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Muneoka K, Shirayama Y, Watanabe H, Kimura H. Circulating Neuroactive Steroid Levels in a Patient With Schizophrenia Who Showed Periodic Catatonia. JCEM CASE REPORTS 2023; 1:luad009. [PMID: 37908260 PMCID: PMC10578402 DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Catatonia is an abnormal psychological and behavioral state related to stress. The treatment strategy suggests the involvement of neuroactive steroids in its pathophysiology. We report a hospitalized patient with schizophrenia in whom a catatonic state occurred 7 times in 5.5 years. Blood levels of steroid hormones and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured during the catatonic state and in the intervals between catatonic states (non-catatonic states). Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were significantly higher during catatonia than in the non-catatonic state. Cortisol significantly correlated with the ACTH level, whereas blood DHEAS and progesterone correlated only during the non-catatonic state. In addition, the cortisol to DHEAS ratios did not differ between catatonic and non-catatonic states. Although the correlating elevations of ACTH and cortisol implied activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) in the catatonic state, DHEAS levels did not seem to increase in a manner dependent on the HPA-axis or the production of progesterone. The results suggest that the catatonic state was a neuroendocrinological state of HPA-axis activation with comparable increases in DHEAS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsumasa Muneoka
- Gakuji-Kai Kimura Hospital, Chiba 260-0004, Japan
- Department of Anatomy I, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Shirayama
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Ichihara 299-0111, Japan
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Peixoto C, Carrilho CG, Barros JA, Ribeiro TTSB, Silva LM, Nardi AE, Cardoso A, Veras AB. The effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on sexual function: a systematic review. Climacteric 2017; 20:129-137. [PMID: 28118059 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2017.1279141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Faced with the growing interest about the action of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its benefits, as well as the negative impacts that sexual dysfunctions have on people's quality of life, this systematic review was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the effect of DHEA use on aspects of sexual function. METHOD An electronic search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Virtual Health Library (VHL) combining the terms 'DHEA treatment' and 'DHEA use' with terms such as 'sexual dysfunction', 'sexual frequency' and 'libido'. No limits on time and language were imposed. Clinical studies were considered eligible where individuals for any reason made use of DHEA and if they had any aspect of sexual function assessed. Preclinical studies and systematic reviews were considered ineligible. RESULTS The search identified 183 references and 38 were considered eligible. DHEA improved aspects such as sexual interest, lubrication, pain, arousal, orgasm and sexual frequency. Its effect was better in populations with sexual dysfunction, especially in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION Considering the studies currently published, DHEA is effective in improving several aspects of sexual function, but this effect did not reach all the populations studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Peixoto
- a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Panic and Respiration , Rio de Janeiro , RJ , Brazil.,b Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Thanatology and Psychiatry in other Medical Conditions , Rio de Janeiro , RJ , Brazil.,c Translational Research Group in Mental Health , Dom Bosco Catholic University , Campo Grande , MS , Brazil
| | - C G Carrilho
- c Translational Research Group in Mental Health , Dom Bosco Catholic University , Campo Grande , MS , Brazil
| | - J A Barros
- c Translational Research Group in Mental Health , Dom Bosco Catholic University , Campo Grande , MS , Brazil
| | - T T S B Ribeiro
- c Translational Research Group in Mental Health , Dom Bosco Catholic University , Campo Grande , MS , Brazil
| | - L M Silva
- c Translational Research Group in Mental Health , Dom Bosco Catholic University , Campo Grande , MS , Brazil
| | - A E Nardi
- a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Panic and Respiration , Rio de Janeiro , RJ , Brazil
| | - A Cardoso
- a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Panic and Respiration , Rio de Janeiro , RJ , Brazil.,b Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Thanatology and Psychiatry in other Medical Conditions , Rio de Janeiro , RJ , Brazil.,c Translational Research Group in Mental Health , Dom Bosco Catholic University , Campo Grande , MS , Brazil
| | - A B Veras
- a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Panic and Respiration , Rio de Janeiro , RJ , Brazil.,b Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Thanatology and Psychiatry in other Medical Conditions , Rio de Janeiro , RJ , Brazil.,c Translational Research Group in Mental Health , Dom Bosco Catholic University , Campo Grande , MS , Brazil
