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Lopes EITC, Cavalcanti-Ribeiro P, Palhano-Fontes F, Gonçalves KTDC, Nunes EA, Lima NBDM, Santos NC, Brito AJCD, de Araujo DB, Galvão-Coelho NL. Rapid and long-lasting effects of subcutaneous esketamine on suicidality: An open-label study in patients with treatment-resistant depression. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 176:254-258. [PMID: 38901389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.06.020] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutics for suicide management is limited, taking weeks to work. This open-label clinical trial with 18 treatment-resistant depressive patients tested subcutaneous esketamine (8 weekly sessions) for suicidality. We noted a rapid and enduring effect of subcutaneous esketamine, lasting from one week to six months post-treatment, assessed by the Beck Inventory for Suicidality (BSI). There was an immediate drop in suicidality, 24 h following the initial dose, which persisted for seven days throughout the eight-week dosing period. Additionally, this study is the first to examine a six-month follow-up after multiple administrations of subcutaneous esketamine, finding consistently lower levels of suicidality throughout this duration. Conversely, suicidality also was measured along the 8-weeks of treatment by a psychiatrist using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), which showed significant reduction only after two treatment sessions expanding until the last session. Moreover, notably, 61% of patients achieved remission on suicidality (MADRS). These results suggest that weekly subcutaneous esketamine injections offer a cost-effective approach that induces a rapid and sustained response to anti-suicide treatment. This sets the stage for further, more controlled studies to corroborate our initial observations regarding the effects of SC esketamine on suicidality. Registered trial at: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-1072m6nv.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrícia Cavalcanti-Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology and Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal- RN, Brazil; Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | - Kaike Thiê da Costa Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Emerson Arcoverde Nunes
- Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Nicole Bezerra de Medeiros Lima
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Nestor Caetano Santos
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nicole Leite Galvão-Coelho
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology and Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal- RN, Brazil; Western Sydney University, NICM Health Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, Australia; National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Brazil.
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Bransfield RC, Goud Gadila SK, Kursawe LJ, Dwork AJ, Rosoklija G, Horn EJ, Cook MJ, Embers ME. Late-stage borreliosis and substance abuse. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31159. [PMID: 38779029 PMCID: PMC11108998 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Infectious diseases can contribute to substance abuse. Here, a fatal case of borreliosis and substance abuse is reported. This patient had a history of multiple tick bites and increasing multisystem symptoms, yet diagnosis and treatment were delayed. He experimented with multiple substances including phencyclidine (PCP), an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that opposes NMDA agonism caused by Borrelia infection. During PCP withdrawal, he committed one homicide, two assaults, and suicide. Methods Brain tissue was obtained from autopsy and stained for microglial activation and quinolinic acid (QA). Immunoflouresence (IFA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to identify the presence of pathogens in autopsy tissue. Results Autopsy tissue evaluation demonstrated Borrelia in the pancreas by IFA and heart by IFA and FISH. Activated microglia and QA were found in the brain, indicating neuroinflammation. It is postulated that PCP withdrawal may exacerbate symptoms produced by Borrelia-induced biochemical imbalances in the brain. This combination may have greatly increased his acute homicidal and suicidal risk. Patient databases also demonstrated the risk of homicide or suicide in patients diagnosed with borreliosis and confirmed multiple symptoms in these patients, including chronic pain, anxiety, and anhedonia. Conclusions Late-stage borreliosis is associated with multiple symptoms that may contribute to an increased risk of substance abuse and addictive disorders. More effective diagnosis and treatment of borreliosis, and attention to substance abuse potential may help reduce associated morbidity and mortality in patients with borreliosis, particularly in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Bransfield
- Rutgers-RWJ Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA. Hackensack Meridian Health-School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Shiva Kumar Goud Gadila
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Laura J. Kursawe
- Charité – Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universitat Berlin and Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrew J. Dwork
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States. Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York, USA
- State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, Macedonia
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gorazd Rosoklija
- State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Monica E. Embers
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, LA, USA
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Effective factors in the pathogenesis of Toxoplasmagondii. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31558. [PMID: 38818168 PMCID: PMC11137575 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite in humans and animals. It infects about 30 % of the human population worldwide and causes potentially fatal diseases in immunocompromised hosts and neonates. For this study, five English-language databases (ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar were searched. This review was accomplished to draw a global perspective of what is known about the pathogenesis of T. gondii and various factors affecting it. Virulence and immune responses can influence the mechanisms of parasite pathogenesis and these factors are in turn influenced by other factors. In addition to the host's genetic background, the type of Toxoplasma strain, the routes of transmission of infection, the number of passages, and different phases of parasite life affect virulence. The identification of virulence factors of the parasite could provide promising insights into the pathogenesis of this parasite. The results of this study can be an incentive to conduct more intensive research to design and develop new anti-Toxoplasma agents (drugs and vaccines) to treat or prevent this infection. In addition, further studies are needed to better understand the key agents in the pathogenesis of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Osuch B, Misztal T, Pałatyńska K, Tomaszewska-Zaremba D. Implications of Kynurenine Pathway Metabolism for the Immune System, Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, and Neurotransmission in Alcohol Use Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4845. [PMID: 38732064 PMCID: PMC11084367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094845] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in interest in the role of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in mechanisms associated with addictive behavior. Numerous reports implicate KP metabolism in influencing the immune system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and neurotransmission, which underlie the behavioral patterns characteristic of addiction. An in-depth analysis of the results of these new studies highlights interesting patterns of relationships, and approaching alcohol use disorder (AUD) from a broader neuroendocrine-immune system perspective may be crucial to better understanding this complex phenomenon. In this review, we provide an up-to-date summary of information indicating the relationship between AUD and the KP, both in terms of changes in the activity of this pathway and modulation of this pathway as a possible pharmacological approach for the treatment of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Osuch
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland; (T.M.); (K.P.); (D.T.-Z.)
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5
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Orhan F, Schwieler L, Engberg G, Samuelsson M. Kynurenine Metabolites in CSF and Plasma in Healthy Males. Int J Tryptophan Res 2024; 17:11786469241245323. [PMID: 38665132 PMCID: PMC11044574 DOI: 10.1177/11786469241245323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, kynurenine metabolites generated by tryptophan catabolism have gained increasing attention in the context of brain diseases. The question of importance is whether there is a relationship between peripheral and central levels of these metabolites. Some of these compounds do not cross the blood-brain barrier; in particular, kynurenic acid, and most analyses of kynurenines from psychiatric patients have been performed using plasma samples. In the present study, we recruited 30 healthy volunteers with no history of psychiatric or neurological diagnosis, to analyze tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid levels in CSF and plasma. In addition, kynurenic acid was analyzed in urine. The most important finding of this study is that CSF kynurenic acid levels do not correlate with those in plasma or urine. However, we found a correlation between plasma kynurenine and CSF kynurenic acid. Further, plasma kynurenine and plasma quinolinic acid were correlated. Our findings clarify the distribution of tryptophan and its metabolites in various body compartments and may serve as a guide for the analysis of these metabolites in humans. The most significant finding of the present study is that a prediction of brain kynurenic acid by of the analysis of the compound in plasma cannot be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funda Orhan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Göran Engberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Samuelsson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Sweden
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6
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Yu Z, Lin Y, Wu L, Wang L, Fan Y, Xu L, Zhang L, Wu W, Tao J, Huan F, Liu W, Wang J, Gao R. Bisphenol F exposure induces depression-like changes: Roles of the kynurenine metabolic pathway along the "liver-brain" axis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123356. [PMID: 38266696 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Bisphenol F (BPF), one of the major alternatives of Bisphenol A (BPA), is becoming extensively used in industrial production with great harm to human beings and environment. Recent studies have revealed that environmental exposure is crucial to the initiation and development of depression. Thereby, the aim the present study is to ascertain the correlationship between the BPF exposure and depression occurrence. In the current study, BPF strikingly triggered depression-like changes in mice through the sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST), accompanied by the perturbation of the kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway along the "liver-brain" axis. Mechanistically, the neurotransmitters from the tryptophan metabolic pathway were converted to the toxic KYN pathway after BPF treatment. With the ELISA assay, it revealed that the toxic KYN metabolites, including KYN and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), were strikingly increased in the mouse brains which was ascribed to the enhanced expression of the rate-limiting enzymes Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) and Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) respectively. Interestingly, the increased brain KYN induced by BPF was also validated partially from the periphery, since the ELISA and western blotting results indicated the significantly increased KYN in the serum and L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) in the brain, the key transporter responsible for KYN and 3-HK crossing the blood-brain barrier. Intriguingly, the liver-derived KYN metabolic pathway was the important source of the peripheral KYN and 3-HK, as BPF substantially enhanced hepatic IDO1, Tryptophan, 2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO2), and KMO levels indicated by western blotting. This study is the first to delineate previously unrecognized BPF-induced depression by regulating the KYN metabolic pathway along the "liver-brain" axis; therefore, targeting LAT1 or hepatic KYN signaling may provide a potentially unique therapeutic intervention in BPF-induced depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yu
- Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuxin Lin
- Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Linlin Wu
- Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China; The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yichun Fan
- Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Liuting Xu
- Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Linwei Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Weilan Wu
- Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jingxian Tao
- Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Fei Huan
- Department of Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Wenwei Liu
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China; China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Nanjing Medical University, 818 Tianyuan East Road, Nanjing, 211166, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Rong Gao
- Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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7
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Ye F, Dong MC, Xu CX, Jiang N, Chang Q, Liu XM, Pan RL. Effects of different chronic restraint stress periods on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism along the brain-gut axis in C57BL/6N mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 965:176301. [PMID: 38145646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176301] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Chronic restraint stress (CRS) is a widely used stimulus to induce anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, linked to alterations in tryptophan-kynurenine (TRP-KYN) metabolism in animals. This study assessed the effects of different CRS periods on anxiety- or depression-like behaviors and TRP-KYN metabolism along brain-gut axis in C57BL/6N mice. Results showed that one-week CRS decreased the open arm entries of mice in elevated plus maze and delayed latency of feeding in novelty suppressed feeding test. Four-week CRS reduced sucrose preference, increases forced swimming immobility time, and also induced anxiety-like behaviors of mice. UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed decreased levels of the neurotoxic 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and quinolinic acid (QA), and an increase in the neuroprotective kynurenic acid (KA) in the hippocampus of one-week CRS mice; meanwhile, four-week CRS mice displayed a reduction in KA and increases in 3-HK and QA. In the colon, both one-week and four-week CRS mice exhibited significant reductions in 3-HK and QA, with a marked increase of KA exclusively in four-week CRS mice. Briefly, one-week CRS only induced anxiety-like behaviors with hippocampal neuroprotection in TRP-KYN metabolism, whereas four-week CRS caused anxiety- and depression-like behaviors with neurotoxicity. In the colon, during both CRS periods, KYN was metabolized in the direction of NAD+ production. However, four-week CRS triggered intestinal inflammation risk with increased KA. Summarily, slightly short-term stress has beneficial effects on mice, while prolonged chronic stress can lead to pathological changes. This study offers valuable insights into stress-induced emotional disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Ye
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Meng-Chen Dong
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chen-Xi Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qi Chang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xin-Min Liu
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, No. 818, Feng Hua Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo, 315000, China.
