1
|
Sullivan PF, Yao S, Hjerling-Leffler J. Schizophrenia genomics: genetic complexity and functional insights. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:611-624. [PMID: 39030273 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00837-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Determining the causes of schizophrenia has been a notoriously intractable problem, resistant to a multitude of investigative approaches over centuries. In recent decades, genomic studies have delivered hundreds of robust findings that implicate nearly 300 common genetic variants (via genome-wide association studies) and more than 20 rare variants (via whole-exome sequencing and copy number variant studies) as risk factors for schizophrenia. In parallel, functional genomic and neurobiological studies have provided exceptionally detailed information about the cellular composition of the brain and its interconnections in neurotypical individuals and, increasingly, in those with schizophrenia. Taken together, these results suggest unexpected complexity in the mechanisms that drive schizophrenia, pointing to the involvement of ensembles of genes (polygenicity) rather than single-gene causation. In this Review, we describe what we now know about the genetics of schizophrenia and consider the neurobiological implications of this information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick F Sullivan
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Shuyang Yao
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Hjerling-Leffler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Misiak B, Frydecka D, Piotrowski P, Rembacz K, Bielawski T, Samochowiec J, Tyburski E, Łaczmański Ł, Pawlak E. Coping styles do not interact with the association between childhood trauma history and the immune-inflammatory phenotype of schizophrenia: Findings from a cross-sectional study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107062. [PMID: 38678733 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a well-known risk factor of schizophrenia. Moreover, individuals with schizophrenia are likely to use maladaptive stress coping strategies. Although it has been reported that a history of ACEs might be associated with a pro-inflammatory phenotype in patients with schizophrenia, the interacting effect of coping styles on this association has not been tested so far. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the levels of immune-inflammatory markers in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls (HCs), taking into consideration a history of ACEs and coping strategies. Participants included 119 patients with schizophrenia and 120 HCs. Serum levels of 26 immune-inflammatory markers were determined. A history of any categories of ACEs was significantly more frequent in patients with schizophrenia. Moreover, patients with schizophrenia were significantly more likely to use emotion-focused coping and less likely to use active coping strategies compared to HCs. The levels of interleukin(IL)-6, RANTES, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), appeared to be elevated in patients with schizophrenia after adjustment for potential confounding factors in all tested models. Participants reporting a history of any ACEs had significantly higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6. No significant main and interactive effects of active strategies as the predominant coping on immune-inflammatory markers with altered levels in patients with schizophrenia were found. Findings from the present study indicate that ACEs are associated with elevated TNF-α and IL-6 levels regardless of schizophrenia diagnosis and predominant coping styles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Patryk Piotrowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Rembacz
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Bielawski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Samochowiec
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ernest Tyburski
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Łukasz Łaczmański
- Laboratory of Genomics & Bioinformatics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Edyta Pawlak
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chopra S, Levi PT, Holmes A, Orchard ER, Segal A, Francey SM, O'Donoghue B, Cropley VL, Nelson B, Graham J, Baldwin L, Yuen HP, Allott K, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Harrigan S, Pantelis C, Wood SJ, McGorry P, Fornito A. Brain-wide Anatomical Connectivity and Prediction of Longitudinal Outcomes in Antipsychotic-Naïve First Episode Psychosis. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01483-5. [PMID: 39069164 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.07.016] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruptions of axonal connectivity are thought to be a core pathophysiological feature of psychotic illness, but whether they are present early in the illness, prior to antipsychotic exposure, and whether they can predict clinical outcome remains unknown. METHODS We acquired diffusion-weighted MRI to map structural connectivity between each pair of 319 parcellated brain regions in 61 antipsychotic-naive individuals with First Episode Psychosis (FEP; 15-25 years, 46% female) and a demographically matched sample of 27 control participants, along with clinical follow-up data in patients three months and 12 months after the scan. We used connectome-wide analyses to map disruptions of inter-regional pairwise connectivity and connectome-based predictive modelling to predict longitudinal change in symptoms and functioning. RESULTS Individuals with FEP showed disrupted connectivity in a brain-wide network linking all brain regions when compared with controls (pFWE=.03). Baseline structural connectivity significantly predicted change in functioning over 12 months (r=.44;pFWE=.041), such that lower connectivity within fronto-striato-thalamic systems predicted worse functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Brain-wide reductions of structural connectivity exist during the early stages of psychotic illness and cannot be attributed to antipsychotic medication. Moreover, baseline measures of structural connectivity can predict change in patient functional outcomes up to one year after engagement with treatment services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidhant Chopra
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, USA.
| | - Priscila T Levi
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Alexander Holmes
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | - Ashlea Segal
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Wu Tsai Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Shona M Francey
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brian O'Donoghue
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, University College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vanessa L Cropley
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne
| | - Barnaby Nelson
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica Graham
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lara Baldwin
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hok Pan Yuen
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kelly Allott
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susy Harrigan
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Global and Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australian
| | - Christos Pantelis
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne; Western Hospital Sunshine, St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen J Wood
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Patrick McGorry
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alex Fornito
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McPhail DK, Alzahrani MAM, Martin KR, Calver BL, Harwood AJ, MacKeigan JP, Davies DM, Tee AR. Loss of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 confers inflammation via dysregulation of Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4569999. [PMID: 39070657 PMCID: PMC11275973 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4569999/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Background Aberrant activation of mTORC1 is clearly defined in TSC, causing uncontrolled cell growth. While mTORC1 inhibitors show efficacy to stabilise tumour growth in TSC, they are not fully curative. Disease facets of TSC that are not restored with mTOR inhibitors might involve NF-κB. The study aimed to characterise NF-κB in the context of TSC. Results Enrichment of NF-κB-regulated genes was observed in TSC patient tumours, SEN/SEGAs, cortical tubers and a TSC tumour-derived cell line (621 - 101). Highlighting an inflammatory component of TSC, TSC cell models showed an elevated level of NF-κB and STAT3 activation. Herein, we report a dysregulated inflammatory phenotype of TSC2-deficient cells where NF-κB promotes autocrine signalling involving IL-6. Of importance, mTORC1 inhibition does not block this inflammatory signal to promote STAT3, while NF-κB inhibition was much more effective. Combined mTORC1 and NF-κB inhibition was potent at preventing anchorage-independent growth of TSC2-deficient cells, and unlike mTORC1 inhibition alone was sufficient to prevent colony regrowth after cessation of treatment. Conclusion This study reveals autocrine signalling crosstalk between NF-κB and STAT3 in TSC cell models. Furthermore, the data presented indicate that NF-κB pathway inhibitors could be a viable adjunct therapy with the current mTOR inhibitors to treat TSC.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ray A, Birdi A, Nebhinani N, Banerjee M, Sharma P, Sharma S, Suthar N, Janu VC, Yadav D. Correlation Between Severity of Schizophrenia with Certain Trace Elements and TNF-α Gene Expression and Its Circulatory Level in the Population of Western India. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04301-6. [PMID: 38995436 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04301-6] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess serum trace element (TE) concentrations, TNF-α gene expression, protein levels in schizophrenia (SZ) patients, and their correlation with disease severity measured by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores. Forty SZ cases and 40 healthy controls aged 18-60 were recruited. Forty (n = 40) cases who meet ICD-10 criteria for SZ and 40 (n = 40) healthy individuals (controls) between 18 and 60 years of age were recruited in the study. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and RT-qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) were used to estimate pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α protein and gene expression. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) were used to assess serum levels of trace elements (TEs): Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, and Se. Compared to healthy controls, cases had significantly higher levels of TNF-α protein, as well as Fe, Cu, and Se (p < 0.05). Cu correlated positively with TNF-α protein level (rho = 0.234; p = 0.048) and gene expression (rho = 0.333; p = 0.041) and with PANSS negative (rho = 0.531), general (rho = 0.643), and total (rho = 0.541) scores. Additionally, Zn negatively correlated with serum Mg (rho = - 0.426, p < 0.01) and positively with serum Se (rho = 0.343, p < 0.05). In conclusion, elevated Cu levels could potentially contribute to the development of SZ. Elevated Cu levels in cases and their correlation with the TNF-α gene and protein and PANSS score indicate Cu's potential role in exacerbating SZ severity through inflammatory cytokines. This suggests the involvement of metals and cytokines in the pathophysiology of SZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arti Ray
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Amandeep Birdi
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Naresh Nebhinani
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Mithu Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Praveen Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Shailja Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Navaratan Suthar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | | | - Dharmveer Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Debs SR, Rothmond DA, Zhu Y, Weickert CS, Purves-Tyson TD. Molecular evidence of altered stress responsivity related to neuroinflammation in the schizophrenia midbrain. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 177:118-128. [PMID: 39004003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.07.004] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Stress and inflammation are risk factors for schizophrenia. Chronic psychosocial stress is associated with subcortical hyperdopaminergia, a core feature of schizophrenia. Hyperdopaminergia arises from midbrain neurons, leading us to hypothesise that changes in stress response pathways may occur in this region. To identify whether transcriptional changes in glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (NR3C1/GR, NR3C2/MR) or other stress signalling molecules (FKBP4, FKBP5) exist in schizophrenia midbrain, we measured gene expression in the human brain (N = 56) using qRT-PCR. We assessed whether alterations in these mRNAs were related to previously identified high/low inflammatory status. We investigated relationships between stress-related transcripts themselves, and between FKBP5 mRNA, dopaminergic, and glial cell transcripts in diagnostic and inflammatory subgroups. Though unchanged by diagnosis, GR mRNA levels were reduced in high inflammatory compared to low inflammatory schizophrenia cases (p = 0.026). We found no effect of diagnosis or inflammation on MR mRNA. FKBP4 mRNA was decreased and FKBP5 mRNA was increased in schizophrenia (p < 0.05). FKBP5 changes occurred in high inflammatory (p < 0.001), whereas FKBP4 changes occurred in low inflammatory schizophrenia cases (p < 0.05). The decrease in mRNA encoding the main stress receptor (GR), as well as increased transcript levels of the stress-responsive negative regulator (FKBP5), may combine to blunt the midbrain response to stress in schizophrenia when neuroinflammation is present. Negative correlations between FKBP5 mRNA and dopaminergic transcripts in the low inflammatory subgroup suggest higher levels of FKBP5 mRNA may also attenuate dopaminergic neurotransmission in schizophrenia even when inflammation is absent. We report alterations in GR-mediated stress signalling in the midbrain in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie R Debs
- Preclinical Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Debora A Rothmond
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia
| | - Yunting Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Tertia D Purves-Tyson
- Preclinical Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nagaoka A, Hino M, Izumi R, Shishido R, Ishibashi M, Hatano M, Sainouchi M, Kakita A, Tomita H, Kunii Y. Availability of individual proteins for quantitative analysis in postmortem brains preserved in two different brain banks. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2024; 44:399-409. [PMID: 38558385 PMCID: PMC11144605 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12430] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM Postmortem brain research is necessary for elucidating the pathology of schizophrenia; an increasing number of studies require a combination of suitable tissue samples preserved at multiple brain banks. In this study, we examined whether a comparative study of protein expression levels can be conducted using postmortem brain samples preserved in different facilities. METHODS We compared the demographic factors of postmortem brain samples preserved in two institutions and measured and compared the expression levels of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the prefrontal cortex and superior temporal gyrus. GAPDH is generally used as a loading control for western blotting, and GFAP is considered as an astrocyte marker in the brain. RESULTS We found significant differences between the two institutions in postmortem interval, age at death, and preservation time. To reduce the effects of these differences on our measurements, the parameters were set as covariates in our analyses of covariance. Subsequently, no differences in GAPDH and GFAP expression were found between institutions. CONCLUSIONS When studies are conducted using brain samples preserved in different brain banks, differences in demographic factors should be carefully considered and taken into account by statistical methods to minimize their impact as much as possible. Since there was no significant difference in the protein expression levels of GAPDH and GFAP in either region between the two institutions that preserved the postmortem brains, we concluded that it is possible to perform protein quantitative analysis assuming that there is no effect of difference between two institutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Nagaoka