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DHEA metabolism to the neurosteroid androsterone: a possible mechanism of DHEA's antidepressant action. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3375-83. [PMID: 26105109 PMCID: PMC6309885 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3991-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in neurosteroid secretion have been implicated in the efficacy of antidepressants. In a previous study, the adrenal androgen DHEA, a precursor of the neurosteroid androsterone, produced antidepressant and libido-enhancing effects in patients with midlife depression. To investigate the mechanisms underlying DHEA's behavioral effects in this same patient group, we examined plasma levels of four additional neurosteroids implicated in the regulation of affective behavior. METHODS Blood samples were assayed for neurosteroids in men (n = 13) and women (n = 10) with midlife depression who previously participated in a crossover study in which DHEA and placebo were administered for 6 weeks each. Depression severity was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Plasma levels of androsterone (ADT), allopregnanolone, pregnanolone, and pregnenolone were measured by GC-MS at baseline and week 6 of each treatment phase. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA-R) and Bonferroni t tests. RESULTS ADT levels (but not allopregnanolone, pregnanolone, and pregnenolone) increased after DHEA but not after placebo (F 2,42 = 3.3, p < 0.05). Post-DHEA ADT levels were higher in women than men [t 63 = 2.9, p < 0.05]. However, in both men and women who met criteria for clinical response on the CES-D, baseline ADT levels significantly increased post-DHEA, and the magnitude of the ADT increase post-DHEA treatment was similar in men and women. Consequently, it was the non-responders who accounted for the sex difference in post-DHEA plasma ADT levels, a difference that was driven by values in two women (the only female non-responders). CONCLUSIONS The small sample size notwithstanding, these data emphasize the potential behavioral relevance of ADT in humans, which may include contribution to the antidepressant effects of DHEA.
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Schüle C, Baghai TC, Eser D, Rupprecht R. Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical system dysregulation and new treatment strategies in depression. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 9:1005-19. [DOI: 10.1586/ern.09.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Genud R, Merenlender A, Gispan-Herman I, Maayan R, Weizman A, Yadid G. DHEA lessens depressive-like behavior via GABA-ergic modulation of the mesolimbic system. Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 34:577-84. [PMID: 18496525 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2008.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the brain can allosterically modulate gamma-aminobutyric-acid-type-A (GABA(A)R), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDAR), and Sigma-1 (sigma 1R) receptors. In humans, DHEA has antidepressive effects; however, the mechanism is unknown. We examined whether alterations in DHEA also occur in an animal model of depression, the Flinders-sensitive-line (FSL) rats, with the intention of determining the brain site of DHEA action and its antidepressant mechanism. We discovered that DHEA levels were lower in some brain regions involved with depression of FSL rats compared to Sprague-Dawley (SD) controls. Moreover, DHEA (1 mg/kg IP for 14 days)-treated FSL rats were more mobile in the forced swim test than FSL controls. In the NAc and VTA, significant changes were observed in the levels of the delta-subunit of GABA(A), but not of sigma 1R mRNA, in FSL rats compared to SD rats. The delta-subunit controls the sensitivity of the GABA(A)R to the neurosteroid. Indeed, treatment (14 days) of FSL rats with the GABA(A) agonist muscimol (0.5 mg/kg), together with DHEA (a negative modulator of GABA(A)), reversed the effect of DHEA on immobility in the swim test. Perfusion of DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) (3 nM and 30 nM for 14 days) into the VTA and NAc of FSL rats improved their performance in the swim test for at least 3 weeks post-treatment. Our results imply that alterations in DHEA are involved in the pathophysiology of depression and that the antidepressant action of DHEA is mediated via GABA(A)Rs in the NAc and VTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rotem Genud
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and The Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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Smith JL, Kupchak BR, Garitaonandia I, Hoang LK, Maina AS, Regalla LM, Lyons TJ. Heterologous expression of human mPRalpha, mPRbeta and mPRgamma in yeast confirms their ability to function as membrane progesterone receptors. Steroids 2008; 73:1160-73. [PMID: 18603275 PMCID: PMC2597464 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2008] [Revised: 05/06/2008] [Accepted: 05/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear progesterone receptor (nPR) mediates many of the physiological effects of progesterone by regulating the expression of genes, however, progesterone also exerts non-transcriptional (non-genomic) effects that have been proposed to rely on a receptor that is distinct from nPR. Several members of the progestin and AdipoQ-Receptor (PAQR) family were recently identified as potential mediators of these non-genomic effects. Membranes from cells expressing these proteins, called mPRalpha, mPRbeta and mPRgamma, were shown to specifically bind progesterone and have G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) characteristics, although other studies dispute these findings. To clarify the role of these mPRs in non-genomic progesterone signaling, we established an assay for PAQR functional evaluation using heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using this assay, we demonstrate unequivocally that mPRalpha, mPRbeta and mPRgamma can sense and respond to progesterone with EC(50) values that are physiologically relevant. Agonist profiles also show that mPRalpha, mPRbeta and mPRgamma are activated by ligands, such as 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, that are known to activate non-genomic pathways but not nPR. These results strongly suggest that these receptors may indeed function as the long-sought-after membrane progesterone receptors. Additionally, we show that two uncharacterized PAQRs, PAQR6 and PAQR9, are also capable of responding to progesterone. These mPR-like PAQRs have been renamed as mPRdelta (PAQR6) and mPRvarepsilon (PAQR9). Additional characterization of mPRgamma and mPRalpha indicates that their progesterone-dependent signaling in yeast does not require heterotrimeric G-proteins, thus calling into question the characterization of the mPRs as a novel class of G-protein coupled receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32601