| | - Rui-Le Pan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Brown SJ, Christofides K, Weissleder C, Huang XF, Shannon Weickert C, Lim CK, Newell KA. Sex- and suicide-specific alterations in the kynurenine pathway in the anterior cingulate cortex in major depression. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:584-592. [PMID: 37735504 PMCID: PMC10789861 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01736-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious psychiatric disorder that in extreme cases can lead to suicide. Evidence suggests that alterations in the kynurenine pathway (KP) contribute to the pathology of MDD. Activation of the KP leads to the formation of neuroactive metabolites, including kynurenic acid (KYNA) and quinolinic acid (QUIN). To test for changes in the KP, postmortem anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was obtained from the National Institute of Health NeuroBioBank. Gene expression of KP enzymes and relevant neuroinflammatory markers were investigated via RT-qPCR (Fluidigm) and KP metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in tissue from individuals with MDD (n = 44) and matched nonpsychiatric controls (n = 36). We report increased IL6 and IL1B mRNA in MDD. Subgroup analysis found that female MDD subjects had significantly decreased KYNA and a trend decrease in the KYNA/QUIN ratio compared to female controls. In addition, MDD subjects that died by suicide had significantly decreased KYNA in comparison to controls and MDD subjects that did not die by suicide, while subjects that did not die by suicide had increased KYAT2 mRNA, which we hypothesise may protect against a decrease in KYNA. Overall, we found sex- and suicide-specific alterations in the KP in the ACC in MDD. This is the first molecular evidence in the brain of subgroup specific changes in the KP in MDD, which not only suggests that treatments aimed at upregulation of the KYNA arm in the brain may be favourable for female MDD sufferers but also might assist managing suicidal behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara J Brown
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | | | - Christin Weissleder
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Mechanism and Therapy of Genetic Brain Diseases, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chai K Lim
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelly A Newell
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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Fakhfouri G, Mijailović NR, Rahimian R. Psychiatric Comorbidities of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: It Is a Matter of Microglia's Gut Feeling. Cells 2024; 13:177. [PMID: 38247868 PMCID: PMC10814793 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020177] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a common term for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic, relapse-remitting condition of the gastrointestinal tract that is increasing worldwide. Psychiatric comorbidities, including depression and anxiety, are more prevalent in IBD patients than in healthy individuals. Evidence suggests that varying levels of neuroinflammation might underlie these states in IBD patients. Within this context, microglia are the crucial non-neural cells in the brain responsible for innate immune responses following inflammatory insults. Alterations in microglia's functions, such as secretory profile, phagocytic activity, and synaptic pruning, might play significant roles in mediating psychiatric manifestations of IBD. In this review, we discuss the role played by microglia in IBD-associated comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gohar Fakhfouri
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada;
| | - Nataša R. Mijailović
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Reza Rahimian
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill University, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
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Jóźwiak-Bębenista M, Sokołowska P, Wiktorowska-Owczarek A, Kowalczyk E, Sienkiewicz M. Ketamine - A New Antidepressant Drug with Anti-Inflammatory Properties. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:134-144. [PMID: 37977808 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ketamine is a new, potent and rapid-acting antidepressant approved for therapy of treatment-resistant depression, which has a different mechanism of action than currently-available antidepressant therapies. It owes its uniquely potent antidepressant properties to a complex mechanism of action, which currently remains unclear. However, it is thought that it acts by modulating the functioning of the glutamatergic system, which plays an important role in the process of neuroplasticity associated with depression. However, preclinical and clinical studies have also found ketamine to reduce inflammation, either directly or indirectly (by activating neuroprotective branches of the kynurenine pathway), among patients exhibiting higher levels of inflammation. Inflammation and immune system activation are believed to play key roles in the development and course of depression. Therefore, the present work examines the role of the antidepressant effect of ketamine and its anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of depression. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The present work examines the relationship between the antidepressant effect of ketamine and its anti-inflammatory properties, and the resulting benefits in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The antidepressant mechanism of ketamine remains unclear, and there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies for treatment of depression, particularly TRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Jóźwiak-Bębenista
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.-B., P.S., A.W.-O., E.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostics (M.S.), Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Sokołowska
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.-B., P.S., A.W.-O., E.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostics (M.S.), Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Wiktorowska-Owczarek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.-B., P.S., A.W.-O., E.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostics (M.S.), Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Edward Kowalczyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.-B., P.S., A.W.-O., E.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostics (M.S.), Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Sienkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.-B., P.S., A.W.-O., E.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostics (M.S.), Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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11
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Rasmi Y, Shokati A, Hatamkhani S, Farnamian Y, Naderi R, Jalali L. Assessment of the relationship between the dopaminergic pathway and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, with related neuropathological features, and potential therapeutic approaches in COVID-19 infection. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2506. [PMID: 38282395 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2506] [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: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Dopamine is a known catecholamine neurotransmitter involved in several physiological processes, including motor control, motivation, reward, cognition, and immune function. Dopamine receptors are widely distributed throughout the nervous system and in immune cells. Several viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus and Japanese encephalitis virus, can use dopaminergic receptors to replicate in the nervous system and are involved in viral neuropathogenesis. In addition, studies suggest that dopaminergic receptors may play a role in the progression and pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. When SARS-CoV-2 binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors on the surface of neuronal cells, the spike protein of the virus can bind to dopaminergic receptors on neighbouring cells to accelerate its life cycle and exacerbate neurological symptoms. In addition, recent research has shown that dopamine is an important regulator of the immune-neuroendocrine system. Most immune cells express dopamine receptors and other dopamine-related proteins, indicating the importance of dopaminergic immune regulation. The increase in dopamine concentration during SARS-CoV2 infection may reduce immunity (innate and adaptive) that promotes viral spread, which could lead to neuronal damage. In addition, dopaminergic signalling in the nervous system may be affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID -19 can cause various neurological symptoms as it interacts with the immune system. One possible treatment strategy for COVID -19 patients could be the use of dopamine antagonists. To fully understand how to protect the neurological system and immune cells from the virus, we need to study the pathophysiology of the dopamine system in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Rasmi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ameneh Shokati
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Hatamkhani
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Farnamian
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Roya Naderi
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ladan Jalali
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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12
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Sheibani M, Shayan M, Khalilzadeh M, Soltani ZE, Jafari-Sabet M, Ghasemi M, Dehpour AR. Kynurenine pathway and its role in neurologic, psychiatric, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:10409-10425. [PMID: 37848760 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08859-7] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan metabolism along the kynurenine pathway is of central importance for the immune function. It prevents hyperinflammation and induces long-term immune tolerance. Accumulating evidence also demonstrates cytoprotective and immunomodulatory properties of kynurenine pathway in conditions affecting either central or peripheral nervous system as well as other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although multilevel association exists between the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and various neurologic (e.g., neurodegenerative) disorders, it is believed that the kynurenine pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of both IBD and neurodegenerative disorders. In this setting, there is strong evidence linking the gut-brain axis with intestinal dysfunctions including IBD which is consistent with the fact that the risk of neurodegenerative diseases is higher in IBD patients. This review aims to highlight the role of kynurenine metabolic pathway in various neurologic and psychiatric diseases as well as relationship between IBD and neurodegenerative disorders in the light of the kynurenine metabolic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sheibani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Razi Drug Research Centre, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shayan
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Khalilzadeh
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Ebrahim Soltani
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Jafari-Sabet
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Razi Drug Research Centre, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01803, USA.