- Department of PsychiatryTohoku University HospitalSendaiJapan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of MedicineFukushima Medical UniversityFukushimaJapan
| | - Mizuki Hino
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of MedicineFukushima Medical UniversityFukushimaJapan
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster ScienceTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Ryuta Izumi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of MedicineFukushima Medical UniversityFukushimaJapan
| | - Risa Shishido
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of MedicineFukushima Medical UniversityFukushimaJapan
| | - Miki Ishibashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of MedicineFukushima Medical UniversityFukushimaJapan
| | - Masataka Hatano
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of MedicineFukushima Medical UniversityFukushimaJapan
| | - Makoto Sainouchi
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research InstituteNiigata UniversityNiigataJapan
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research InstituteNiigata UniversityNiigataJapan
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of PsychiatryTohoku University HospitalSendaiJapan
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster ScienceTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of MedicineTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Yasuto Kunii
- Department of PsychiatryTohoku University HospitalSendaiJapan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of MedicineFukushima Medical UniversityFukushimaJapan
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster ScienceTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rahman A, Russell M, Zheng W, Eckrich D, Ahmed I. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increase in new diagnoses of schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorder: A study using the US national COVID cohort collaborative (N3C). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295891. [PMID: 38814888 PMCID: PMC11139284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Amid the ongoing global repercussions of SARS-CoV-2, it is crucial to comprehend its potential long-term psychiatric effects. Several recent studies have suggested a link between COVID-19 and subsequent mental health disorders. Our investigation joins this exploration, concentrating on Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders (SSPD). Different from other studies, we took acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and COVID-19 lab-negative cohorts as control groups to accurately gauge the impact of COVID-19 on SSPD. Data from 19,344,698 patients, sourced from the N3C Data Enclave platform, were methodically filtered to create propensity matched cohorts: ARDS (n = 222,337), COVID-19 positive (n = 219,264), and COVID-19 negative (n = 213,183). We systematically analyzed the hazard rate of new-onset SSPD across three distinct time intervals: 0-21 days, 22-90 days, and beyond 90 days post-infection. COVID-19 positive patients consistently exhibited a heightened hazard ratio (HR) across all intervals [0-21 days (HR: 4.6; CI: 3.7-5.7), 22-90 days (HR: 2.9; CI: 2.3 -3.8), beyond 90 days (HR: 1.7; CI: 1.5-1.)]. These are notably higher than both ARDS and COVID-19 lab-negative patients. Validations using various tests, including the Cochran Mantel Haenszel Test, Wald Test, and Log-rank Test confirmed these associations. Intriguingly, our data indicated that younger individuals face a heightened risk of SSPD after contracting COVID-19, a trend not observed in the ARDS and COVID-19 negative groups. These results, aligned with the known neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2 and earlier studies, accentuate the need for vigilant psychiatric assessment and support in the era of Long-COVID, especially among younger populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asif Rahman
- Department of Industrial & Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Michael Russell
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Wanhong Zheng
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Daniel Eckrich
- Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, FL, United States of America
| | - Imtiaz Ahmed
- Department of Industrial & Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Apweiler M, Saliba SW, Sun L, Streyczek J, Normann C, Hellwig S, Bräse S, Fiebich BL. Modulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress by targeting GPR55 - new approaches in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02614-5. [PMID: 38796643 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02614-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders remains challenging in clinical, pharmacological, and scientific practice. Even if many different substances are established for treating different psychiatric conditions, subgroups of patients show only small or no response to the treatment. The neuroinflammatory hypothesis of the genesis of psychiatric disorders might explain underlying mechanisms in these non-responders. For that reason, recent research focus on neuroinflammatory processes and oxidative stress as possible causes of psychiatric disorders. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) form the biggest superfamily of membrane-bound receptors and are already well known as pharmacological targets in various diseases. The G-protein coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), a receptor considered part of the endocannabinoid system, reveals promising modulation of neuroinflammatory and oxidative processes. Different agonists and antagonists reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine release, enhance the synthesis of anti-inflammatory mediators, and protect cells from oxidative damage. For this reason, GPR55 ligands might be promising compounds in treating subgroups of patients suffering from psychiatric disorders related to neuroinflammation or oxidative stress. New approaches in drug design might lead to new compounds targeting different pathomechanisms of those disorders in just one molecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Apweiler
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Soraya Wilke Saliba
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lu Sun
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jana Streyczek
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claus Normann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Hellwig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bräse
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstrasse 12, D-76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstrasse 12, D-76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen S, Tan Y, Tian L. Immunophenotypes in psychosis: is it a premature inflamm-aging disorder? Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02539-z. [PMID: 38532012 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02539-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Immunopsychiatric field has rapidly accumulated evidence demonstrating the involvement of both innate and adaptive immune components in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Nevertheless, researchers are facing dilemmas of discrepant findings of immunophenotypes both outside and inside the brains of psychotic patients, as discovered by recent meta-analyses. These discrepancies make interpretations and interrogations on their roles in psychosis remain vague and even controversial, regarding whether certain immune cells are more activated or less so, and whether they are causal or consequential, or beneficial or harmful for psychosis. Addressing these issues for psychosis is not at all trivial, as immune cells either outside or inside the brain are an enormously heterogeneous and plastic cell population, falling into a vast range of lineages and subgroups, and functioning differently and malleably in context-dependent manners. This review aims to overview the currently known immunophenotypes of patients with psychosis, and provocatively suggest the premature immune "burnout" or inflamm-aging initiated since organ development as a potential primary mechanism behind these immunophenotypes and the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Chen
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yunlong Tan
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Koskuvi M, Pörsti E, Hewitt T, Räsänen N, Wu YC, Trontti K, McQuade A, Kalyanaraman S, Ojansuu I, Vaurio O, Cannon TD, Lönnqvist J, Therman S, Suvisaari J, Kaprio J, Blurton-Jones M, Hovatta I, Lähteenvuo M, Rolova T, Lehtonen Š, Tiihonen J, Koistinaho J. Genetic contribution to microglial activation in schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02529-1. [PMID: 38519640 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence indicate the involvement of neuroinflammatory processes in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SCZ). Microglia are brain resident immune cells responding toward invading pathogens and injury-related products, and additionally, have a critical role in improving neurogenesis and synaptic functions. Aberrant activation of microglia in SCZ is one of the leading hypotheses for disease pathogenesis, but due to the lack of proper human cell models, the role of microglia in SCZ is not well studied. We used monozygotic twins discordant for SCZ and healthy individuals to generate human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia to assess the transcriptional and functional differences in microglia between healthy controls, affected twins and unaffected twins. The microglia from affected twins had increased expression of several common inflammation-related genes compared to healthy individuals. Microglia from affected twins had also reduced response to interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) treatment, but no significant differences in migration or phagocytotic activity. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) showed abnormalities related to extracellular matrix signaling. RNA sequencing predicted downregulation of extracellular matrix structure constituent Gene Ontology (GO) terms and hepatic fibrosis pathway activation that were shared by microglia of both affected and unaffected twins, but the upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II receptors was observed only in affected twin microglia. Also, the microglia of affected twins had heterogeneous response to clozapine, minocycline, and sulforaphane treatments. Overall, despite the increased expression of inflammatory genes, we observed no clear functional signs of hyperactivation in microglia from patients with SCZ. We conclude that microglia of the patients with SCZ have gene expression aberrations related to inflammation response and extracellular matrix without contributing to increased microglial activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marja Koskuvi
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elina Pörsti
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tristen Hewitt
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Noora Räsänen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ying-Chieh Wu
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kalevi Trontti
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- SleepWell Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Amanda McQuade
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Ilkka Ojansuu
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Olli Vaurio
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tyrone D Cannon
- Department of Psychology and Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jouko Lönnqvist
- Mental Health Unit, Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sebastian Therman
- Mental Health Unit, Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Suvisaari
- Mental Health Unit, Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mathew Blurton-Jones
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Iiris Hovatta
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- SleepWell Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Lähteenvuo
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Taisia Rolova
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Weickert TW, Ji E, Galletly C, Boerrigter D, Morishima Y, Bruggemann J, Balzan R, O’Donnell M, Liu D, Lenroot R, Weickert CS, Kindler J. Toll-Like Receptor mRNA Levels in Schizophrenia: Association With Complement Factors and Cingulate Gyrus Cortical Thinning. Schizophr Bull 2024; 50:403-417. [PMID: 38102721 PMCID: PMC10919782 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbad171] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESES Previous studies revealed innate immune system activation in people with schizophrenia (SZ), potentially mediated by endogenous pathogen recognition receptors, notably Toll-like receptors (TLR). TLRs are activated by pathogenic molecules like bacterial lipopolysaccharides (TLR1 and TLR4), viral RNA (TLR3), or both (TLR8). Furthermore, the complement system, another key component of innate immunity, has previously been linked to SZ. STUDY DESIGN Peripheral mRNA levels of TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR8 were compared between SZ and healthy controls (HC). We investigated their relationship with immune activation through complement expression and cortical thickness of the cingulate gyrus, a region susceptible to immunological hits. TLR mRNA levels and peripheral complement receptor mRNA were extracted from 86 SZ and 77 HC white blood cells; structural MRI scans were conducted on a subset. STUDY RESULTS We found significantly higher TLR4 and TLR8 mRNA levels and lower TLR3 mRNA levels in SZ compared to HC. TLRs and complemental factors were significantly associated in SZ and HC, with the strongest deviations of TLR mRNA levels in the SZ subgroup having elevated complement expression. Cortical thickness of the cingulate gyrus was inversely associated with TLR8 mRNA levels in SZ, and with TLR4 and TLR8 levels in HC. CONCLUSIONS The study underscores the role of innate immune activation in schizophrenia, indicating a coordinated immune response of TLRs and the complement system. Our results suggest there could be more bacterial influence (based on TLR 4 levels) as opposed to viral influence (based on TLR3 levels) in schizophrenia. Specific TLRs were associated with brain cortical thickness reductions of limbic brain structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Weickert
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2031Australia
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Ellen Ji
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cherrie Galletly
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Ramsay Health Care (SA) Mental Health, Adelaide, Australia
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Danny Boerrigter
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Yosuke Morishima
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jason Bruggemann
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2031Australia
- Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Speciality of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ryan Balzan
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Maryanne O’Donnell
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Kiloh Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dennis Liu
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Ramsay Health Care (SA) Mental Health, Adelaide, Australia
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rhoshel Lenroot
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2031Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2031Australia
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Jochen Kindler