| | - Brian R. Kupchak
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32601
| | - Ibon Garitaonandia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32601
| | - L. Kim Hoang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32601
| | - Andrew S. Maina
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32601
| | - Lisa M. Regalla
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32601
| | - Thomas J. Lyons
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL 32601
- Corresponding author/reprint requests, University of Florida Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 117200 Gainesville, FL 32611, tel: 352-846-3392, fax: 352-846-2095,
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MacKenzie EM, Odontiadis J, Le Mellédo JM, Prior TI, Baker GBI. The relevance of neuroactive steroids in schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2008; 27:541-74. [PMID: 17235696 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-006-9086-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2006] [Accepted: 05/05/2006] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
1. Neuroactive steroids are steroid hormones that exert rapid, nongenomic effects at ligand-gated ion channels. There is increasing awareness of the possible role of these steroids in the pathology and manifestation of symptoms of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge of neuroactive steroid functioning in the central nervous system, and to assess the role of neuroactive steroids in the pathophysiology and treatment of symptoms of schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders. Particular emphasis will be placed on GABAA receptor modulation, given the extensive knowledge of the interactions between this receptor complex, neuroactive steroids, and psychiatric illness. 2. A brief description of neuroactive steroid metabolism is followed by a discussion of the interactions of neuroactive steroids with acute and chronic stress and the HPA axis. Preclinical and clinical studies related to psychiatric disorders that have been conducted on neuroactive steroids are also described. 3. Plasma concentrations of some neuroactive steroids are altered in individuals suffering from schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety disorders compared to values in healthy controls. Some drugs used to treat these disorders have been reported to alter plasma and brain concentrations in clinical and preclinical studies, respectively. 4. Further research is warranted into the role of neuroactive steroids in the pathophysiology of psychiatric illnesses and the possible role of these steroids in the successful treatment of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M MacKenzie
- Bebensee Schizophrenia Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Canada
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Eser D, Schüle C, Baghai TC, Romeo E, Uzunov DP, Rupprecht R. Neuroactive steroids and affective disorders. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2006; 84:656-66. [PMID: 16831459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2006.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2006] [Revised: 05/23/2006] [Accepted: 05/25/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids modulate neurotransmission through modulation of specific neurotransmitter receptors such as gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptors. Preclinical studies suggested that neuroactive steroids may modulate anxiety and depression-related behaviour and may contribute to the therapeutical effects of antidepressant drugs. Attenuations of such neuroactive steroids have been observed during major depression and in several anxiety disorders, suggesting a pathophysiological role in such psychiatric conditions. In panic disorder patients a dysequilibrium of neuroactive steroid composition has been observed, which may represent a counterregulatory mechanism against the occurrence of spontaneous panic attacks. Furthermore, alterations of 3alpha-reduced pregnane steroids during major depression were corrected by successful treatment with antidepressant drugs. However in contrast, non-pharmacological antidepressant treatment strategies did not affect neuroactive steroid composition. In addition, changes in neuroactive steroid concentrations after mirtazapine therapy occurred independently from the clinical response, thereby suggesting that changes in neuroactive steroid concentrations more likely reflect direct pharmacological effects of antidepressants rather than clinical improvement in general. Nevertheless, the effects of antidepressant pharmacotherapy on the composition of neuroactive steroids may contribute to the alleviation of certain depressive symptoms, such as amelioration of anxiety, inner tension or sleep disturbances. Moreover, first studies investigating the therapeutical effects of dehydroepiandrosterone revealed promising results in the treatment of major depression. In conclusion, neuroactive steroids are important endogenous modulators of depression and anxiety and may provide a basis for development of novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Eser