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Ou W, Chen Y, Ju Y, Ma M, Qin Y, Bi Y, Liao M, Liu B, Liu J, Zhang Y, Li L. The kynurenine pathway in major depressive disorder under different disease states: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 339:624-632. [PMID: 37467793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A disruption of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway may exist in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the changing pattern of the KYN pathway across the different disease states in MDD is unclear. Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to examine the differences in KYN metabolites between patients in the current episode of MDD (cMDD) and patients in remission (rMDD), as well as the changes after treatments. METHODS Literature was systematically searched from electronic databases, from inception up to September 2022. Random-effect models were used to quantify the differences in KYN metabolites between patients with MDD across acute depressive episode and remission phases, as well as the changes after treatments. RESULTS Fifty-one studies involving 7056 participants were included. Tryptophan (TRP), KYN, kynurenic acid (KYNA), KYNA/quinolinic acid (QA), KYNA/3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), and KYNA/KYN were significantly lower, while KYN/TRP was significantly higher in patients with cMDD. Moreover, these effect sizes were generally larger in medication-free patients. No significant differences were found between patients with rMDD and HCs. Additionally, KYNA was found negatively correlated with depression severity and significantly increased after treatments, while the alteration was not found in QA. LIMITATIONS The number of included studies of patients with rMDD and longitudinal studies investigating the change of the KYN metabolites after treatment with antidepressants was limited. In addition, the heterogeneity across included studies was relatively high. CONCLUSIONS These findings showed a comprehensive image of the unique dysfunction pattern of the KYN pathway across different MDD states and highlighted KYNA as a potentially sensitive biomarker of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Ou
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yumeng Ju
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Mohan Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqi Qin
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Bi
- Xiangya Medical School, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mei Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Bangshan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Lingjiang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
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Can AT, Mitchell JS, Dutton M, Bennett M, Hermens DF, Lagopoulos J. Insights into the neurobiology of suicidality: explicating the role of glutamatergic systems through the lens of ketamine. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 77:513-529. [PMID: 37329495 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13572] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Suicidality is a prevalent mental health condition, and managing suicidal patients is one of the most challenging tasks for health care professionals due to the lack of rapid-acting, effective psychopharmacological treatment options. According to the literature, suicide has neurobiological underpinnings that are not fully understood, and current treatments for suicidal tendencies have considerable limitations. To treat suicidality and prevent suicide, new treatments are required; to achieve this, the neurobiological processes underlying suicidal behavior must be thoroughly investigated. Although multiple neurotransmitter systems, particularly serotonergic systems, have been studied in the past, less has been reported in relation to disruptions in glutamatergic neurotransmission, neuronal plasticity, and neurogenesis that result from stress-related abnormalities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. Informed by the literature, which reports robust antisuicidal and antidepressive properties of subanaesthetic doses of ketamine, this review aims to provide an examination of the neurobiology of suicidality (and relevant mood disorders) with implications of pertinent animal, clinical, and postmortem studies. We discuss dysfunctions in the glutamatergic system, which may play a role in the neuropathology of suicidality and the role of ketamine in restoring synaptic connectivity at the molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adem Tevfik Can
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jules Shamus Mitchell
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Megan Dutton
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maxwell Bennett
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Jim Lagopoulos
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Sun S, Wilson CM, Alter S, Ge Y, Hazlett EA, Goodman M, Yehuda R, Galfalvy H, Haghighi F. Association of interleukin-6 with suicidal ideation in veterans: a longitudinal perspective. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1231031. [PMID: 37779624 PMCID: PMC10540304 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1231031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies showing associations between inflammation in suicide are typically cross-sectional. Present study investigated how cytokine levels track with suicidal ideation and severity longitudinally. Methods Veterans with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) with or without suicide attempt history (MDD/SA n = 38, MDD/NS n = 41) and non-psychiatric non-attempter controls (HC n = 33) were recruited, MDD/SA and HC groups were followed longitudinally at 3 months and 6 months. Blood plasma was collected and processed using Luminex Immunology Multiplex technology. Results Significant differences in depression severity (BDI) and suicidal ideation severity (SSI) were observed across all groups at study entry, wherein MDD/SA group had the highest scores followed by MDD/NS and HC, respectively. Cytokines IL-1β, IL-4, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 were examined at study entry and longitudinally, with IL6 levels differing significantly across the groups (p = 0.0123) at study entry. Significant differences in changes in cytokine levels between depressed attempters and the control group were detected for IL-6 (interaction F1,91.77 = 5.58, p = 0.0203) and TNF-α (F1,101.73 = 4.69, p = 0.0327). However, only depressed attempters showed a significant change, in IL-6 and TNF-α levels, decreasing over time [IL-6: b = -0.04, 95% CI = (-0.08, -0.01), p = 0.0245 and TNF-α: b = -0.02, 95% CI = (-0.04, -0.01), p = 0.0196]. Although IL-6 levels were not predictive of suicidal ideation presence [OR = 1.34, 95% CI = (0.77, 2.33), p = 0.3067], IL-6 levels were significantly associated with suicidal ideation severity (b = 0.19, p = 0.0422). Discussion IL-6 was not associated with presence of suicidal ideation. IL-6 however, was associated with severity of ideation, suggesting that IL-6 may be useful in clinical practice, as an objective marker of heightened suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Sun
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- James J. Peters VAMC, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Caroline M. Wilson
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- James J. Peters VAMC, Bronx, NY, United States
| | | | - Yongchao Ge
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Erin A. Hazlett
- James J. Peters VAMC, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marianne Goodman
- James J. Peters VAMC, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters VAMC, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hanga Galfalvy
- James J. Peters VAMC, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Fatemeh Haghighi
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- James J. Peters VAMC, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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16
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Nierenberg A, Lavin P, Javitt DC, Shelton R, Sapko MT, Mathew S, Besthof RE, Javitt JC. NRX-101 (D-cycloserine plus lurasidone) vs. lurasidone for the maintenance of initial stabilization after ketamine in patients with severe bipolar depression with acute suicidal ideation and behavior: a randomized prospective phase 2 trial. Int J Bipolar Disord 2023; 11:28. [PMID: 37573534 PMCID: PMC10423711 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-023-00308-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We tested the hypothesis that, after initial improvement with intravenous ketamine in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) with severe depression and acute suicidal thinking or behavior, a fixed-dose combination of oral D-cycloserine (DCS) and lurasidone (NRX-101) can maintain improvement more effectively than lurasidone alone. METHODS This was a multi-center, double-blind, twostage, parallel randomized trial. Adult BD patients with depression and suicidal ideation or behavior were infused with ketamine or saline (Stage 1); those who improved were randomized to a fixed-dose combination of DCS and lurasidone vs. lurasidone alone (Stage 2) to maintain the improvement achieved in Stage 1. Depression was measured by the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and suicidal thinking and behavior was measured by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS); global improvement was measured by the clinical global severity scale (CGI-S). CLINICALTRIALS gov NCT02974010; Registered: November 22, 2016. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients were screened and 22 were enrolled, randomized, and treated. All 22 patients treated in Stage 1 (17 with ketamine and 5 with saline) were enrolled into Stage 2, and 11 completed the study. The fixed-dose combination of DCS and lurasidone was significantly more effective than lurasidone alone in maintaining improvement in depression (MADRS LMS Δ-7.7; p = 0.03) and reducing suicidal ideation, as measured by C-SSRS (Δ-1.5; p = 0.02) and by CGI-SS (Δ-2.9; p = 0.03), and with a non-statistically significant decrease in depressive relapse (0% vs. 40%; p = 0.07). This sequential treatment regimen did not cause any significant safety events and demonstrated improvements in patient-reported side effects. CONCLUSIONS Sequential treatment of a single infusion of ketamine followed by NRX-101 maintenance is a promising therapeutic approach for reducing depression and suicidal ideation in patients with bipolar depression who require hospitalization due to acute suicidal ideation and behavior. On the basis of these findings, Breakthrough Therapy Designation was awarded, and a Special Protocol Agreement was granted by the FDA for a registrational trial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel C Javitt
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 1201 N Market St Suite 111, Wilmington, DE, 19801, USA
| | | | - Michael T Sapko
- NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 1201 N Market St Suite 111, Wilmington, DE, 19801, USA
| | | | - Robert E Besthof
- NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 1201 N Market St Suite 111, Wilmington, DE, 19801, USA
| | - Jonathan C Javitt
- NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 1201 N Market St Suite 111, Wilmington, DE, 19801, USA.