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Schizophrenia Research Institute, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu D, Jin Z, Wei H, Zhu C, Liu K, You P, Ju J, Xu J, Zhu W, Xu Q. Anti-SFT2D2 autoantibodies alter dendrite spine and cause psychotic behavior in mice. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:99-107. [PMID: 38262166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmunity plays an important role in schizophrenia (SCZ). Autoantibodies against SFT2D2 have been reported in patients with SCZ; however, the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to describe an autoimmune model, namely, mice immunized against SFT2D2-peptides. METHODS ApoE-/- and WT mice (C57BL/6) were immunized four times (day 0, day 14, day 21, day 35) with SFT2D2 peptide or KLH via subcutaneous injection. Behavioral tests were conducted after the third immunization, and immunochemistry of brain tissue were performed after the sacrifice of the mice. RESULTS Active immunization with KLH-coupled SFT2D2-derived peptides in both WT and ApoE-/- (compromised blood-brain barrier) mice led to high circulating levels of anti-SFT2D2 IgG. While there was no detectable deficit in WT mice, impaired pre-pulse inhibition, motor impairments, and reduced cognition in ApoE-/- mice, without signs of anxiety and depression were observed. In addition, immunohistochemical assays demonstrated that activated microglia and astrocytes were increased but neuronal dendritic spine densities were decreased, accompanied by increased expression of complement molecule C4 across brain regions in ApoE-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS In model mice with compromised blood-brain barrier, endogenous anti-SFT2D2 IgG can activate glial cells and modulate synaptic plasticity, and induce a series of psychosis-like changes. These antibodies may reveal valuable therapeutic targets, which may improve the treatment strategies for a subgroup of SCZ patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duilin Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongman Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caiyun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kejiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Pengsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahang Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wanwan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gangadin SS, Mandl RCW, de Witte LD, van Haren NEM, Schutte MJL, Begemann MJH, Kahn RS, Sommer IEC. Lower fractional anisotropy without evidence for neuro-inflammation in patients with early-phase schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Schizophr Res 2024; 264:557-566. [PMID: 36577563 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Various lines of research suggest immune dysregulation as a potential therapeutic target for negative and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). Immune dysregulation would lead to higher extracellular free-water (EFW) in cerebral white matter (WM), which may partially underlie the frequently reported lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in SSD. We aim to investigate differences in EFW concentrations - a presumed proxy for neuro-inflammation - between early-phase SSD patients (n = 55) and healthy controls (HC; n = 37), and to explore immunological and cognitive correlates. To increase specificity for EFW, we study several complementary magnetic resonance imaging contrasts that are sensitive to EFW. FA, mean diffusivity (MD), magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), myelin water fraction (MWF) and quantitative T1 and T2 were calculated from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) and multicomponent driven equilibrium single-pulse observation of T1/T2 (mcDESPOT). For each measure, WM skeletons were constructed with tract-based spatial statistics. Multivariate SSD-HC comparisons with WM skeletons and their average values (i.e. global WM) were not statistically significant. In voxel-wise analyses, FA was significantly lower in SSD in the genu of the corpus callosum and in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus (p < 0.04). Global WM measures did not correlate with immunological markers (i.e. IL1-RA, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and CRP) or cognition in HC and SSD after corrections for multiple comparisons. We confirmed lower FA in early-phase SSD patients. However, nonFA measures did not provide additional evidence for immune dysregulation or for higher EFW as the primary mechanism underlying the reported lower FA values in SSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiral S Gangadin
- Section Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - René C W Mandl
- Section Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lot D de Witte
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Neeltje E M van Haren
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Maya J L Schutte
- Section Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Marieke J H Begemann
- Section Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - René S Kahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Iris E C Sommer
- Section Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tani H, Moxon-Emre I, Forde NJ, Neufeld NH, Bingham KS, Whyte EM, Meyers BS, Alexopoulos GS, Hoptman MJ, Rothschild AJ, Uchida H, Flint AJ, Mulsant BH, Voineskos AN. Brain metabolite levels in remitted psychotic depression with consideration of effects of antipsychotic medication. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:117-129. [PMID: 37917311 PMCID: PMC10844359 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-023-00807-0] [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] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurobiology of psychotic depression is not well understood and can be confounded by antipsychotics. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an ideal tool to measure brain metabolites non-invasively. We cross-sectionally assessed brain metabolites in patients with remitted psychotic depression and controls. We also longitudinally assessed the effects of olanzapine versus placebo on brain metabolites. METHODS Following remission, patients with psychotic depression were randomized to continue sertraline + olanzapine (n = 15) or switched to sertraline + placebo (n = 18), at which point they completed an MRS scan. Patients completed a second scan either 36 weeks later, relapse, or discontinuation. Where water-scaled metabolite levels were obtained and a Point-RESolved Spectroscopy sequence was utilized, choline, myo-inositol, glutamate + glutamine (Glx), N-acetylaspartate, and creatine were measured in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). An ANCOVA was used to compare metabolites between patients (n = 40) and controls (n = 46). A linear mixed-model was used to compare olanzapine versus placebo groups. RESULTS Cross-sectionally, patients (compared to controls) had higher myo-inositol (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.84; 95%CI = 0.25-1.44; p = 0.005) in the dACC but not different Glx, choline, N-acetylaspartate, and creatine. Longitudinally, patients randomized to placebo (compared to olanzapine) showed a significantly greater change with a reduction of creatine (SMD = 1.51; 95%CI = 0.71-2.31; p = 0.0002) in the dACC but not glutamate + glutamine, choline, myo-inositol, and N-acetylaspartate. CONCLUSIONS Patients with remitted psychotic depression have higher myo-inositol than controls. Olanzapine may maintain creatine levels. Future studies are needed to further disentangle the mechanisms of action of olanzapine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Tani
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Iska Moxon-Emre
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Natalie J Forde
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nicholas H Neufeld
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kathleen S Bingham
- University Health Network and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ellen M Whyte
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Barnett S Meyers
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Hospital, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - George S Alexopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Hospital, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Matthew J Hoptman
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anthony J Rothschild
- University of Massachusetts Medical School and UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Uchida
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alastair J Flint
- University Health Network and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Benoit H Mulsant
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aristotle N Voineskos
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Stankovic I, Notaras M, Wolujewicz P, Lu T, Lis R, Ross ME, Colak D. Schizophrenia endothelial cells exhibit higher permeability and altered angiogenesis patterns in patient-derived organoids. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:53. [PMID: 38263175 PMCID: PMC10806043 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02740-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the manifestation of psychiatric symptoms in early adulthood. While many research avenues into the origins of SCZ during brain development have been explored, the contribution of endothelial/vascular dysfunction to the disease remains largely elusive. To model the neuropathology of SCZ during early critical periods of brain development, we utilized patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate 3D cerebral organoids and define cell-specific signatures of disease. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that while SCZ organoids were similar in their macromolecular diversity to organoids generated from healthy controls (CTRL), SCZ organoids exhibited a higher percentage of endothelial cells when normalized to total cell numbers. Additionally, when compared to CTRL, differential gene expression analysis revealed a significant enrichment in genes that function in vessel formation, vascular regulation, and inflammatory response in SCZ endothelial cells. In line with these findings, data from 23 donors demonstrated that PECAM1+ microvascular vessel-like structures were increased in length and number in SCZ organoids in comparison to CTRL organoids. Furthermore, we report that patient-derived endothelial cells displayed higher paracellular permeability, implicating elevated vascular activity. Collectively, our data identified altered gene expression patterns, vessel-like structural changes, and enhanced permeability of endothelial cells in patient-derived models of SCZ. Hence, brain microvascular cells could play a role in the etiology of SCZ by modulating the permeability of the developing blood brain barrier (BBB).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isidora Stankovic
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Notaras
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Wolujewicz
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tyler Lu
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raphael Lis
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Ross
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dilek Colak
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Gale and Ira Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hirjak D, Ams M, Gass P, Kubera KM, Sambataro F, Foucher JR, Northoff G, Wolf RC. Historical postmortem studies on catatonia: Close reading and analysis of Kahlbaum's cases and scientific texts between 1800 and 1900. Schizophr Res 2024; 263:18-26. [PMID: 37147227 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In the 19th century, postmortem brain examination played a central role in the search for the neurobiological origin of psychiatric and neurological disorders. During that time, psychiatrists, neurologists, and neuropathologists examined autopsied brains from catatonic patients and postulated that catatonia is an organic brain disease. In line with this development, human postmortem studies of the 19th century became increasingly important in the conception of catatonia and might be seen as precursors of modern neuroscience. In this report, we closely examined autopsy reports of eleven catatonia patients of Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum. Further, we performed a close reading and analysis of previously (systematically) identified historical German and English texts between 1800 and 1900 for autopsy reports of catatonia patients. Two main findings emerged: (i) Kahlbaum's most important finding in catatonia patients was the opacity of the arachnoid; (ii) historical human postmortem studies of catatonia patients postulated a number of neuroanatomical abnormalities such as cerebral enlargement or atrophy, anemia, inflammation, suppuration, serous effusion, or dropsy as well as alterations of brain blood vessels such as rupture, distension or ossification in the pathogenesis of catatonia. However, the exact localization has often been missing or inaccurate, probably due to the lack of standardized subdivision/nomenclature of the respective brain areas. Nevertheless, Kahlbaum's 11 autopsy reports and the identified neuropathological studies between 1800 and 1900 made important discoveries, which still have the potential to inform and bolster modern neuroscientific research in catatonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dusan Hirjak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Miriam Ams
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katharina M Kubera
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabio Sambataro
- Department of Neuroscience, Università degli studi di Padova, Padova, Italy; Padova Neuroscience Center, Università degli studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jack R Foucher
- ICube - CNRS UMR 7357, Neurophysiology, FMTS, University of Strasbourg, CEMNIS (UF 4768) Non-invasive Neuromodulation Center, University Hospital Strasbourg, BP 426, 67 091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Georg Northoff
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Christian Wolf
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wu D, Wu Q, Li F, Wang Y, Zeng J, Tang B, Bishop JR, Xiao L, Lui S. Free water alterations in different inflammatory subgroups in schizophrenia. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:557-564. [PMID: 37972880 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammatory dysregulation both in blood and the brain is implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Alterations in peripheral cytokines are not evident in all patients and there may be discrete altered inflammatory subgroups in schizophrenia. Recent studies using a novel and in vivo free-water imaging to detect inflammatory processes, have shown increased free water in white matter in schizophrenia. However, no studies to date have investigated the free water alterations in different inflammatory subgroups in schizophrenia. METHODS Forty-four patients with schizophrenia and 49 controls were recruited. The serum levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12p70 were measured and used for cluster analysis with K-means and hierarchical algorithms. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) images were collected for all participants and voxel-wise free water and fractional anisotropy of tissue (FA-t) were compared between groups with Randomise running in FSL. Partial correlation analysis was employed to explore the association of the peripheral cytokine levels with free water. RESULTS We identified two statistically quantifiable discrete subgroups of patients based on the cluster analysis of cytokine measures. The peripheral levels of IL-1β (P < 0.001), IL-10 (P = 0.041), and IL-12p70 (P < 0.001) showed significant differences between the two different inflammatory subgroups. In the inflammatory subgroup with a predominantly higher IL-1β level, increased free water values in white matter were found mainly in the left posterior limb of the internal capsule, posterior corona radiata, and partly in the left sagittal stratum. These affected areas did not overlap with the regions that showed significant free water differences between patients and healthy controls. In the inflammatory subgroup with lower IL-1β levels, peripheral IL-1β was significantly associated with free water values in white matter while no such association was detected in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS Localized free water differences were demonstrated between the two identified inflammatory subgroups in our data, and free water appears to be a feasible in vivo neuroimaging biomarker guiding the target of inflammatory intervention and development of new therapeutic strategies in an individualized manner in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Wu
- Department of Radiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qi Wu
- Key Lab of Intelligent Information Processing of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Fei Li
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yaxuan Wang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxin Zeng
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Biqiu Tang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jeffrey R Bishop
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.
