factors in forming and modifying delusions is also considered. Understanding the mechanisms involved in forming and maintaining delusions has important clinical implications, as interventions that improve cognitive flexibility (e.g. cognitive remediation therapy and mindfulness training) could potentially attenuate neurocognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Broyd
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College, London, UK
| | - Ryan P Balzan
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Todd S Woodward
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Institute, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul Allen
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College, London, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK.
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Potasiewicz A, Nikiforuk A, Hołuj M, Popik P. Stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine alpha7 receptors rescue schizophrenia-like cognitive impairments in rats. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:260-271. [PMID: 28168926 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116675509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) dysfunction plays an important role in schizophrenia. Positive allosteric modulators of α7 nAChR have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to manage cognitive deficits that are inadequately treated in schizophrenic patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of type I (CCMI) and type II (PNU120596) α7 nAChR positive allosteric modulators to counteract MK-801-induced cognitive and sensorimotor gating deficits. The activity of these compounds was compared with the action of the α7 nAChR agonist A582941. CCMI, PNU120596 and A582941 reversed the sensorimotor gating impairment evoked by MK-801 based on the prepulse inhibition of the startle response. Additionally, no MK-801-evoked working memory deficits were observed with α7 nAChR ligand pretreatment as assessed in a discrete paired-trial delayed alternation task. However, these compounds did not affect the rats' attentional performances in the five-choice serial reaction time test. The α7 nAChR agents demonstrated a beneficial effect on sensorimotor gating and some aspects of cognition tested in a rat model of schizophrenia. Therefore, these results support the use of α7 nAChR positive allosteric modulators as a potential treatment strategy in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Potasiewicz
- 1 Department of Behavioural Neuroscience and Drug Development, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Nikiforuk
- 1 Department of Behavioural Neuroscience and Drug Development, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Hołuj
- 1 Department of Behavioural Neuroscience and Drug Development, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Piotr Popik
- 1 Department of Behavioural Neuroscience and Drug Development, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.,2 Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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Potasiewicz A, Hołuj M, Kos T, Popik P, Arias HR, Nikiforuk A. 3-Furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide, a positive allosteric modulator of the α7 nicotinic receptor, reverses schizophrenia-like cognitive and social deficits in rats. Neuropharmacology 2017; 113:188-197. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Notarangelo FM, Pocivavsek A. Elevated kynurenine pathway metabolism during neurodevelopment: Implications for brain and behavior. Neuropharmacology 2017; 112:275-285. [PMID: 26944732 PMCID: PMC5010529 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation contains several neuroactive metabolites that may influence brain function in health and disease. Mounting focus has been dedicated to investigating the role of these metabolites during neurodevelopment and elucidating their involvement in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders with a developmental component, such as schizophrenia. In this review, we describe the changes in KP metabolism in the brain from gestation until adulthood and illustrate how environmental and genetic factors affect the KP during development. With a particular focus on kynurenic acid, the antagonist of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (α7nACh) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, both implicated in modulating brain development, we review animal models designed to ascertain the role of perinatal KP elevation on long-lasting biochemical, neuropathological, and behavioral deficits later in life. We present new data demonstrating that combining perinatal choline-supplementation, to potentially increase activation of α7nACh receptors during development, with embryonic kynurenine manipulation is effective in attenuating cognitive impairments in adult rat offspring. With these findings in mind, we conclude the review by discussing the advancement of therapeutic interventions that would target not only symptoms, but potentially the root cause of central nervous system diseases that manifest from a perinatal KP insult. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Kynurenine Pathway in Health and Disease'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M Notarangelo
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ana Pocivavsek
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Arnsten AFT, Wang M. Targeting Prefrontal Cortical Systems for Drug Development: Potential Therapies for Cognitive Disorders. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 56:339-60. [PMID: 26738476 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010715-103617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Medications to treat cognitive disorders are increasingly needed, yet researchers have had few successes in this challenging arena. Cognitive abilities in primates arise from highly evolved N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor circuits in layer III of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These circuits have unique modulatory needs that can differ from the layer V neurons that predominate in rodents, but they offer multiple therapeutic targets. Cognitive improvement often requires low doses that enhance the pattern of information held in working memory, whereas higher doses can produce nonspecific changes that obscure information. Identifying appropriate doses for clinical trials may be helped by assessments in monkeys and by flexible, individualized dose designs. The use of guanfacine (Intuniv) for prefrontal cortical disorders was based on research in monkeys, supporting this approach. Coupling our knowledge of higher primate circuits with the powerful methods now available in drug design will help create effective treatments for cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy F T Arnsten
- Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510; ,
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510; ,