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Cremone IM, Nardi B, Amatori G, Palego L, Baroni D, Casagrande D, Massimetti E, Betti L, Giannaccini G, Dell'Osso L, Carpita B. Unlocking the Secrets: Exploring the Biochemical Correlates of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1600. [PMID: 37371695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Involving 1 million people a year, suicide represents one of the major topics of psychiatric research. Despite the focus in recent years on neurobiological underpinnings, understanding and predicting suicide remains a challenge. Many sociodemographical risk factors and prognostic markers have been proposed but they have poor predictive accuracy. Biomarkers can provide essential information acting as predictive indicators, providing proof of treatment response and proposing potential targets while offering more assurance than psychological measures. In this framework, the aim of this study is to open the way in this field and evaluate the correlation between blood levels of serotonin, brain derived neurotrophic factor, tryptophan and its metabolites, IL-6 and homocysteine levels and suicidality. Blood samples were taken from 24 adults with autism, their first-degree relatives, and 24 controls. Biochemical parameters were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Suicidality was measured through selected items of the MOODS-SR. Here we confirm the link between suicidality and autism and provide more evidence regarding the association of suicidality with increased homocysteine (0.278) and IL-6 (0.487) levels and decreased tryptophan (-0.132) and kynurenic acid (-0.253) ones. Our results suggest a possible transnosographic association between these biochemical parameters and increased suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Benedetta Nardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Amatori
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Dario Baroni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Danila Casagrande
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Massimetti
- ASST Bergamo Ovest, SSD Psychiatric Diagnosis and Treatment Service, 24047 Treviglio, Italy
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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18
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Nettis MA, Lombardo G, Hastings C, Zajkowska Z, Mariani N, Nikkheslat N, Sforzini L, Worrell C, Begum A, Brown M, Cleare AJ, Young AH, Pariante CM, Mondelli V. The interaction between kynurenine pathway, suicidal ideation and augmentation therapy with minocycline in patients with treatment-resistant depression. J Psychopharmacol 2023:2698811231173588. [PMID: 37183855 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231173588] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We investigated kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites levels and their association with suicidal ideation in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and elevated peripheral inflammation. The effect of antidepressant augmentation with minocycline on KP metabolites was tested. METHODS We analysed data from MINocycline in DEPression, a 4-week, randomized, placebo controlled (1:1) trial of minocycline added to antidepressant treatment in 39 TRD patients (n = 18 minocycline; n = 21 placebo) with C-reactive protein (CRP) ⩾1 mg/L. At baseline and at week 4, we collected data on suicidality (Beck Depression Inventory) and blood samples to measure inflammatory markers and KP metabolites. We tested (1) the association of KP metabolites ratios with inflammatory markers and suicidal ideation at baseline and (2) the role of suicidality and treatment (minocycline vs placebo) in affecting KP changes over time. RESULTS At baseline, kynurenine/tryptophan (KYN/TRP) ratio positively correlated with high-sensitivity CRP (Spearman's ρ = 0.35, p = 0.02) and IL-10, (ρ = 0.41, p = 0.009); and tumour necrosis factor was positively correlated with quinolinic acid/3-hydroxykynurenine ratio (ρ = 0.55, p < 0.001). Moreover, participants with suicidal ideation showed higher levels of KYN/TRP (U = 143.000, p = 0.02) than those without suicidal ideation. There was no significant effect of minocycline on KP metabolites changes from baseline to week 4. However, in the minocycline group, the number of participants with suicidal thoughts decreased from 44.4% (8/18) to 22.2% (4/18). CONCLUSION Increased KP neurotoxic metabolites are associated with elevated peripheral inflammation in depressed individuals, particularly in those with suicidal ideation. Targeting KP in this population could be a potential effective personalized approach. Whether this includes minocycline should be investigated in future larger trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Nettis
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Giulia Lombardo
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caitlin Hastings
- Wellcome Trust, Mental Health Team, Research Programmes, London, UK
| | - Zuzanna Zajkowska
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nicole Mariani
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Naghmeh Nikkheslat
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Luca Sforzini
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Courtney Worrell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Amina Begum
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mollie Brown
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony J Cleare
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Allan H Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, King's College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
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Inam ME, Fernandes BS, Salagre E, Grande I, Vieta E, Quevedo J, Zhao Z. The kynurenine pathway in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cerebrospinal fluid studies. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PSIQUIATRIA (SAO PAULO, BRAZIL : 1999) 2023; 45. [PMID: 37127280 PMCID: PMC10668321 DOI: 10.47626/1516-4446-2022-2973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The kynurenine pathway has been attracting attention as a relevant pathway in schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the kynurenine pathway metabolites from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples in SZ, BD, and MDD. METHODS PubMed and Scopus databases were systematically searched to identify peer-reviewed case-control studies until April 2022 that assessed kynurenine metabolites, namely, tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KA), quinolinic acid (QA), and 3- hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) in SZ, BD, or MDD subjects compared with healthy controls (HC). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The random effects model method was selected when comparing the standardized mean differences (SMD) between two groups. RESULTS There were 23 articles that met the inclusion criteria (k=8, k=8, k=11, for SZ, BD, and MDD, respectively). In SZ, KA levels were increased [SMD=2.64, confidence interval (CI) =1.16 to 4.13, p=0.0005, I2=96%, k=6, n=384 subjects]. TRP (k=5) and KYN (k=4) did not differ significantly. In BD, TRP levels (k=7) did not differ significantly. The level of KA was increased in MDD (k=2), but the small number of studies made not possible for statistical significance evaluation. Finally, in MDD, although some studies tended to have an increased level of KYN in those with remission versus decreased levels in those with current depression, no significant difference was found in any of the kynurenine metabolite levels. Similarly, there was an increased level of QA (k=2) but the number of studies (k= 2) was small. CONCLUSION KA, which has possibly neuroprotective effects, is increased in SZ. QA, which has neurotoxic effects, may be increased in MDD. There were no alterations in BD. There may be alterations in this pathway based on population characteristics and mood states. Future studies should explore the utility of these metabolites as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Enes Inam
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brisa S. Fernandes
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Estela Salagre
- Department of Affective Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Iria Grande
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - João Quevedo
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
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20
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Goodkin K, Evering TH, Anderson AM, Ragin A, Monaco CL, Gavegnano C, Avery RJ, Rourke SB, Cysique LA, Brew BJ. The comorbidity of depression and neurocognitive disorder in persons with HIV infection: call for investigation and treatment. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1130938. [PMID: 37206666 PMCID: PMC10190964 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1130938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression and neurocognitive disorder continue to be the major neuropsychiatric disorders affecting persons with HIV (PWH). The prevalence of major depressive disorder is two to fourfold higher among PWH than the general population (∼6.7%). Prevalence estimates of neurocognitive disorder among PWH range from 25 to over 47% - depending upon the definition used (which is currently evolving), the size of the test battery employed, and the demographic and HIV disease characteristics of the participants included, such as age range and sex distribution. Both major depressive disorder and neurocognitive disorder also result in substantial morbidity and premature mortality. However, though anticipated to be relatively common, the comorbidity of these two disorders in PWH has not been formally studied. This is partly due to the clinical overlap of the neurocognitive symptoms of these two disorders. Both also share neurobehavioral aspects - particularly apathy - as well as an increased risk for non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Shared pathophysiological mechanisms potentially explain these intersecting phenotypes, including neuroinflammatory, vascular, and microbiomic, as well as neuroendocrine/neurotransmitter dynamic mechanisms. Treatment of either disorder affects the other with respect to symptom reduction as well as medication toxicity. We present a unified model for the comorbidity based upon deficits in dopaminergic transmission that occur in both major depressive disorder and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. Specific treatments for the comorbidity that decrease neuroinflammation and/or restore associated deficits in dopaminergic transmission may be indicated and merit study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Goodkin
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, TX, United States
- Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, TX, United States
| | - Teresa H. Evering
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Albert M. Anderson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ann Ragin
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Cynthia L. Monaco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
- Del Monte Institute of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Christina Gavegnano
- Department of Pathology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Chemical Biology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Atlanta Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ryan J. Avery
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sean B. Rourke
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lucette A. Cysique
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce J. Brew
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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21
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Nguyen TML, Jollant F, Tritschler L, Colle R, Corruble E, Gardier AM. Pharmacological Mechanism of Ketamine in Suicidal Behavior Based on Animal Models of Aggressiveness and Impulsivity: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040634. [PMID: 37111391 PMCID: PMC10146327 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040634] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 700,000 people die from suicide each year in the world. Approximately 90% of suicides have a history of mental illness, and more than two-thirds occur during a major depressive episode. Specific therapeutic options to manage the suicidal crisis are limited and measures to prevent acting out also remain limited. Drugs shown to reduce the risk of suicide (antidepressants, lithium, or clozapine) necessitate a long delay of onset. To date, no treatment is indicated for the treatment of suicidality. Ketamine, a glutamate NMDA receptor antagonist, is a fast-acting antidepressant with significant effects on suicidal ideation in the short term, while its effects on suicidal acts still need to be demonstrated. In the present article, we reviewed the literature on preclinical studies in order to identify the potential anti-suicidal pharmacological targets of ketamine. Impulsive-aggressive traits are one of the vulnerability factors common to suicide in patients with unipolar and bipolar depression. Preclinical studies in rodent models with impulsivity, aggressiveness, and anhedonia may help to analyze, at least in part, suicide neurobiology, as well as the beneficial effects of ketamine/esketamine on reducing suicidal ideations and preventing suicidal acts. The present review focuses on disruptions in the serotonergic system (5-HTB receptor, MAO-A enzyme), neuroinflammation, and/or the HPA axis in rodent models with an impulsive/aggressive phenotype, because these traits are critical risk factors for suicide in humans. Ketamine can modulate these endophenotypes of suicide in human as well as in animal models. The main pharmacological properties of ketamine are then summarized. Finally, numerous questions arose regarding the mechanisms by which ketamine may prevent an impulsive-aggressive phenotype in rodents and suicidal ideations in humans. Animal models of anxiety/depression are important tools to better understand the pathophysiology of depressed patients, and in helping develop novel and fast antidepressant drugs with anti-suicidal properties and clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Mai Loan Nguyen
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm CESP/UMR 1018, MOODS Team, F-91400 Orsay, France
| | - Fabrice Jollant
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Inserm CESP/UMR 1018, MOODS Team, F-94270 Le Kremin-Bicêtre, France
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Hôpital de Bicêtre, F-94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
- Pôle de Psychiatrie, CHU Nîmes, 30900 Nîmes, France
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Laurent Tritschler
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm CESP/UMR 1018, MOODS Team, F-91400 Orsay, France
| | - Romain Colle