| | - Li Xiao
- Key Lab of Intelligent Information Processing of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China.
| | - Su Lui
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jonnalagadda D, Kihara Y, Groves A, Ray M, Saha A, Ellington C, Lee-Okada HC, Furihata T, Yokomizo T, Quadros EV, Rivera R, Chun J. FTY720 requires vitamin B 12-TCN2-CD320 signaling in astrocytes to reduce disease in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113545. [PMID: 38064339 PMCID: PMC11066976 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113545] [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: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency causes neurological manifestations resembling multiple sclerosis (MS); however, a molecular explanation for the similarity is unknown. FTY720 (fingolimod) is a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator and sphingosine analog approved for MS therapy that can functionally antagonize S1P1. Here, we report that FTY720 suppresses neuroinflammation by functionally and physically regulating the B12 pathways. Genetic and pharmacological S1P1 inhibition upregulates a transcobalamin 2 (TCN2)-B12 receptor, CD320, in immediate-early astrocytes (ieAstrocytes; a c-Fos-activated astrocyte subset that tracks with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis [EAE] severity). CD320 is also reduced in MS plaques. Deficiency of CD320 or dietary B12 restriction worsens EAE and eliminates FTY720's efficacy while concomitantly downregulating type I interferon signaling. TCN2 functions as a chaperone for FTY720 and sphingosine, whose complex induces astrocytic CD320 internalization, suggesting a delivery mechanism of FTY720/sphingosine via the TCN2-CD320 pathway. Taken together, the B12-TCN2-CD320 pathway is essential for the mechanism of action of FTY720.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Jonnalagadda
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yasuyuki Kihara
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Aran Groves
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Manisha Ray
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Arjun Saha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Clayton Ellington
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hyeon-Cheol Lee-Okada
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Hongo 2-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Tomomi Furihata
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Takehiko Yokomizo
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Hongo 2-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Edward V Quadros
- Department of Medicine, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Richard Rivera
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jerold Chun
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ferrucci L, Cantando I, Cordella F, Di Angelantonio S, Ragozzino D, Bezzi P. Microglia at the Tripartite Synapse during Postnatal Development: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Schizophrenia. Cells 2023; 12:2827. [PMID: 38132147 PMCID: PMC10742295 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the fundamental structures of neural circuits that control brain functions and behavioral and cognitive processes. Synapses undergo formation, maturation, and elimination mainly during postnatal development via a complex interplay with neighboring astrocytes and microglia that, by shaping neural connectivity, may have a crucial role in the strengthening and weakening of synaptic functions, that is, the functional plasticity of synapses. Indeed, an increasing number of studies have unveiled the roles of microglia and astrocytes in synapse formation, maturation, and elimination as well as in regulating synaptic function. Over the past 15 years, the mechanisms underlying the microglia- and astrocytes-dependent regulation of synaptic plasticity have been thoroughly studied, and researchers have reported that the disruption of these glial cells in early postnatal development may underlie the cause of synaptic dysfunction that leads to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ferrucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
| | - Iva Cantando
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Federica Cordella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, IIT, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, IIT, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rahman A, Russell M, Zheng W, Eckrich D, Ahmed I. SARS-CoV-2 Infection is Associated with an Increase in New Diagnoses of Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorder: A Study Using the US National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C). MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.05.23299473. [PMID: 38106125 PMCID: PMC10723510 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.05.23299473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Amid the ongoing global repercussions of SARS-CoV-2, it's crucial to comprehend its potential long-term psychiatric effects. Several recent studies have suggested a link between COVID-19 and subsequent mental health disorders. Our investigation joins this exploration, concentrating on Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders (SSPD). Different from other studies, we took acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and COVID-19 lab negative cohorts as control groups to accurately gauge the impact of COVID-19 on SSPD. Data from 19,344,698 patients, sourced from the N3C Data Enclave platform, were methodically filtered to create propensity matched cohorts: ARDS (n = 222,337), COVID-positive (n = 219,264), and COVID-negative (n = 213,183). We systematically analyzed the hazard rate of new-onset SSPD across three distinct time intervals: 0-21 days, 22-90 days, and beyond 90 days post-infection. COVID-19 positive patients consistently exhibited a heightened hazard ratio (HR) across all intervals [0-21 days (HR: 4.6; CI: 3.7-5.7), 22-90 days (HR: 2.9; CI: 2.3 -3.8), beyond 90 days (HR: 1.7; CI: 1.5-1.)]. These are notably higher than both ARDS and COVID-19 lab-negative patients. Validations using various tests, including the Cochran Mantel Haenszel Test, Wald Test, and Log-rank Test confirmed these associations. Intriguingly, our data indicated that younger individuals face a heightened risk of SSPD after contracting COVID-19, a trend not observed in the ARDS and COVID-negative groups. These results, aligned with the known neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2 and earlier studies, accentuate the need for vigilant psychiatric assessment and support in the era of Long-COVID, especially among younger populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asif Rahman
- Department of Industrial & Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Michael Russell
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Wanhong Zheng
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - Imtiaz Ahmed
- Department of Industrial & Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Matuleviciute R, Akinluyi ET, Muntslag TAO, Dewing JM, Long KR, Vernon AC, Tremblay ME, Menassa DA. Microglial contribution to the pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders in humans. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 146:663-683. [PMID: 37656188 PMCID: PMC10564830 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02629-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are the brain's resident macrophages, which guide various developmental processes crucial for brain maturation, activity, and plasticity. Microglial progenitors enter the telencephalic wall by the 4th postconceptional week and colonise the fetal brain in a manner that spatiotemporally tracks key neurodevelopmental processes in humans. However, much of what we know about how microglia shape neurodevelopment comes from rodent studies. Multiple differences exist between human and rodent microglia warranting further focus on the human condition, particularly as microglia are emerging as critically involved in the pathological signature of various cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this article, we review the evidence supporting microglial involvement in basic neurodevelopmental processes by focusing on the human species. We next concur on the neuropathological evidence demonstrating whether and how microglia contribute to the aetiology of two neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum conditions and schizophrenia. Next, we highlight how recent technologies have revolutionised our understanding of microglial biology with a focus on how these tools can help us elucidate at unprecedented resolution the links between microglia and neurodevelopmental disorders. We conclude by reviewing which current treatment approaches have shown most promise towards targeting microglia in neurodevelopmental disorders and suggest novel avenues for future consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rugile Matuleviciute
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth T Akinluyi
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Tim A O Muntslag
- Princess Maxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Katherine R Long
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony C Vernon
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - David A Menassa
- Department of Neuropathology & The Queen's College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ju S, Shin Y, Han S, Kwon J, Choi TG, Kang I, Kim SS. The Gut-Brain Axis in Schizophrenia: The Implications of the Gut Microbiome and SCFA Production. Nutrients 2023; 15:4391. [PMID: 37892465 PMCID: PMC10610543 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia, a severe mental illness affecting about 1% of the population, manifests during young adulthood, leading to abnormal mental function and behavior. Its multifactorial etiology involves genetic factors, experiences of adversity, infection, and gene-environment interactions. Emerging research indicates that maternal infection or stress during pregnancy may also increase schizophrenia risk in offspring. Recent research on the gut-brain axis highlights the gut microbiome's potential influence on central nervous system (CNS) function and mental health, including schizophrenia. The gut microbiota, located in the digestive system, has a significant role to play in human physiology, affecting immune system development, vitamin synthesis, and protection against pathogenic bacteria. Disruptions to the gut microbiota, caused by diet, medication use, environmental pollutants, and stress, may lead to imbalances with far-reaching effects on CNS function and mental health. Of interest are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolic byproducts produced by gut microbes during fermentation. SCFAs can cross the blood-brain barrier, influencing CNS activity, including microglia and cytokine modulation. The dysregulation of neurotransmitters produced by gut microbes may contribute to CNS disorders, including schizophrenia. This review explores the potential relationship between SCFAs, the gut microbiome, and schizophrenia. Our aim is to deepen the understanding of the gut-brain axis in schizophrenia and to elucidate its implications for future research and therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songhyun Ju
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (Y.S.); (S.H.); (J.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonhwa Shin
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (Y.S.); (S.H.); (J.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunhee Han
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (Y.S.); (S.H.); (J.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhui Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (Y.S.); (S.H.); (J.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Gyu Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Insug Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (Y.S.); (S.H.); (J.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Soo Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (Y.S.); (S.H.); (J.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Anmella G, Amoretti S, Safont G, Meseguer A, Vieta E, Pons-Cabrera MT, Alfonso M, Hernández C, Sanchez-Autet M, Pérez-Baldellou F, González-Blanco L, García-Portilla MP, Bernardo M, Arranz B. Intestinal permeability and low-grade chronic inflammation in schizophrenia: A multicentre study on biomarkers. Rationale, objectives, protocol and preliminary results. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH 2023:S2950-2853(23)00040-6. [PMID: 38591828 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjpmh.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered intestinal permeability and low-grade chronic inflammation disrupt the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (microbiota-gut-brain axis), probably playing a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. However, studies assessing the microbiota-gut-brain axis are inconsistent. This article describes the rationale, objectives, protocol, and presents descriptive results for a new project. METHODS The sample of this study came from an observational, cross-sectional and multisite study including four centers in Spain (PI17/00246) recruiting adult patients with DSM-5 schizophrenia-spectrum disorders at any stage of the disease. The aims of the project are to assess the interrelation between intestinal permeability and low-grade chronic inflammation in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and the role of peripheral biomarkers, diet, exercise, metabolic syndrome, disease severity and functioning as well as cognition. Assessments included the following variables: (1) anthropometric, (2) intestinal permeability, diet, and physical exercise, (3) clinical and functional, (4) neuropsychological and cognitive reserve, and (5) peripheral biomarkers from blood. RESULTS A total of 646 patients were enrolled (257, 39.7% female). Mean age was 43.2±13.6 years, illness duration 15.1±11.5 years. 55.8% consumed tobacco. Positive PANSS score was 13.68±6.55, and 20.38±8.69 in the negative symptoms. CGI was 4.16±2.22 and GAF was 60.00±14.84. CONCLUSION The results obtained by this project are expected to contribute toward the understanding of the physiopathology of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. This will likely aid to personalize treatments in real-world clinical practice, potentially including variables related to intestinal permeability and inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Anmella
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Spain
| | - Silvia Amoretti
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Spain; Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gemma Safont
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Mutua de Terrassa, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Meseguer
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Spain
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Pons-Cabrera
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Spain
| | - Miqueu Alfonso
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Hernández
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Monica Sanchez-Autet
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Pérez-Baldellou
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Mutua de Terrassa, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leticia González-Blanco
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Servicio de Salud Mental del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), INEUROPA, Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Maria Paz García-Portilla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Servicio de Salud Mental del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), INEUROPA, Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Miquel Bernardo
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Spain.