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Eser D, Schüle C, Romeo E, Baghai TC, di Michele F, Pasini A, Zwanzger P, Padberg F, Rupprecht R. Neuropsychopharmacological properties of neuroactive steroids in depression and anxiety disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 186:373-87. [PMID: 16247651 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2005] [Accepted: 08/27/2005] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids modulate neurotransmission through modulation of specific neurotransmitter receptors such as gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. Preclinical studies suggested that neuroactive steroids may modulate anxiety- and depression-related behaviour and may contribute to the therapeutical effects of antidepressant drugs. Attenuations of 3alpha-reduced neuroactive steroids have been observed during major depression. This disequilibrium can be corrected by successful treatment with antidepressant drugs. However, non-pharmacological antidepressant treatment strategies did not affect neuroactive steroid composition independently from the clinical response. Further research is needed to clarify whether enhancement of neuroactive steroid levels might represent a new therapeutical approach in the treatment of affective disorders. Nevertheless, the first studies investigating the therapeutical effects of exogenously administered dehydroepiandosterone revealed promising results in the treatment of major depression. In addition, in various anxiety disorders alterations of neuroactive steroid levels have been observed. In panic disorder, in the absence of panic attacks, neuroactive steroid composition is opposite to that seen in depression, which may represent counter-regulatory mechanisms against the occurrence of spontaneous panic attacks. However, during experimentally induced panic attacks, there was a pronounced decline in GABAergic neuroactive steroids, which might contribute to the pathophysiology of panic attacks. In conclusion, neuroactive steroids contribute to the pathophysiology of affective disorders and the mechanisms of action of antidepressants. They are important endogenous modulators of depression and anxiety and may provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Eser
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Maximilian University, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
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Dubrovsky BO. Steroids, neuroactive steroids and neurosteroids in psychopathology. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2005; 29:169-92. [PMID: 15694225 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2004.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The term "neurosteroid" (NS) was introduced by Baulieu in 1981 to name a steroid hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), that was found at high levels in the brain long after gonadectomy and adrenalectomy, and shown later to be synthetized by the brain. Later, androstenedione, pregnenolone and their sulfates and lipid derivatives as well as tetrahydrometabolites of progesterone (P) and deoxycorticosterone (DOC) were identified as neurosteroids. The term "neuroactive steroid" (NAS) refers to steroids which, independent of their origin, are capable of modifying neural activities. NASs bind and modulate different types of membrane receptors. The GABA and sigma receptor complexes have been the most extensively studied, while glycine-activated chloride channels, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, voltage-activated calcium channels, although less explored, are also modulated by NASs. Within the glutamate receptor family, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors and kainate receptors have also been demonstrated to be a target for steroid modulation. Besides their membrane effects, once inside the neuron oxidation of Ring A reduced pregnanes, THP and THDOC, bind to the progesterone intracellular receptor and regulate gene expression through this path. The involvement of NASs on depression syndromes, anxiety disorders, stress responses to different stress stimuli, memory processes and related phenomena such as long-term potentiation are reviewed and critically evaluated. The importance of context for the interpretation of behavioral effects of hormones as well as for hormonal levels in body fluids is emphasized. Some suggestions for further research are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo O Dubrovsky
- McGill University, 3445 Drummond Street, #701, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1X9, Canada.
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Abstract
'Classical' genomic progesterone receptors appear relatively late in phylogenesis, i.e. it is only in birds and mammals that they are detectable. In the different species, they mediate manifold effects regarding the differentiation of target organ functions, mainly in the reproductive system. Surprisingly, we know little about the physiology, endocrinology, and pharmacology of progesterone and progestins in male gender or men respectively, despite the fact that, as to progesterone secretion and serum progesterone levels, there are no great quantitative differences between men and women (at least outside the luteal phase). In a prospective cohort study of 1026 men with and without cardiovascular disease, we were not able to demonstrate any age-dependent change in serum progesterone concentrations. Progesterone influences spermiogenesis, sperm capacitation/acrosome reaction and testosterone biosynthesis in the Leydig cells. Other progesterone effects in men include those on the central nervous system (CNS) (mainly mediated by 5alpha-reduced progesterone metabolites as so-called neurosteroids), including blocking of gonadotropin secretion, sleep improvement, and effects on tumors in the CNS (meningioma, fibroma), as well as effects on the immune system, cardiovascular system, kidney function, adipose tissue, behavior, and respiratory system. A progestin may stimulate weight gain and appetite in men as well as in women. The detection of progesterone receptor isoforms would have a highly diagnostic value in prostate pathology (benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer). The modulation of progesterone effects on typical male targets is connected with a great pharmacodynamic variability. The reason for this is that, in men, some important effects of progesterone are mediated non-genomically through different molecular biological modes of action. Therefore, the precise therapeutic manipulation of progesterone actions in the male requires completely new endocrine-pharmacological approaches.
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