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Inserm CESP/UMR 1018, MOODS Team, F-94270 Le Kremin-Bicêtre, France
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Hôpital de Bicêtre, F-94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Emmanuelle Corruble
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Inserm CESP/UMR 1018, MOODS Team, F-94270 Le Kremin-Bicêtre, France
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Hôpital de Bicêtre, F-94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Alain M Gardier
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm CESP/UMR 1018, MOODS Team, F-91400 Orsay, France
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22
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Gao Z, Li B, Guo X, Bai W, Kou C. The association between schizophrenia and white blood cells count: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:271. [PMID: 37076806 PMCID: PMC10114369 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04760-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positive associations between the risk of schizophrenia and the level of white blood cells (WBC) count have been suggested by observational studies. However, the causality of this association is still unclear. METHODS We used a group of bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to estimate the causal relationship between schizophrenia and WBC count traits (i.e., WBC count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, basophil count, eosinophil count, and monocyte count). The threshold of FDR-adjusted P < 0.05 was considered as showing potential evidence of a causal effect. Instrument variables were included based on the genome-wide significance threshold (P < 5 × 10- 8) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) clumping (r2 < 0.01). In total, 81, 95, 85, 87, 76, and 83 schizophrenia-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used as genetic instruments from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium for six WBC count traits, respectively. And in reverse MR analysis, 458, 206, 408, 468, 473, and 390 variants extracted from six WBC count traits were utilized as genetic instruments, which were obtained from a recent large-scale Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). RESULTS Genetically predicted schizophrenia was positively associated with the level of WBC count [odds ratio (OR) 1.017, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.008-1.026; P = 7.53 × 10- 4], basophil count (OR 1.014, 95%CI 1.005-1.022; P = 0.002), eosinophil count (OR 1.021, 95%CI 1.011-1.031; P = 2.77 × 10- 4), monocyte count (OR 1.018, 95%CI 1.009-1.027; P = 4.60 × 10- 4), lymphocyte count (OR 1.021, 95%CI 1.012-1.030; P = 4.51 × 10- 5), and neutrophil count (OR 1.013, 95%CI 1.005-1.022; P = 0.004). WBC count traits are not associated with the risk of schizophrenia in our reverse MR results. CONCLUSION Schizophrenia is associated with elevated levels of WBC count (i.e., higher WBC count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, basophil count, eosinophil count, and monocyte count).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, China
| | - Biao Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, China
| | - Xinru Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, China
| | - Wei Bai
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, & Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, SAR, 999078, China.
| | - Changgui Kou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, China.
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23
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Guo Y, Jiang X, Jia L, Zhu Y, Han X, Wu Y, Liu W, Zhao W, Zhu H, Wang D, Tu Z, Zhou Y, Sun Q, Kong L, Wu F, Tang Y. Altered gray matter volumes and plasma IL-6 level in major depressive disorder patients with suicidal ideation. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 38:103403. [PMID: 37079937 PMCID: PMC10148078 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Suicidal ideation (SI) is one of the most serious consequences of major depressive disorder (MDD). Understanding the unique mechanism of MDD with SI (MDD + S) is crucial for treatment development. While abundant research has studied MDD, past studies have not reached a consensus on the mechanism of MDD + S. The study aimed to investigate the abnormalities of the gray matter volumes (GMVs) and plasma IL-6 level in MDD + S to further reveal the mechanism of MDD + S. METHODS We tested the plasma IL-6 level using Luminex multifactor assays and collected the Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (SMRI) data from 34 healthy controls (HCs), 36 MDD patients without SI (MDD - S) and 34 MDD + S patients. We performed a partial correlation between the GMVs of the brain regions with significant differences and plasma IL-6 level with age, sex, medication, scores of HAMD-17 and HAMA as the covariates. RESULTS Compared with HCs and MDD - S, MDD + S had significantly decreased GMVs in the left cerebellum Crus I/II and significantly increased plasma IL-6 level; compared with HCs, both the MDD + S and MDD - S had significantly decreased GMVs in right precentral and postcentral gyri. No significant correlation was found between the GMVs and the plasma IL-6 level in the MDD + S and MDD - S, respectively. While the GMVs of the right precentral and postcentral gyri negatively correlated with the level of IL-6 in the whole MDD (r = -0.28, P = 0.03). The GMVs of the left cerebellum Crus I/II (r = -0.47, P = 0.02), and the right precentral and postcentral gyri (r = -0.42, P = 0.04) negatively correlated with the level of IL-6 in HCs. CONCLUSION The altered GMVs and the plasma IL-6 level may provide a scientific basis to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD + S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingrui Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaowei Jiang
- Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Linna Jia
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinyu Han
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenhui Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Huaqian Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dahai Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Tu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yifang Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qikun Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lingtao Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanqing Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Somoza-Moncada MM, Turrubiates-Hernández FJ, Muñoz-Valle JF, Gutiérrez-Brito JA, Díaz-Pérez SA, Aguayo-Arelis A, Hernández-Bello J. Vitamin D in Depression: A Potential Bioactive Agent to Reduce Suicide and Suicide Attempt Risk. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071765. [PMID: 37049606 PMCID: PMC10097210 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, more than 700 thousand people die from this cause. Therefore, suicide is a public health issue. The complex interaction between different factors causes suicide; however, depression is one of the most frequent factors in people who have attempted suicide. Several studies have reported that vitamin D deficiency may be a relevant risk factor for depression, and vitamin D supplementation has shown promising effects in the adjunctive treatment of this mood disorder. Among the beneficial mechanisms of vitamin D, it has been proposed that it may enhance serotonin synthesis and modulate proinflammatory cytokines since low serotonin levels and systemic inflammation have been associated with depression and suicide. The present narrative review shows the potential pathogenic role of vitamin D deficiency in depression and suicide and the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation to reduce their risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Montserrat Somoza-Moncada
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Francisco Javier Turrubiates-Hernández
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
- Doctorado en Ciencias de la Nutrición Traslacional, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Francisco Muñoz-Valle
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Jesús Alberto Gutiérrez-Brito
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Saúl Alberto Díaz-Pérez
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Adriana Aguayo-Arelis
- Departamento de Neurociencias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Jorge Hernández-Bello
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
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25
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Griffiths JJ, Zarate CA, Rasimas JJ. Existing and Novel Biological Therapeutics in Suicide Prevention. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2023; 21:225-232. [PMID: 37201148 PMCID: PMC10172549 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.23021003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We summarize outcomes for several pharmacologic and neurostimulatory approaches that have been considered potential treatments to reduce suicide risk, namely, by reducing suicide deaths, attempts, and ideation in various clinical populations. Available treatments include clozapine, lithium, antidepressants, antipsychotics, electroconvulsive therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The novel repurposing of ketamine as a potential suicide risk-mitigating agent in the acute setting is also discussed. Research pathways to better understand and treat suicidal ideation and behavior from a neurobiological perspective are proposed in light of this foundation of information and the limitations and challenges inherent in suicide research. Such pathways include trials of fast-acting medications, registry approaches to identify appropriate patients for trials, identification of biomarkers, neuropsychological vulnerabilities, and endophenotypes through the study of known suicide risk-mitigating agents in hope of determining mechanisms of pathophysiology and the action of protective biological interventions. Reprinted from Am J Prev Med 2014; 47:S195-S203, with permission from Elsevier. Copyright © 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Griffiths
- From the Department of Psychiatry (Griffiths), University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch (Zarate, Rasimas), Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland; and Departments of Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine (Rasimas), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- From the Department of Psychiatry (Griffiths), University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch (Zarate, Rasimas), Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland; and Departments of Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine (Rasimas), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - J J Rasimas
- From the Department of Psychiatry (Griffiths), University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch (Zarate, Rasimas), Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland; and Departments of Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine (Rasimas), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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26
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Johnston JN, Greenwald MS, Henter ID, Kraus C, Mkrtchian A, Clark NG, Park LT, Gold P, Zarate CA, Kadriu B. Inflammation, stress and depression: An exploration of ketamine's therapeutic profile. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103518. [PMID: 36758932 PMCID: PMC10050119 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Well-established animal models of depression have described a proximal relationship between stress and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation - a relationship mirrored in the peripheral inflammatory biomarkers of individuals with depression. Evidence also suggests that stress-induced proinflammatory states can contribute to the neurobiology of treatment-resistant depression. Interestingly, ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant, can partially exert its therapeutic effects via anti-inflammatory actions on the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, the kynurenine pathway or by cytokine suppression. Further investigations into the relationship between ketamine, inflammation and stress could provide insight into ketamine's unique therapeutic mechanisms and stimulate efforts to develop rapid-acting, anti-inflammatory-based antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenessa N Johnston
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Maximillian S Greenwald
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ioline D Henter
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christoph Kraus
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anahit Mkrtchian
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Neil G Clark
- US School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lawrence T Park
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Philip Gold
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bashkim Kadriu
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Tryptophan and Substance Abuse: Mechanisms and Impact. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032737. [PMID: 36769059 PMCID: PMC9917371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032737] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Addiction, the continuous misuse of addictive material, causes long-term dysfunction in the neurological system. It substantially affects the control strength of reward, memory, and motivation. Addictive substances (alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, heroin, methamphetamine (METH), and nicotine) are highly active central nervous stimulants. Addiction leads to severe health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, serious infections, and pulmonary/dental diseases. Drug dependence may result in unfavorable cognitive impairments that can continue during abstinence and negatively influence recovery performance. Although addiction is a critical global health challenge with numerous consequences and complications, currently, there are no efficient options for treating drug addiction, particularly METH. Currently, novel treatment approaches such as psychological contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational enhancement strategies are of great interest. Herein, we evaluate the devastating impacts of different addictive substances/drugs on users' mental health and the role of tryptophan in alleviating unfavorable side effects. The tryptophan metabolites in the mammalian brain and their potential to treat compulsive abuse of addictive substances are investigated by assessing the functional effects of addictive substances on tryptophan. Future perspectives on developing promising modalities to treat addiction and the role of tryptophan and its metabolites to alleviate drug dependency are discussed.