| | - Belén Arranz
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kim H, Baek SH, Kim JW, Ryu S, Lee JY, Kim JM, Chung YC, Kim SW. Inflammatory markers of symptomatic remission at 6 months in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 9:68. [PMID: 37794014 PMCID: PMC10550944 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00398-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of various mental illnesses including schizophrenia. We investigated peripheral inflammatory cytokines as a biomarker for predicting symptomatic remission in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. The study included 224 patients aged 15-60 years who fulfilled the criteria for schizophrenia spectrum disorder with a treatment duration ≤6 months. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12 were measured. Psychotic symptoms, depressive symptoms, and general functioning were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, and Personal and Social Performance scale, respectively. Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was also recorded. We investigated the factors associated with remission for each sex in logistic regression analysis. In total, 174 patients achieved remission at the 6-month follow-up (females, 83.5%; males, 70.9%). Remission was associated with older age and lower BDI scores in male patients and with lower TNF-α levels and shorter DUP in female patients. Our findings suggest that peripheral inflammatory cytokines may impede early symptomatic remission in female patients with schizophrenia. In addition, depressive symptoms in males and long DUP in females may be poor prognostic factors for early remission in patients with first-episode psychosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Honey Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
- Mindlink, Gwangju Bukgu Community Mental Health and Welfare Center, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Seon-Hwa Baek
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
- Mindlink, Gwangju Bukgu Community Mental Health and Welfare Center, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ju-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
- Mindlink, Gwangju Bukgu Community Mental Health and Welfare Center, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Seunghyong Ryu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
- Mindlink, Gwangju Bukgu Community Mental Health and Welfare Center, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jae-Min Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Young-Chul Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Sung-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
- Mindlink, Gwangju Bukgu Community Mental Health and Welfare Center, Gwangju, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhu X, Wang CL, Yu JF, Weng J, Han B, Liu Y, Tang X, Pan B. Identification of immune-related biomarkers in peripheral blood of schizophrenia using bioinformatic methods and machine learning algorithms. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1256184. [PMID: 37841288 PMCID: PMC10568181 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1256184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a group of severe neurodevelopmental disorders. Identification of peripheral diagnostic biomarkers is an effective approach to improving diagnosis of schizophrenia. In this study, four datasets of schizophrenia patients' blood or serum samples were downloaded from the GEO database and merged and de-batched for the analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WCGNA). The WGCNA analysis showed that the cyan module, among 9 modules, was significantly related to schizophrenia, which subsequently yielded 317 schizophrenia-related key genes by comparing with the DEGs. The enrichment analyses on these key genes indicated a strong correlation with immune-related processes. The CIBERSORT algorithm was adopted to analyze immune cell infiltration, which revealed differences in eosinophils, M0 macrophages, resting mast cells, and gamma delta T cells. Furthermore, by comparing with the immune genes obtained from online databases, 95 immune-related key genes for schizophrenia were screened out. Moreover, machine learning algorithms including Random Forest, LASSO, and SVM-RFE were used to further screen immune-related hub genes of schizophrenia. Finally, CLIC3 was found as an immune-related hub gene of schizophrenia by the three machine learning algorithms. A schizophrenia rat model was established to validate CLIC3 expression and found that CLIC3 levels were reduced in the model rat plasma and brains in a brain-regional dependent manner, but can be reversed by an antipsychotic drug risperidone. In conclusion, using various bioinformatic and biological methods, this study found an immune-related hub gene of schizophrenia - CLIC3 that might be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| | | | - Jian-feng Yu
- Tongzhou District Hospital of TCM, Nantong, China
| | - Jianjun Weng
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bing Han
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bo Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shamir A, Yitzhaky A, Segev A, Haroutunian V, Katsel P, Hertzberg L. Up-Regulation of S100 Gene Family in Brain Samples of a Subgroup of Individuals with Schizophrenia: Meta-analysis. Neuromolecular Med 2023; 25:388-401. [PMID: 37005977 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-023-08743-4] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The S100 proteins family is known to affect neuroinflammation and astrocyte activation, which have been suggested to be contributors to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We conducted a systematic meta-analysis of S100 genes differential expression in postmortem samples of patients with schizophrenia vs. healthy controls, following the commonly used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Twelve microarray datasets met the inclusion criteria (overall 511 samples, 253 schizophrenia and 258 controls were analyzed). Nine out of 21 genes were significantly up-regulated or with tendency for up-regulation. A per-sample fold change analysis indicated that the S100 genes' up-regulation was concentrated in a subgroup of the patients. None of the genes have been found to be down-regulated. ANXA3, which encodes Annexin 3 protein and was associated with neuroinflammation, was up-regulated and positively correlated with the S100 genes' expression pattern. In addition, astrocytes and endothelial cell markers were significantly correlated with S100A8 expression. S100 correlation with ANXA3 and endothelial cell markers suggests that the up-regulation we detected reflects increased inflammation. However, it might also reflect astrocytes abundance or activation. The fact that S100 proteins were shown to be up-regulated in blood samples and other body fluids of patients with schizophrenia suggests a potential role as biomarkers, which might help disease subtyping, and the development of etiological treatments for immune dysregulation in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anat Shamir
- The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Assif Yitzhaky
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aviv Segev
- The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13 Aliat Hanoar St, 45100, Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | - Vahram Haroutunian
- Department of Psychiatry, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry (MIRECC), James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Pavel Katsel
- Department of Psychiatry, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Libi Hertzberg
- The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13 Aliat Hanoar St, 45100, Hod Hasharon, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Miyahara K, Hino M, Yu Z, Ono C, Nagaoka A, Hatano M, Shishido R, Yabe H, Tomita H, Kunii Y. The influence of tissue pH and RNA integrity number on gene expression of human postmortem brain. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1156524. [PMID: 37520228 PMCID: PMC10379646 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1156524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evaluating and controlling confounders are necessary when investigating molecular pathogenesis using human postmortem brain tissue. Particularly, tissue pH and RNA integrity number (RIN) are valuable indicators for controlling confounders. However, the influences of these indicators on the expression of each gene in postmortem brain have not been fully investigated. Therefore, we aimed to assess these effects on gene expressions of human brain samples. Methods We isolated total RNA from occipital lobes of 13 patients with schizophrenia and measured the RIN and tissue pH. Gene expression was analyzed and gene sets affected by tissue pH and RIN were identified. Moreover, we examined the functions of these genes by enrichment analysis and upstream regulator analysis. Results We identified 2,043 genes (24.7%) whose expressions were highly correlated with pH; 3,004 genes (36.3%) whose expressions were highly correlated with RIN; and 1,293 genes (15.6%) whose expressions were highly correlated with both pH and RIN. Genes commonly affected by tissue pH and RIN were highly associated with energy production and the immune system. In addition, genes uniquely affected by tissue pH were highly associated with the cell cycle, whereas those uniquely affected by RIN were highly associated with RNA processing. Conclusion The current study elucidated the influence of pH and RIN on gene expression profiling and identified gene sets whose expressions were affected by tissue pH or RIN. These findings would be helpful in the control of confounders for future postmortem brain studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazusa Miyahara
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mizuki Hino
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Zhiqian Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Chiaki Ono
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Atsuko Nagaoka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masataka Hatano
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Risa Shishido
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasuto Kunii
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhuo C, Tian H, Song X, Jiang D, Chen G, Cai Z, Ping J, Cheng L, Zhou C, Chen C. Microglia and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia: translating scientific progress into novel therapeutic interventions. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 9:42. [PMID: 37429882 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a core clinical feature of schizophrenia, exerting profound adverse effects on social functioning and quality of life in a large proportion of patients with schizophrenia. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of schizophrenia-related cognitive impairment are not well understood. Microglia, the primary resident macrophages in the brain, have been shown to play important roles in psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Increasing evidence has revealed excessive microglial activation in cognitive deficits related to a broad range of diseases and medical conditions. Relative to that about age-related cognitive deficits, current knowledge about the roles of microglia in cognitive impairment in neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, is limited, and such research is in its infancy. Thus, we conducted this review of the scientific literature with a focus on the role of microglia in schizophrenia-associated cognitive impairment, aiming to gain insight into the roles of microglial activation in the onset and progression of such impairment and to consider how scientific advances could be translated to preventive and therapeutic interventions. Research has demonstrated that microglia, especially those in the gray matter of the brain, are activated in schizophrenia. Upon activation, microglia release key proinflammatory cytokines and free radicals, which are well-recognized neurotoxic factors contributing to cognitive decline. Thus, we propose that the inhibition of microglial activation holds potential for the prevention and treatment of cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia. This review identifies potential targets for the development of new treatment strategies and eventually the improvement of care for these patients. It might also help psychologists and clinical investigators in planning future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjun Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing Abnormalities in Schizophrenia (SIPAS-Lab), Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- Laboratory of Psychiatric-Neuroimaging-Genetic and Co-morbidity (PNGC-Lab), Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Anding Hospital, 300222, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh peoples Hospital, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Hongjun Tian
- Key Laboratory of Sensory Information Processing Abnormalities in Schizophrenia (SIPAS-Lab), Nankai University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Affiliated Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueqin Song
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Psychiatric Transformation Research Key Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Deguo Jiang
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh peoples Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guangdong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh peoples Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ziyao Cai
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh peoples Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jing Ping