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Tidey JW, Cassidy RN, Miller ME. Smoking Topography Characteristics of Very Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes, With and Without Nicotine Replacement, in Smokers With Schizophrenia and Controls. Nicotine Tob Res 2016; 18:1807-12. [PMID: 26995794 PMCID: PMC4978982 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntw089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes to a minimally addictive level has been proposed as a regulatory strategy for reducing tobacco dependence. However, smokers with schizophrenia (SS) may be prone to changing their smoking topography in efforts to compensate for the reduction in nicotine content. The aims of this study were to compare smoking topography characteristics of usual-brand and very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes in SS and control smokers without psychiatric illness (CS), and to determine whether nicotine replacement reversed any changes in topography produced by VLNC cigarettes. METHODS Using a within-subjects, counter-balanced design, SS (n = 27) and CS (n = 23) smoked usual brand cigarettes, VLNC cigarettes while wearing placebo patches (VLNC + PLA), or VLNC cigarettes while wearing transdermal nicotine patches totaling 42mg (VLNC + NIC) during 5-hour ad libitum smoking sessions. Cigarettes were smoked through topography measurement devices. RESULTS Across conditions, SS smoked more puffs per session and per cigarette, had higher cigarette volumes, and had shorter inter-puff intervals than CS (Ps < .01). During VLNC cigarette sessions, puff duration increased and time between puffs decreased, but participants smoked fewer puffs, resulting in a net decrease in cigarette and total session volume (Ps < .001). There were no significant interactions between group and condition. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that acute use of VLNC cigarettes does not increase intensity of smoking in SS, and support the feasibility of a nicotine reduction policy. IMPLICATIONS Reducing the nicotine in cigarettes to a minimally addictive level has been proposed as a means of reducing tobacco dependence. However, smokers, particularly those with schizophrenia (SS) may alter their puffing in an attempt to extract more nicotine from VLNC cigarettes. This study compared smoking topography of usual brand versus VLNC cigarettes, combined with placebo or transdermal nicotine patches, in SS and controls. Although some changes in topography were indicative of compensatory smoking, total puffs and total cigarette volume were reduced with VLNC cigarettes, indicating that acute VLNC cigarette use does not increase smoking in SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer W Tidey
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Rachel N Cassidy
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Mollie E Miller
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI
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Saur T, Cohen BM, Ma Q, Babb SM, Buttner EA, Yao WD. Acute and chronic effects of clozapine on cholinergic transmission in cultured mouse superior cervical ganglion neurons. J Neurogenet 2016; 30:297-305. [PMID: 27627024 PMCID: PMC6061957 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2016.1229779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic dysfunction contributes to cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. The atypical antipsychotic clozapine improves cognition in patients with schizophrenia, possibly through modulation of the cholinergic system. However, little is known about specific underlying mechanisms. We investigated the acute and chronic effects of clozapine on cholinergic synaptic transmission in cultured superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) were detected and were reversibly inhibited by the nicotinic receptor antagonist d-tubocurarine, confirming that the synaptic responses were primarily mediated by nicotinic receptors. Bath application of clozapine at therapeutic concentrations rapidly and reversely inhibited both the amplitude and frequency of sEPSCs in a concentration-dependent manner, without changing either rise or decay time, suggesting that clozapine effects have both presynaptic and postsynaptic origins. The acute effects of clozapine on sEPSCs were recapitulated by chronic treatment of SCG cultures with similar concentrations of clozapine, as clozapine treatment for 4 d reduced the frequency and amplitude of sEPSCs without affecting their kinetics. Cell survival analysis indicated that SCG neuron cell counts after chronic clozapine treatment were comparable to the control group. These results demonstrate that therapeutic concentrations of clozapine suppress nicotinic synaptic transmission in SCG cholinergic synapses, a simple in vitro preparation of cholinergic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taixiang Saur
- a McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Belmont , MA , USA
| | - Bruce M Cohen
- a McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Belmont , MA , USA
| | - Qi Ma
- b New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School , Southborough , MA , USA
| | - Suzann M Babb
- a McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Belmont , MA , USA
| | - Edgar A Buttner
- a McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Belmont , MA , USA
| | - Wei-Dong Yao
- b New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School , Southborough , MA , USA
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De Rossi P, Chiapponi C, Spalletta G. Brain Functional Effects of Psychopharmacological Treatments in Schizophrenia: A Network-based Functional Perspective Beyond Neurotransmitter Systems. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 13:435-44. [PMID: 26412063 PMCID: PMC4790396 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150507223542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychopharmacological treatments for schizophrenia have always been a matter of debate and a very important issue in public health given the chronic, relapsing and disabling nature of the disorder. A thorough understanding of the pros and cons of currently available pharmacological treatments for schizophrenia is critical to better capture the features of treatment-refractory clinical pictures and plan the developing of new treatment strategies. This review focuses on brain functional changes induced by antipsychotic drugs as assessed by modern functional neuroimaging techniques (i.e. fMRI, PET, SPECT, MRI spectroscopy). The most important papers on this topic are reviewed in order to draw an ideal map of the main functional changes occurring in the brain during antipsychotic treatment. This supports the hypothesis that a network-based perspective and a functional connectivity approach are needed to fill the currently existing gap of knowledge in the field of psychotropic drugs and their mechanisms of action beyond neurotransmitter systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gianfranco Spalletta
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179 Rome, Italy.
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Celecoxib Adjunctive Treatment to Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia: A Review of Randomized Clinical Add-On Trials. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:3476240. [PMID: 27524864 PMCID: PMC4976163 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3476240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic and debilitating mental disorder. Past literature has reported various hypotheses about the psychopathology of schizophrenia. Recently, a growing literature has been trying to explain the role of inflammation in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia. In the past, numerous immune modulation and anti-inflammatory treatment options have been proposed for schizophrenia, but sometimes the results were inconsistent. Electronic search was carried out in November 2015. PubMed and Scopus databases have been used to find studies to introduce in this review. Only randomized-placebo-controlled add-on trials were taken into account. In this way, six articles were obtained for the discussion. Celecoxib showed beneficial effects mostly in early stages of schizophrenia. In chronic schizophrenia, the data are controversial, possibly in part for methodological reasons.
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