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Romier A, Maruani J, Lopez-Castroman J, Palagini L, Serafini G, Lejoyeux M, d'Ortho MP, Geoffroy PA. Objective sleep markers of suicidal behaviors in patients with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev 2023; 68:101760. [PMID: 36706699 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101760] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Close relationships have been reported between sleep alterations and suicidal behaviors, nevertheless few studies used objective measures of sleep. Such objective markers would be interesting in clinical practice to better screen and prevent suicide. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies examining the relationship between sleep markers and suicidal behaviors using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Actigraphy, polysomnography, and nocturnal EEG were considered. The qualitative analysis retained 15 original studies, including 1179 participants (939 with a psychiatric disorder), and 11 studies were included for the meta-analysis. Current suicidal behaviors were associated with a decreased total sleep time (TST) (SMD = -0.35, [95% CI: -0.66 to -0.04], p = 0.026, I2 = 39.8%). The evaluation of possible moderators shows that age, gender, and depression scores had no effects on the random effect model. No significant differences were observed regarding sleep efficiency, REM latency, or percentage of REM sleep. In conclusion, among candidate objective markers, decreased total sleep time seems associated with suicidal behaviors and could be easily used to assess suicide risk. Alterations of regular sleep duration should invite healthcare professionals to screen the cause and propose sleep interventions to prevent suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Romier
- Département de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, AP-HP, GHU Paris Nord, DMU Neurosciences, Hopital Bichat - Claude Bernard, F-75018, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, FHU I2-D2, F-75019, Paris, France.
| | - Julia Maruani
- Département de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, AP-HP, GHU Paris Nord, DMU Neurosciences, Hopital Bichat - Claude Bernard, F-75018, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, FHU I2-D2, F-75019, Paris, France; GHU Paris - Psychiatry & Neurosciences, 1 rue Cabanis, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Jorge Lopez-Castroman
- Department of Psychiatry, CHU Nîmes & IGF, CNRS-INSERM, University of Montpellier, France
| | - Laura Palagini
- Department of Clinical Experimental Medicine, Psychiatric Unit, University of Pisa, School of Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health, Psychiatry Section, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michel Lejoyeux
- Département de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, AP-HP, GHU Paris Nord, DMU Neurosciences, Hopital Bichat - Claude Bernard, F-75018, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, FHU I2-D2, F-75019, Paris, France; GHU Paris - Psychiatry & Neurosciences, 1 rue Cabanis, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Pia d'Ortho
- Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, FHU I2-D2, F-75019, Paris, France; Centre du Sommeil, Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, F-75018, Paris, France
| | - Pierre A Geoffroy
- Département de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, AP-HP, GHU Paris Nord, DMU Neurosciences, Hopital Bichat - Claude Bernard, F-75018, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, FHU I2-D2, F-75019, Paris, France; GHU Paris - Psychiatry & Neurosciences, 1 rue Cabanis, 75014, Paris, France; CNRS UPR 3212, Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, F-67000, Strasbourg, France.
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Donegan JJ, Nemeroff CB. Suicide and Inflammation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1411:379-404. [PMID: 36949319 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7376-5_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide. Although the neurobiological dysfunction underlying suicidal behavior remains unclear, recent work suggests that the immune system may play a role in the pathophysiology of suicide. In this chapter, we discuss a nascent body of literature suggesting that peripheral and central nervous systems (CNS) inflammation are associated with suicidal behavior. Because early-life stress is a major risk factor for suicidal behavior and is also associated with immune dysregulation, we hypothesize that such immune dysregulation may be the mechanism by which childhood maltreatment leads to an increased risk of suicidal behavior and suicide. Targeting inflammatory processes may be a novel treatment strategy, especially in populations that have experienced childhood trauma and exhibit elevated inflammation. Future work should directly test the hypothesis that reducing inflammation would result in a reduction in suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Donegan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA.
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Savitz J, Ford BN, Kuplicki R, Khalsa S, Teague TK, Paulus MP. Acute administration of ibuprofen increases serum concentration of the neuroprotective kynurenine pathway metabolite, kynurenic acid: a pilot randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3919-3927. [PMID: 36271950 PMCID: PMC10040216 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06263-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE At least six different types of antidepressant treatments have been shown to either increase the neuroprotective kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolite, kynurenic acid (KynA), or decrease the neurotoxic KP metabolite, quinolinic acid (QA). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen have shown some efficacy in the treatment of depression but their effects on the KP have not been studied in humans. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of ibuprofen on circulating KP metabolites. METHODS In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 20 healthy adults (10 women) received a single oral dose of 200-mg ibuprofen, 600-mg ibuprofen, or placebo in a counterbalanced order (NCT02507219). Serum samples were drawn in the mid-afternoon, 5 h after ibuprofen/placebo administration. KP metabolites were measured blind to visit by tandem mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed with linear mixed effect models. The primary outcome was KynA/QA and the secondary outcome was KynA. RESULTS After Bonferroni correction, there was a significant effect of treatment on KynA/QA. The effect was driven by an increase in KynA concentration after the 600-mg dose but not the 200-mg dose relative to placebo (Cohen's d = 1.71). In contrast, both the 200-mg (d = 1.03) and 600-mg (d = 2.05) doses of ibuprofen decreased tryptophan concentrations relative to placebo. CONCLUSIONS Given its KynA-elevating effects, ibuprofen could have neuroprotective effects in the context of depression as well as other neuroinflammatory disorders that are characterized by a reduction in KynA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA.
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA.