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh peoples Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Langlang Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh peoples Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunhua Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Chunmian Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh peoples Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yu H, Ni P, Zhao L, Tian Y, Li M, Li X, Wei W, Wei J, Deng W, Du X, Wang Q, Guo W, Ma X, Coid J, Li T. Decreased plasma neuropeptides in first-episode schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder: associations with clinical symptoms and cognitive function. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1180720. [PMID: 37275985 PMCID: PMC10235770 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1180720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is an urgent need to identify differentiating and disease-monitoring biomarkers of schizophrenia, bipolar disorders (BD), and major depressive disorders (MDD) to improve treatment and management. Methods We recruited 54 first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients, 52 BD patients, 35 MDD patients, and 54 healthy controls from inpatient and outpatient clinics. α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH), β-endorphin, neurotensin, orexin-A, oxytocin, and substance P were investigated using quantitative multiplex assay method. Psychotic symptoms were measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), manic symptoms using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and depressive symptoms using 17 item-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). We additionally measured cognitive function by using a battery of tests given to all participants. Results α-MSH, neurotensin, orexin-A, oxytocin, and substance P were decreased in the three patient groups compared with controls. Neurotensin outperformed all biomarkers in differentiating patient groups from controls. There were no significant differences for 6 neuropeptides in their ability to differentiate between the three patient groups. Higher neurotensin was associated with better executive function across the entire sample. Lower oxytocin and higher substance p were associated with more psychotic symptoms in FES and BD groups. β-endorphin was associated with early morning wakening symptom in all three patient groups. Conclusion Our research shows decreased circulating neuropeptides have the potential to differentiate severe mental illnesses from controls. These neuropeptides are promising treatment targets for improving clinical symptoms and cognitive function in FES, BD, and MDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peiyan Ni
- The Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liansheng Zhao
- The Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Tian
- The Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingli Li
- The Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinxue Wei
- The Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangdong Du
- Suzhou Psychiatry Hospital, Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- The Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanjun Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaohong Ma
- The Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jeremy Coid
- The Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Vera-Montecinos A, Galiano-Landeira J, Roldán M, Vidal-Domènech F, Claro E, Ramos B. A Novel Localization of METTL7A in Bergmann Glial Cells in Human Cerebellum. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098405. [PMID: 37176112 PMCID: PMC10179429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like protein 7A (METTL7A) is a member of the METTL family of methyltransferases.Little information is available regarding the cellular expression of METTL7A in the brain. METTL7A is commonly located in the endoplasmic reticulum and to a lesser extent, in the lipid droplets of some cells. Several studies have reported altered protein and RNA levels in different brain areas in schizophrenia. One of these studies found reduced protein levels of METTL7A in the cerebellar cortex in schizophrenia and stress murine models. Since there is limited information in the literature about METTL7A, we characterized its cellular and subcellular localizations in the human cerebellum using immunohistochemical analysis with laser confocal microscopy. Our study reveals a novel METTL7A localization in GFAP-positive cells, with higher expression in the end-feet of the Bergmann glia, which participate in the cerebrospinal fluid-brain parenchyma barrier. Further 3D reconstruction image analysis showed that METTL7A was expressed in the contacts between the Bergmann glia and Purkinje neurons. METTL7A was also detected in lipid droplets in some cells in the white matter. The localization of METTL7A in the human cerebellar glia limitans could suggest a putative role in maintaining the cerebellar parenchyma homeostasis and in the regulation of internal cerebellar circuits by modulating the synaptic activity of Purkinje neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- América Vera-Montecinos
- Psiquiatria Molecular, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jordi Galiano-Landeira
- Psiquiatria Molecular, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Mònica Roldán
- Unitat de Microscòpia Confocal i Imatge Cel·lular, Servei de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Institut Pediàtric de Malalties Rares (IPER), Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Vidal-Domènech
- Psiquiatria Molecular, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Enrique Claro
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Belén Ramos
- Psiquiatria Molecular, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM (Biomedical Network Research Center of Mental Health), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, 08500 Vic, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yang Z, Li D, He Y, Chen X, Li Z. Unrevealing the shared genetic mechanisms underlying C-reactive protein and schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 126:110785. [PMID: 37150315 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110785] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Longitudinal observational studies and Mendelian randomization research have obtained contradictory conclusions regarding the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) level and schizophrenia risk. However, the shared genetic mechanisms underlying CRP and schizophrenia remain poorly understood. Here, we examined the global and local genetic correlations using summary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on CRP level and schizophrenia. Furthermore, we identified their shared genetic variants by applying the conditional false discovery rate approach and performed functional analyses of shared variants to explore the shared genetic mechanisms underlying CRP level and schizophrenia. We found a significant negative genetic correlation at the whole genome level and five significant local genetic correlations between CRP level and schizophrenia. Eight-three shared genetic loci were identified, from which single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) presents mixed effects on the increased CRP level and schizophrenia risk. Additionally, we identified 64 and 73 candidate genes that were mapped from SNPs with"concordant effect"(ceSNPs) and"discordant effect"(deSNPs) on the CRP level and schizophrenia risk respectively. Functional analyses revealed that genes mapped from ceSNPs and deSNPs exhibited similar patterns of human brain developmental expression trajectories and biological processes, but differed in expression levels and cell-type-specific enrichment in brain tissues. Our findings demonstrated mixed effects of shared genetic architecture between CRP level and schizophrenia, proving a deeper insight into the shared genetic aetiology underlying the CRP level and schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - David Li
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Ying He
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders & Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Xiaogang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders & Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Zongchang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders & Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Breitmeyer R, Vogel S, Heider J, Hartmann SM, Wüst R, Keller AL, Binner A, Fitzgerald JC, Fallgatter AJ, Volkmer H. Regulation of synaptic connectivity in schizophrenia spectrum by mutual neuron-microglia interaction. Commun Biol 2023; 6:472. [PMID: 37117634 PMCID: PMC10147621 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04852-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The examination of post-mortem brain tissue suggests synaptic loss as a central pathological hallmark of schizophrenia spectrum (SCZ), which is potentially related to activated microglia and increased inflammation. Induced pluripotent stem cells serve as a source for neurons and microglia-like cells to address neuron-microglia interactions. Here, we present a co-culture model of neurons and microglia, both of human origin, to show increased susceptibility of neurons to microglia-like cells derived from SCZ patients. Analysis of IBA-1 expression, NFκB signaling, transcription of inflammasome-related genes, and caspase-1 activation shows that enhanced, intrinsic inflammasome activation in patient-derived microglia exacerbates neuronal deficits such as synaptic loss in SCZ. Anti-inflammatory pretreatment of microglia with minocycline specifically rescued aberrant synapse loss in SCZ and reduced microglial activation. These findings open up possibilities for further research in larger cohorts, focused clinical work and longitudinal studies that could facilitate earlier therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricarda Breitmeyer
- Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Pharma and Biotech, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Vogel
- Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Pharma and Biotech, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Johanna Heider
- Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Pharma and Biotech, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Sophia-Marie Hartmann
- Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Pharma and Biotech, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Richard Wüst
- Department of Psychiatry, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Osianderstrasse 24, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Keller
- Tumor Biology, Department of Pharma and Biotech, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Anna Binner
- Tumor Biology, Department of Pharma and Biotech, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Julia C Fitzgerald
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Otfried-Mueller-Strasse 27, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas J Fallgatter
- Department of Psychiatry, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Osianderstrasse 24, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Volkmer
- Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Pharma and Biotech, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
De Simone G, Mazza B, Vellucci L, Barone A, Ciccarelli M, de Bartolomeis A. Schizophrenia Synaptic Pathology and Antipsychotic Treatment in the Framework of Oxidative and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Translational Highlights for the Clinics and Treatment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040975. [PMID: 37107350 PMCID: PMC10135787 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a worldwide mental illness characterized by alterations at dopaminergic and glutamatergic synapses resulting in global dysconnectivity within and between brain networks. Impairments in inflammatory processes, mitochondrial functions, energy expenditure, and oxidative stress have been extensively associated with schizophrenia pathophysiology. Antipsychotics, the mainstay of schizophrenia pharmacological treatment and all sharing the common feature of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy, may affect antioxidant pathways as well as mitochondrial protein levels and gene expression. Here, we systematically reviewed the available evidence on antioxidants' mechanisms in antipsychotic action and the impact of first- and second-generation compounds on mitochondrial functions and oxidative stress. We further focused on clinical trials addressing the efficacy and tolerability of antioxidants as an augmentation strategy of antipsychotic treatment. EMBASE, Scopus, and Medline/PubMed databases were interrogated. The selection process was conducted in respect of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Several mitochondrial proteins involved in cell viability, energy metabolism, and regulation of oxidative systems were reported to be significantly modified by antipsychotic treatment with differences between first- and second-generation drugs. Finally, antioxidants may affect cognitive and psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, and although the evidence is only preliminary, the results indicate that further studies are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe De Simone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mazza
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Ciccarelli
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- UNESCO Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ai YW, Du Y, Chen L, Liu SH, Liu QS, Cheng Y. Brain Inflammatory Marker Abnormalities in Major Psychiatric Diseases: a Systematic Review of Postmortem Brain Studies. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2116-2134. [PMID: 36600081 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) are common neuropsychiatric disorders that lead to neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis. It is possible to further explore the connection between inflammation in the brain and SCZ, BD, and MDD. Therefore, we systematically reviewed PubMed and Web of Science on brain inflammatory markers measured in SCZ, BD, and MDD postmortem brains. Out of 2166 studies yielded by the search, 46 studies met the inclusion criteria in SCZ, BD, and MDD postmortem brains. The results were variable across inflammatory markers. For example, 26 studies were included to measure the differential expression between SCZ and control subjects. Similarly, seven of the included studies measured the differential expression of inflammatory markers in patients with BD. The heterogeneity from the included studies is not clear at present, which may be caused by several factors, including the measured brain region, disease stage, brain source, medication, and other factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Wen Ai
- School of Pharmacy, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Haidian District, 27 Zhongguancun South St, 100081, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Du
- School of Pharmacy, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Haidian District, 27 Zhongguancun South St, 100081, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Haidian District, 27 Zhongguancun South St, 100081, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Han Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Haidian District, 27 Zhongguancun South St, 100081, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Shan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Haidian District, 27 Zhongguancun South St, 100081, Beijing, China.
| | - Yong Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Haidian District, 27 Zhongguancun South St, 100081, Beijing, China. .,Institute of National Security, Minzu University of China, Haidian District, 27 Zhongguancun South St, 100081, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Foley ÉM, Griffiths SL, Murray A, Rogers J, Corsi-Zuelli F, Hickinbotham H, Warwick E, Wilson M, Kaser M, Murray GK, Deakin B, Jadon D, Suckling J, Barnes NM, Upthegrove R, Khandaker GM. Protocol for the Psychosis Immune Mechanism Stratified Medicine (PIMS) trial: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of single-dose tocilizumab in patients with psychosis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067944. [PMID: 36963796 PMCID: PMC10040013 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067944] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence suggests a potentially causal role of interleukin 6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic cytokine that generally promotes inflammation, in the pathogenesis of psychosis. However, no interventional studies in patients with psychosis, stratified using inflammatory markers, have been conducted to assess the therapeutic potential of targeting IL-6 in psychosis and to elucidate potential mechanism of effect. Tocilizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-6 receptor to inhibit IL-6 signalling, licensed in the UK for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The primary objective of this study is to test whether IL-6 contributes to the pathogenesis of first episode psychosis and to examine potential mechanisms by which IL-6 affects psychotic symptoms. A secondary objective is to examine characteristics of inflammation-associated psychosis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A proof-of-concept study employing a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled design testing the effect of IL-6 inhibition on anhedonia in patients with psychosis. Approximately 60 participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders (ICD-10 codes F20, F22, F25, F28, F29) with evidence of low-grade inflammation (IL-6≥0.7 pg/mL) will receive either one intravenous infusion of tocilizumab (4.0 mg/kg; max 800 mg) or normal saline. Psychiatric measures and blood samples will be collected at baseline, 7, 14 and 28 days post infusion. Cognitive and neuroimaging data will be collected at baseline and 14 days post infusion. In addition, approximately 30 patients with psychosis without evidence of inflammation (IL-6<0.7 pg/mL) and 30 matched healthy controls will be recruited to complete identical baseline assessments to allow for comparison of the characteristic features of inflammation-associated psychosis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study is sponsored by the University of Bristol and has been approved by the Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee (reference: 22/EE/0010; IRAS project ID: 301682). Study findings will be published in peer-review journals. Findings will also be disseminated by scientific presentation and other means. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN23256704.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Éimear M Foley
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sian Lowri Griffiths
- Institute for Mental Health and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alexander Murray
- Institute for Mental Health and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jack Rogers
- Institute for Mental Health and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fabiana Corsi-Zuelli
- Institute for Mental Health and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Neuroscience and Behaviour, Division of Psychiatry, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Ella Warwick
- Institute for Mental Health and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Martin Wilson
- Institute for Mental Health and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Muzaffer Kaser
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Fulbourn, UK
| | - Graham K Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Fulbourn, UK
| | - Bill Deakin
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Deepak Jadon
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John Suckling
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Fulbourn, UK
| | - Nicholas M Barnes
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rachel Upthegrove
- Institute for Mental Health and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Early Intervention Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Golam M Khandaker
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang HC, Du Y, Chen L, Yuan ZQ, Cheng Y. MicroRNA schizophrenia: Etiology, biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105064. [PMID: 36707012 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The three sets of symptoms associated with schizophrenia-positive, negative, and cognitive-are burdensome and have serious effects on public health, which affects up to 1% of the population. It is now commonly believed that in addition to the traditional dopaminergic mesolimbic pathway, the etiology of schizophrenia also includes neuronal networks, such as glutamate, GABA, serotonin, BDNF, oxidative stress, inflammation and the immune system. Small noncoding RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) have come to light as possible participants in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia in recent years by having an impact on these systems. These small RNAs regulate the stability and translation of hundreds of target transcripts, which has an impact on the entire gene network. There may be improved approaches to treat and diagnose schizophrenia if it is understood how these changes in miRNAs alter the critical related signaling pathways that drive the development and progression of the illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Chang Zhang
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Du
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Zeng-Qiang Yuan
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China; Institute of National Security, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes from patients with schizophrenia exhibit an inflammatory phenotype that affects vascularization. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:871-882. [PMID: 36280751 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01830-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Molecular and functional abnormalities of astrocytes have been implicated in the etiology and pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SCZ). In this study, we examined the proteome, inflammatory responses, and secretome effects on vascularization of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes from patients with SCZ. Proteomic analysis revealed alterations in proteins related to immune function and vascularization. Reduced expression of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 subunit was observed in these astrocytes, with no incremental secretion of cytokines after tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) stimulation. Among inflammatory cytokines, secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 was particularly elevated in SCZ-patient-derived-astrocyte-conditioned medium (ASCZCM). In a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, ASCZCM reduced the diameter of newly grown vessels. This effect could be mimicked with exogenous addition of IL-8. Taken together, our results suggest that SCZ astrocytes are immunologically dysfunctional and may consequently affect vascularization through secreted factors.
Collapse
|
39
|
Chemokine Dysregulation and Neuroinflammation in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032215. [PMID: 36768537 PMCID: PMC9917146 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are known to be immunoregulatory proteins involved not only in lymphocyte chemotaxis to the site of inflammation, but also in neuromodulation, neurogenesis, and neurotransmission. Multiple lines of evidence suggest a peripheral proinflammatory state and neuroinflammation in at least a third of patients with schizophrenia. Therefore, chemokines can be active players in these processes. In this systematic review, we analyzed the available data on chemokine dysregulation in schizophrenia and the association of chemokines with neuroinflammation. It has been shown that there is a genetic association of chemokine and chemokine receptor gene polymorphisms in schizophrenia. Besides, the most reliable data confirmed by the results of meta-analyses showed an increase in CXCL8/IL-8, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL4/MIP-1β, CCL11/eotaxin-1 in the blood of patients with schizophrenia. An increase in CXCL8 has been found in cerebrospinal fluid, but other chemokines have been less well studied. Increased/decreased expression of genes of chemokine and their receptors have been found in different areas of the brain and peripheral immune cells. The peripheral proinflammatory state may influence the expression of chemokines since their expression is regulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Mouse models have shown an association of schizophrenia with dysregulation of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 and CXCL12-CXCR4 axes. Altogether, dysregulation in chemokine expression may contribute to neuroinflammation in schizophrenia. In conclusion, this evidence indicates the involvement of chemokines in the neurobiological processes associated with schizophrenia.
Collapse
|
40
|
Helaly AMN, Ghorab DSED. Schizophrenia as metabolic disease. What are the causes? Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:795-804. [PMID: 36656396 PMCID: PMC9849842 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01147-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disease with an accelerated ageing feature. The criteria of metabolic disease firmly fit with those of schizophrenia. Disturbances in energy and mitochondria are at the core of complex pathology. Genetic and environmental interaction creates changes in redox, inflammation, and apoptosis. All the factors behind schizophrenia interact in a cycle where it is difficult to discriminate between the cause and the effect. New technology and advances in the multi-dispensary fields could break this cycle in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohamed Nabil Helaly
- Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Doaa Shame El Din Ghorab
- Basic Science, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Maurya SK, Gupta S, Mishra R. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of microglia in maintenance of brain homeostasis and neurodegeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1072046. [PMID: 36698776 PMCID: PMC9870594 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1072046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging role of microglia in brain homeostasis, neurodegeneration, and neurodevelopmental disorders has attracted considerable interest. In addition, recent developments in microglial functions and associated pathways have shed new light on their fundamental role in the immunological surveillance of the brain. Understanding the interconnections between microglia, neurons, and non-neuronal cells have opened up additional avenues for research in this evolving field. Furthermore, the study of microglia at the transcriptional and epigenetic levels has enhanced our knowledge of these native brain immune cells. Moreover, exploring various facets of microglia biology will facilitate the early detection, treatment, and management of neurological disorders. Consequently, the present review aimed to provide comprehensive insight on microglia biology and its influence on brain development, homeostasis, management of disease, and highlights microglia as potential therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Kumar Maurya
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India,*Correspondence: Shashank Kumar Maurya, ;
| | - Suchi Gupta
- Tech Cell Innovations Private Limited, Centre for Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CMIE), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajnikant Mishra
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fessel J. Formulating treatment of major psychiatric disorders: algorithm targets the dominantly affected brain cell-types. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 3:3. [PMID: 37861813 PMCID: PMC10501034 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-022-00029-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacotherapy for most psychiatric conditions was developed from serendipitous observations of benefit from drugs prescribed for different reasons. An algorithmic approach to formulating pharmacotherapy is proposed, based upon which combination of changed activities by brain cell-types is dominant for any particular condition, because those cell-types contain and surrogate for genetic, metabolic and environmental information, that has affected their function. The algorithm performs because functions of some or all the affected cell-types benefit from several available drugs: clemastine, dantrolene, erythropoietin, fingolimod, fluoxetine, lithium, memantine, minocycline, pioglitazone, piracetam, and riluzole PROCEDURES/FINDINGS: Bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder, illustrate the algorithm; for them, literature reviews show that no single combination of altered cell-types accounts for all cases; but they identify, for each condition, which combination occurs most frequently, i.e., dominates, as compared with other possible combinations. Knowing the dominant combination of altered cell-types in a particular condition, permits formulation of therapy with combinations of drugs taken from the above list. The percentage of patients who might benefit from that therapy, depends upon the frequency with which the dominant combination occurs in patients with that particular condition. CONCLUSIONS Knowing the dominant combination of changed cell types in psychiatric conditions, permits an algorithmically formulated, rationally-based treatment. Different studies of the same condition often produce discrepant results; all might be correct, because identical clinical phenotypes result from different combinations of impaired cell-types, thus producing different results. Clinical trials would validate both the proposed concept and choice of drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Fessel
- Department of Medicine, University of California, 2069 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA, 94123, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wagner A, Pehar M, Yan Z, Kulka M. Amanita muscaria extract potentiates production of proinflammatory cytokines by dsRNA-activated human microglia. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1102465. [PMID: 37124206 PMCID: PMC10130647 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1102465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent interest in mushrooms and their components as potential therapies for mental health, along with recent government and health authority approvals, has necessitated a more comprehensive understanding of their effects on the cellular microenvironment of the brain. Amanita muscaria has been ingested as a treatment for a variety of ailments for centuries, most notably those affecting the central nervous system and conditions associated with neuroinflammation. However, the effects of these extracts on neuroinflammatory cells, such as microglia, are unknown. The effect of commercially-sourced A. muscaria extract (AME-1) on human microglial cell line (HMC3) expression of surface receptors such as CD86, CXCR4, CD45, CD125 and TLR4 was determined by flow cytometry. AME-1 upregulated expression of all of these receptors. The effect of AME-1 on HMC3 production of IL-8 and IL-6 was determined and compared to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], substance P and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), all known activators of HMC-3 and primary microglia. HMC3 produced both IL-8 and IL-6 when activated with LPS, TNF and poly(I:C) but not when they were activated with substance P. Although AME-1 at higher concentrations increased IL-8 production of HMC3 on its own, AME-1 notably potentiated HMC3 production of IL-8 in response to poly(I:C). AME-1 altered expression of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) mRNA but not surface protein by HMC3. AME-1 also did not significantly alter expression of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) or melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), both cytosolic sensors of dsRNA. Metabolomics analysis showed that AME-1 contained several metabolites, including the autophagy inducer, trehalose. Like AME-1, trehalose also potentiated HMC3 poly(I:C) mediated production of IL-8. This study suggests that A. muscaria extracts can modify HMC3 inflammatory responses, possibly due to their trehalose content.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Wagner
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marcus Pehar
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zhimin Yan
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marianna Kulka
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Marianna Kulka,
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Interplay between activation of endogenous retroviruses and inflammation as common pathogenic mechanism in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:242-252. [PMID: 36270439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancestorial retroviral elements that were integrated into our genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. They have repeatedly been implicated in the aetiology and pathophysiology of numerous human disorders, particularly in those that affect the central nervous system. In addition to the known association of ERVs with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a growing number of studies links the induction and expression of these retroviral elements with the onset and severity of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Although these disorders differ in terms of overall disease pathology and causalities, a certain degree of (subclinical) chronic inflammation can be identified in all of them. Based on these commonalities, we discuss the bidirectional relationship between ERV expression and inflammation and highlight that numerous entry points to this reciprocal sequence of events exist, including initial infections with ERV-activating pathogens, exposure to non-infectious inflammatory stimuli, and conditions in which epigenetic silencing of ERV elements is disrupted.