| | - Bart N Ford
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | - Sahib Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - T Kent Teague
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Martin P Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
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31
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Milić J. How to design a reliable and practical biomarker: the electrophysiologic coefficient of depressiveness - δEPCD. Biomarkers 2022; 27:711-714. [PMID: 36196689 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2022.2122565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Milić
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia, Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Centar for Informatics and Biostatistics in Health Care
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32
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Almulla AF, Thipakorn Y, Vasupanrajit A, Abo Algon AA, Tunvirachaisakul C, Hashim Aljanabi AA, Oxenkrug G, Al-Hakeim HK, Maes M. The tryptophan catabolite or kynurenine pathway in major depressive and bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100537. [PMID: 36339964 PMCID: PMC9630622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is now evidence that affective disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are mediated by immune-inflammatory and nitro-oxidative pathways. Activation of these pathways may be associated with activation of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway by inducing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO, the rate-limiting enzyme) leading to depletion of tryptophan (TRP) and increases in tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs). Aims To systematically review and meta-analyze central and peripheral (free and total) TRP levels, its competing amino-acids (CAAs) and TRYCATs in MDD and BD. Methods This review searched PubMed, Google Scholar and SciFinder and included 121 full-text articles and 15470 individuals, including 8024 MDD/BD patients and 7446 healthy controls. Results TRP levels (either free and total) and the TRP/CAAs ratio were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in MDD/BD as compared with controls with a moderate effect size (standardized mean difference for TRP: SMD = -0.513, 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.611; -0.414; and TRP/CAAs: SMD = -0.558, CI: -0.758; -0.358). Kynurenine (KYN) levels were significantly decreased in patients as compared with controls with a small effect size (p < 0.0001, SMD = -0.213, 95%CI: -0.295; -0.131). These differences were significant in plasma (p < 0.0001, SMD = -0.304, 95%CI: -0.415, -0.194) but not in serum (p = 0.054) or the central nervous system (CNS, p = 0.771). The KYN/TRP ratio, frequently used as an index of IDO activity, and neurotoxicity indices based on downstream TRYCATs were unaltered or even lowered in MDD/BD. Conclusions Our findings suggest that MDD and BD are accompanied by TRP depletion without IDO and TRYCAT pathway activation. Lowered TRP availability is probably the consequence of lowered serum albumin during the inflammatory response in affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas F. Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Yanin Thipakorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Asara Vasupanrajit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Chavit Tunvirachaisakul
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Gregory Oxenkrug
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Department of Psychiatry, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia,Corresponding author. Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Francis HM, Stevenson RJ, Tan LSY, Ehrenfeld L, Byeon S, Attuquayefio T, Gupta D, Lim CK. Kynurenic acid as a biochemical factor underlying the association between Western-style diet and depression: A cross-sectional study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:945538. [PMID: 36299996 PMCID: PMC9589270 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.945538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumption of a Western-style diet (WS-diet), high in saturated fat and added sugar, is associated with increased depression risk. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying the relationship requires elucidation. Diet can alter tryptophan metabolism along the kynurenine pathway (KP), potentially linking inflammation and depression. This study aimed to examine whether urinary inflammatory markers and KP metabolites differed according to WS-diet consumption and depression severity. Depression symptoms and habitual WS-diet consumption were assessed in 169 healthy adults aged 17–35 recruited from two experimental studies. Targeted metabolomics profiling of seven KP metabolites, ELISA-based assays of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were performed using urine samples collected from the participants. Parametric tests were performed for group comparison and associations analysis. Multilevel mixed-effect modelling was applied to control for biases. Higher intake of WS-diet was associated with lower levels of neuroprotective kynurenic acid (KA; R = −0.17, p = 0.0236). There were no differences in IL-6 or CRP across diet groups (p > 0.05). Physical activity had negative associations with most KP metabolites. Mixed-effects regression analysis showed the glutamatergic inhibitor, KA, was the only biomarker to have a significant association with depression symptoms in a model adjusted for demographic and lifestyle variables: a unit increase in KA was associated with 0.21 unit decrease in Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 depression score (p = 0.009). These findings suggest that urinary KA is associated with both habitual WS-diet intake, and levels of depression symptoms, independent of inflammation. Findings support the role of neuroprotection and glutamatergic modulation in depression. We propose that KA may act as endogenous glutamatergic inhibition in regulating depression severity in the absence of inflammation. Further comparison with blood-based markers will assist in validating the utility of non-invasive urine samples for measuring KP metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M. Francis
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia,Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Heather M. Francis,
| | - Richard J. Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Lorraine S. Y. Tan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Lauren Ehrenfeld
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Sooin Byeon
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Tuki Attuquayefio
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Dolly Gupta
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Chai K. Lim
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia,Chai K. Lim,
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The Tryptophan Catabolite or Kynurenine Pathway in a Major Depressive Episode with Melancholia, Psychotic Features and Suicidal Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193112. [PMID: 36231075 PMCID: PMC9563030 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) with melancholia and psychotic features and suicidal behaviors are accompanied by activated immune-inflammatory and oxidative pathways, which may stimulate indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway resulting in increased tryptophan degradation and elevated tryptophan catabolites (TRYCTAs). The purpose of the current study is to systematically review and meta-analyze levels of TRP, its competing amino acids (CAAs) and TRYCATs in patients with severe affective disorders. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar and SciFinder were searched in the present study and we recruited 35 studies to examine 4647 participants including 2332 unipolar (MDD) and bipolar (BD) depressed patients and 2315 healthy controls. Severe patients showed significant lower (p < 0.0001) TRP (standardized mean difference, SMD = −0.517, 95% confidence interval, CI: −0.735; −0.299) and TRP/CAAs (SMD = −0.617, CI: −0.957; −0.277) levels with moderate effect sizes, while no significant difference in CAAs were found. Kynurenine (KYN) levels were unaltered in severe MDD/BD phenotypes, while the KYN/TRP ratio showed a significant increase only in patients with psychotic features (SMD = 0.224, CI: 0.012; 0.436). Quinolinic acid (QA) was significantly increased (SMD = 0.358, CI: 0.015; 0.701) and kynurenic acid (KA) significantly decreased (SMD = −0.260, CI: −0.487; −0.034) in severe MDD/BD. Patients with affective disorders with melancholic and psychotic features and suicidal behaviors showed normal IDO enzyme activity but a lowered availability of plasma/serum TRP to the brain, which is probably due to other processes such as low albumin levels.
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Gong X, Chang R, Zou J, Tan S, Huang Z. The role and mechanism of tryptophan - kynurenine metabolic pathway in depression. Rev Neurosci 2022; 34:313-324. [PMID: 36054612 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2022-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental illness characterized by persistent low mood and anhedonia, normally accompanied with cognitive impairment. Due to its rising incidence and high rate of recurrence and disability, MDD poses a substantial threat to patients' physical and mental health, as well as a significant economic cost to society. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of MDD are still unclear. Chronic inflammation may cause indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) to become overactive throughout the body and brain, resulting in excess quinolinic acid (QUIN) and less kynuric acid (KYNA) in the brain. QUIN's neurotoxicity damages glial cells and neurons, accelerates neuronal apoptosis, hinders neuroplasticity, and causes depression due to inflammation. Therefore, abnormal TRP-KYN metabolic pathway and its metabolites have been closely related to MDD, suggesting changes in the TRP-KYN metabolic pathway might contribute to MDD. In addition, targeting TRP-KYN with traditional Chinese medicine showed promising treatment effects for MDD. This review summarizes the recent studies on the TRP-KYN metabolic pathway and its metabolites in depression, which would provide a theoretical basis for exploring the etiology and pathogenesis of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Gong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510900, China
| | - Rui Chang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 28 W. Chang Sheng Road, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Ju Zou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 28 W. Chang Sheng Road, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Sijie Tan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 28 W. Chang Sheng Road, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Zeyi Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510900, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 28 W. Chang Sheng Road, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
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ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN DEPRESSION: UNDERSTANDING MOLECULAR PATHWAYS, RECENT RESEARCH, AND FUTURE DIRECTION. Behav Brain Res 2022; 436:114081. [PMID: 36037843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gut microbiota, also known as the "second brain" in humans because of the regulatory role it has on the central nervous system via neuronal, chemical and immune pathways. It has been proven that there exists a bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. Increasing evidence supports that this crosstalk is linked to the etiology and treatment of depression. Reports suggest that the gut microbiota control the host epigenetic machinery in depression and gut dysbiosis causes negative epigenetic modifications via mechanisms like histone acetylation, DNA methylation and non-coding RNA mediated gene inhibition. The gut microbiome can be a promising approach for the management of depression. The diet and dietary metabolites like kynurenine, tryptophan, and propionic acid also greatly influence the microbiome composition and thereby, the physiological activities. This review gives a bird-eye view on the pathological updates and currently used treatment approaches targeting the gut microbiota in depression.
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Rakicka-Pustułka M, Ziuzia P, Pierwoła J, Szymański K, Wróbel-Kwiatkowska M, Lazar Z. The microbial production of kynurenic acid using Yarrowia lipolytica yeast growing on crude glycerol and soybean molasses. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:936137. [PMID: 36061425 PMCID: PMC9428254 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.936137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Yarrowia lipolytica yeast are able to produce kynurenic acid—a very valuable compound acting as a neuroprotective and antioxidant agent in humans. The recent data proved the existence of the kynurenine biosynthesis pathway in this yeast cells. Due to this fact, the aim of this work was to enhance kynurenic acid production using crude glycerol and soybean molasses as cheap and renewable carbon and nitrogen sources. The obtained results showed that Y. lipolytica GUT1 mutants are able to produce kynurenic acid in higher concentrations (from 4.5 mg dm−3 to 14.1 mg dm−3) than the parental strain (3.6 mg dm−3) in the supernatant in a medium with crude glycerol. Moreover, the addition of soybean molasses increased kynurenic acid production by using wild type and transformant strains. The A-101.1.31 GUT1/1 mutant strain produced 17.7 mg dm−3 of kynurenic acid in the supernatant during 150 h of the process and 576.7 mg kg−1 of kynurenic acid in dry yeast biomass. The presented work proves the great potential of microbial kynurenic acid production using waste feedstock. Yeast biomass obtained in this work is rich in protein, with a low content of lipid, and can be a healthy ingredient of animal and human diet.