Collapse
|
45
|
Webster MJ. Infections, Inflammation, and Psychiatric Illness: Review of Postmortem Evidence. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 61:35-48. [PMID: 35505055 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
While there is an abundance of epidemiological evidence implicating infectious agents in the etiology of severe mental illnesses, postmortem studies have not yet detected an increased incidence of microbial nucleic acid or proteins in the brains of people with mental illness. Nevertheless, abnormally expressed immune and inflammatory markers have consistently been found in the postmortem brain of patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders. Some of these abnormalities may be the result of an infection in utero or early in life that not only impacted the developing immune system but also the developing neurons of the brain. Some of the immune markers that are consistently found to be upregulated in schizophrenia implicate a possible viral infection and the blood brain barrier in the etiology and neuropathology of the disorder.
Collapse
|
46
|
Bhatt S, Dhar AK, Samanta MK, Suttee A. Effects of Current Psychotropic Drugs on Inflammation and Immune System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1411:407-434. [PMID: 36949320 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7376-5_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The immune system and inflammation are involved in the pathological progression of various psychiatric disorders such as depression or major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or anxiety, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Huntington's disease. It is observed that levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and other markers are highly increased in the abovementioned disorders. The inflammation and immune component also lead to enhance the oxidative stress. The oxidative stress and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered as important factors that are involved in pathological progression of psychiatric disorders. Increase production of ROS is associated with excessive inflammation followed by cell necrosis and death. The psychotropic drugs are mainly work through modulations of neurotransmitter system. However, it is evident that inflammation and immune modulation are also having important role in the progression of psychiatric disorders. Rationale of the use of current psychotropic drugs is modulation of immune system by them. However, the effects of psychotropic drugs on the immune system and how these might contribute to their efficacy remain largely unclear. The drugs may act through modification of inflammation and related markers. The main purpose of this book chapter is to address the role of current psychotropic drugs on inflammation and immune system. Moreover, it will also address the role of inflammation in the progression of psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shvetank Bhatt
- School of Pharmacy, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior, India
| | | | | | - Ashish Suttee
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Channer B, Matt SM, Nickoloff-Bybel EA, Pappa V, Agarwal Y, Wickman J, Gaskill PJ. Dopamine, Immunity, and Disease. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:62-158. [PMID: 36757901 PMCID: PMC9832385 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter dopamine is a key factor in central nervous system (CNS) function, regulating many processes including reward, movement, and cognition. Dopamine also regulates critical functions in peripheral organs, such as blood pressure, renal activity, and intestinal motility. Beyond these functions, a growing body of evidence indicates that dopamine is an important immunoregulatory factor. Most types of immune cells express dopamine receptors and other dopaminergic proteins, and many immune cells take up, produce, store, and/or release dopamine, suggesting that dopaminergic immunomodulation is important for immune function. Targeting these pathways could be a promising avenue for the treatment of inflammation and disease, but despite increasing research in this area, data on the specific effects of dopamine on many immune cells and disease processes remain inconsistent and poorly understood. Therefore, this review integrates the current knowledge of the role of dopamine in immune cell function and inflammatory signaling across systems. We also discuss the current understanding of dopaminergic regulation of immune signaling in the CNS and peripheral tissues, highlighting the role of dopaminergic immunomodulation in diseases such as Parkinson's disease, several neuropsychiatric conditions, neurologic human immunodeficiency virus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. Careful consideration is given to the influence of experimental design on results, and we note a number of areas in need of further research. Overall, this review integrates our knowledge of dopaminergic immunology at the cellular, tissue, and disease level and prompts the development of therapeutics and strategies targeted toward ameliorating disease through dopaminergic regulation of immunity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Canonically, dopamine is recognized as a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of movement, cognition, and reward. However, dopamine also acts as an immune modulator in the central nervous system and periphery. This review comprehensively assesses the current knowledge of dopaminergic immunomodulation and the role of dopamine in disease pathogenesis at the cellular and tissue level. This will provide broad access to this information across fields, identify areas in need of further investigation, and drive the development of dopaminergic therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Breana Channer
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Stephanie M Matt
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Emily A Nickoloff-Bybel
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Vasiliki Pappa
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Yash Agarwal
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Jason Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Peter J Gaskill
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Zhang Y, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Zeng F, Yan S, Chen Y, Li Z, Zhou D, Liu L. The role of circadian clock in astrocytes: From cellular functions to ischemic stroke therapeutic targets. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1013027. [PMID: 36570843 PMCID: PMC9772621 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1013027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that astrocytes, the abundant cell type in the central nervous system (CNS), play a critical role in maintaining the immune response after cerebral infarction, regulating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), providing nutrients to the neurons, and reuptake of glutamate. The circadian clock is an endogenous timing system that controls and optimizes biological processes. The central circadian clock and the peripheral clock are consistent, controlled by various circadian components, and participate in the pathophysiological process of astrocytes. Existing evidence shows that circadian rhythm controls the regulation of inflammatory responses by astrocytes in ischemic stroke (IS), regulates the repair of the BBB, and plays an essential role in a series of pathological processes such as neurotoxicity and neuroprotection. In this review, we highlight the importance of astrocytes in IS and discuss the potential role of the circadian clock in influencing astrocyte pathophysiology. A comprehensive understanding of the ability of the circadian clock to regulate astrocytes after stroke will improve our ability to predict the targets and biological functions of the circadian clock and gain insight into the basis of its intervention mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China,The Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- The Medical School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China,The Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fukang Zeng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China,The Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siyang Yan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China,Desheng Zhou,
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Lijuan Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Strube W, Aksar A, Bauer I, Barbosa S, Benros M, Blankenstein C, Campana M, Davidovic L, Glaichenhaus N, Falkai P, Görlitz T, Hansbauer M, Heilig D, Khalfallah O, Leboyer M, Martinuzzi E, Mayer S, Moussiopoulou J, Papazova I, Perić N, Wagner E, Schneider-Axmann T, Simon J, Hasan A. Effects of add-on Celecoxib treatment on patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and inflammatory cytokine profile trial (TargetFlame): study design and methodology of a multicentre randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022:10.1007/s00702-022-02566-6. [PMID: 36401749 PMCID: PMC10374797 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02566-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractNeuroinflammation has been proposed to impact symptomatology in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. While previous studies have shown equivocal effects of treatments with add-on anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin, N-acetylcysteine and Celecoxib, none have used a subset of prospectively recruited patients exhibiting an inflammatory profile. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety as well as the cost-effectiveness of a treatment with 400 mg Celecoxib added to an ongoing antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders exhibiting an inflammatory profile. The “Add-on Celecoxib treatment in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and inflammatory cytokine profile trial (TargetFlame)” is a multicentre randomized, placebo-controlled phase III investigator-initiated clinical trial with the following two arms: patients exhibiting an inflammatory profile receiving either add-on Celecoxib 400 mg/day or add-on placebo. A total of 199 patients will be assessed for eligibility by measuring blood levels of three pro-inflammatory cytokines, and 109 patients with an inflammatory profile, i.e. inflamed, will be randomized, treated for 8 weeks and followed-up for additional four months. The primary endpoint will be changes in symptom severity as assessed by total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score changes from baseline to week 8. Secondary endpoints include various other measures of psychopathology and safety. Additional health economic analyses will be performed. TargetFlame is the first study aimed at evaluating the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of the antiphlogistic agent Celecoxib in a subset of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders exhibiting an inflammatory profile. With TargetFlame, we intended to investigate a novel precision medicine approach towards anti-inflammatory antipsychotic treatment augmentation using drug repurposing. Clinical trial registration:http://www.drks.de/DRKS00029044 and https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=DRKS00029044
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhang X, Wolfinger A, Wu X, Alnafisah R, Imami A, Hamoud AR, Lundh A, Parpura V, McCullumsmith RE, Shukla R, O’Donovan SM. Gene Enrichment Analysis of Astrocyte Subtypes in Psychiatric Disorders and Psychotropic Medication Datasets. Cells 2022; 11:3315. [PMID: 36291180 PMCID: PMC9600295 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have many important functions in the brain, but their roles in psychiatric disorders and their responses to psychotropic medications are still being elucidated. Here, we used gene enrichment analysis to assess the relationships between different astrocyte subtypes, psychiatric diseases, and psychotropic medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers). We also carried out qPCR analyses and "look-up" studies to assess the chronic effects of these drugs on astrocyte marker gene expression. Our bioinformatic analysis identified gene enrichment of different astrocyte subtypes in psychiatric disorders. The highest level of enrichment was found in schizophrenia, supporting a role for astrocytes in this disorder. We also found differential enrichment of astrocyte subtypes associated with specific biological processes, highlighting the complex responses of astrocytes under pathological conditions. Enrichment of protein phosphorylation in astrocytes and disease was confirmed by biochemical analysis. Analysis of LINCS chemical perturbagen gene signatures also found that kinase inhibitors were highly discordant with astrocyte-SCZ associated gene signatures. However, we found that common gene enrichment of different psychotropic medications and astrocyte subtypes was limited. These results were confirmed by "look-up" studies and qPCR analysis, which also reported little effect of psychotropic medications on common astrocyte marker gene expression, suggesting that astrocytes are not a primary target of these medications. Conversely, antipsychotic medication does affect astrocyte gene marker expression in postmortem schizophrenia brain tissue, supporting specific astrocyte responses in different pathological conditions. Overall, this study provides a unique view of astrocyte subtypes and the effect of medications on astrocytes in disease, which will contribute to our understanding of their role in psychiatric disorders and offers insights into targeting astrocytes therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Alyssa Wolfinger
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Rawan Alnafisah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Ali Imami
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Abdul-rizaq Hamoud
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Anna Lundh
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Robert E. McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Promedica Neurosciences Institute, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Rammohan Shukla
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|