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38
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The N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Blocker REL-1017 (Esmethadone) Reduces Calcium Influx Induced by Glutamate, Quinolinic Acid, and Gentamicin. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070882. [PMID: 35890179 PMCID: PMC9319291 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
REL-1017 (esmethadone) is a novel N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and promising rapid antidepressant candidate. Using fluorometric imaging plate reader (FLIPR) assays, we studied the effects of quinolinic acid (QA) and gentamicin, with or without L-glutamate and REL-1017, on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]in) in recombinant cell lines expressing human GluN1-GluN2A, GluN1-GluN2B, GluN1-GluN2C, and GluN1-GluN2D NMDAR subtypes. There were no effects of QA on [Ca2+]in in cells expressing GluN1-GluN2C subtypes. QA acted as a low-potency, subtype-selective, NMDAR partial agonist in GluN1-GluN2A, GluN1-GluN2B, and GluN1-GluN2D subtypes. REL-1017 reduced [Ca2+]in induced by QA. In cells expressing the GluN1-GluN2D subtype, QA acted as an agonist in the presence of 0.04 μM L-glutamate and as an antagonist in the presence of 0.2 μM L-glutamate. REL-1017 reduced [Ca2+]in induced by L-glutamate alone and with QA in all cell lines. In the absence of L-glutamate, gentamicin had no effect. Gentamicin was a positive modulator for GluN1-GluN2B subtypes at 10 μM L-glutamate, for GluN1-GluN2A at 0.2 μM L-glutamate, and for GluN1-GluN2A, GluN1-GluN2B, and GluN1-GluN2D at 0.04 μM L-glutamate. No significant changes were observed with GluN1-GluN2C NMDARs. REL-1017 reduced [Ca2+]in induced by the addition of L-glutamate in all NMDAR cell lines in the presence or absence of gentamicin. In conclusion, REL-1017 reduced [Ca2+]in induced by L-glutamate alone and when increased by QA and gentamicin. REL-1017 may protect cells from excessive calcium entry via NMDARs hyperactivated by endogenous and exogenous molecules.
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Kavyani B, Lidbury BA, Schloeffel R, Fisher PR, Missailidis D, Annesley SJ, Dehhaghi M, Heng B, Guillemin GJ. Could the kynurenine pathway be the key missing piece of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) complex puzzle? Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:412. [PMID: 35821534 PMCID: PMC9276562 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and debilitating disease with a substantial social and economic impact on individuals and their community. Despite its importance and deteriorating impact, progresses in diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS is limited. This is due to the unclear pathophysiology of the disease and consequently lack of prognostic biomarkers. To investigate pathophysiology of ME/CFS, several potential pathologic hallmarks have been investigated; however, these studies have failed to report a consistent result. These failures in introducing the underlying reason for ME/CFS have stimulated considering other possible contributing mechanisms such as tryptophan (TRP) metabolism and in particular kynurenine pathway (KP). KP plays a central role in cellular energy production through the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). In addition, this pathway has been shown to mediate immune response and neuroinflammation through its metabolites. This review, we will discuss the pathology and management of ME/CFS and provide evidence pertaining KP abnormalities and symptoms that are classic characteristics of ME/CFS. Targeting the KP regulation may provide innovative approaches to the management of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Kavyani
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brett A Lidbury
- The National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, RSPH, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Richard Schloeffel
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- The Grove Health Pymble, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul R Fisher
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Missailidis
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah J Annesley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mona Dehhaghi
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
- Pandis.org, Melbourne, Australia.
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Kalkman HO. Potential Suicide Prophylactic Activity by the Fish Oil Metabolite, 4-Hydroxyhexenal. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136953. [PMID: 35805959 PMCID: PMC9266565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Low levels of n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and high levels of n-6 PUFAs in the blood circulation are associated with an increased risk for suicide. Clinical studies indicate that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, a n-3 PUFA found in fish-oil) displays protective effects against suicide. It has recently been proposed that the activation of the transcription factor NRF2 might be the pharmacological activity that is common to current anti-suicidal medications. Oxidation products from fish oil, including those from DHA, are electrophiles that reversibly bind to a protein ‘KEAP1’, which acts as the molecular inhibitor of NRF2 and so indirectly promotes NRF2-transcriptional activity. In the majority of publications, the NRF2-stimulant effect of DHA is ascribed to the metabolite 4-hydroxyhexenal (4HHE). It is suggested to investigate whether 4HHE will display a therapeutically useful anti-suicidal efficacy.
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Gonçalves de Andrade E, González Ibáñez F, Tremblay MÈ. Microglia as a Hub for Suicide Neuropathology: Future Investigation and Prevention Targets. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:839396. [PMID: 35663424 PMCID: PMC9158339 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.839396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide is a complex public health challenge associated worldwide with one death every 40 s. Research advances in the neuropathology of suicidal behaviors (SB) have defined discrete brain changes which may hold the key to suicide prevention. Physiological differences in microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, are present in post-mortem tissue samples of individuals who died by suicide. Furthermore, microglia are mechanistically implicated in the outcomes of important risk factors for SB, including early-life adversity, stressful life events, and psychiatric disorders. SB risk factors result in inflammatory and oxidative stress activities which could converge to microglial synaptic remodeling affecting susceptibility or resistance to SB. To push further this perspective, in this Review we summarize current areas of opportunity that could untangle the functional participation of microglia in the context of suicide. Our discussion centers around microglial state diversity in respect to morphology, gene and protein expression, as well as function, depending on various factors, namely brain region, age, and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Gonçalves de Andrade
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Fernando González Ibáñez
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Marie-Ève Tremblay,
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Effects of stress on endophenotypes of suicide across species: A role for ketamine in risk mitigation. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 18:100450. [PMID: 35685678 PMCID: PMC9170747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide, yet few interventions are available to mitigate its risk. Barriers to effective treatments involve a limited understanding of factors that predict the onset of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In the context of suicide risk, stress is a precipitating factor that is largely overlooked in the literature. Indeed, the pathophysiology of stress and suicide are heavily interconnected, underscoring the need to target the stress system in suicide prevention. In this review, we integrate findings from the preclinical and clinical literature that links stress and suicide. We focus specifically on the effects of stress on underlying biological functions and processes associated with suicide, allowing for the review of research using animal models. Owing to the rapid anti-suicidal effects of (R,S)-ketamine, we discuss its ability to modulate various stress-related endophenotypes of suicide, as well as its potential role in preventing suicide in those with a history of chronic life stress (e.g., early life adversity). We highlight future research directions that could advance our understanding of stress-related effects on suicide risk, advocating a dimensional, endophenotype approach to suicide research. Suicide and chronic stress pathophysiology are interconnected. Chronic stress has profound impacts on several endophenotypes of suicide. Animal and human research points to stress as a precipitating factor in suicide. Ketamine modulates specific biological processes associated with stress and suicide. Suicide research into endophenotypes can help inform risk-mitigation strategies.
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COVID-19, Oxidative Stress, and Neuroinflammation in the Depression Route. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1166-1181. [PMID: 35322375 PMCID: PMC8942178 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is associated with oxidative stress, peripheral hyper inflammation, and neuroinflammation, especially in individuals with a more severe form of the disease. Some studies provide evidence on the onset or exacerbation of major depressive disorder (MDD), among other psychiatric disorders due to COVID-19. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are associated conditions, especially in the more severe form of MDD and in refractoriness to available therapeutic strategies. Inflammatory cytokines in the COVID-19 hyper inflammation process can activate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme. IDO activation can reduce tryptophan and increase toxic metabolites of the kynurenine pathway, which increases glial activation, neuroinflammation, toxicity, and neuronal death. This review surveyed a number of studies and analyzed the mechanisms of oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroinflammation involved in COVID-19 and depression. Finally, the importance of more protocols that can help elucidate the interaction between these mechanisms underlying COVID-19 and MDD and the possible therapeutic strategies involved in the interaction of these mechanisms are highlighted.
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Paul ER, Schwieler L, Erhardt S, Boda S, Trepci A, Kämpe R, Asratian A, Holm L, Yngve A, Dantzer R, Heilig M, Hamilton JP, Samuelsson M. Peripheral and central kynurenine pathway abnormalities in major depression. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:136-145. [PMID: 34999196 PMCID: PMC9045681 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable data relate major depressive disorder (MDD) with aberrant immune system functioning. Pro-inflammatory cytokines facilitate metabolism of tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway (KP) putatively resulting in reduced neuroprotective and increased neurotoxic KP metabolites in MDD, in addition to modulating metabolic and immune function. This central nervous system hypothesis has, however, only been tested in the periphery. Here, we measured KP-metabolite levels in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of depressed patients (n = 63/36 respectively) and healthy controls (n = 48/33). Further, we assessed the relation between KP abnormalities and brain-structure volumes, as well as body mass index (BMI), an index of metabolic disturbance associated with atypical depression. Plasma levels of picolinic acid (PIC), the kynurenic/quinolinic acid ratio (KYNA/QUIN), and PIC/QUIN were lower in MDD, but QUIN levels were increased. In the CSF, we found lower PIC in MDD. Confirming previous work, MDD patients had lower hippocampal, and amygdalar volumes. Hippocampal and amygdalar volumes were correlated positively with plasma KYNA/QUIN ratio in MDD patients. BMI was increased in the MDD group relative to the control group. Moreover, BMI was inversely correlated with plasma and CSF PIC and PIC/QUIN, and positively correlated with plasma QUIN levels in MDD. Our results partially confirm previous peripheral KP findings and extend them to the CSF in MDD. We present the novel finding that abnormalities in KP metabolites are related to metabolic disturbances in depression, but the relation between KP metabolites and depression-associated brain atrophy might not be as direct as previously hypothesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth R Paul
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Boda
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ada Trepci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robin Kämpe
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Asratian
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lovisa Holm
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Adam Yngve
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Dantzer
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | - J Paul Hamilton
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Martin Samuelsson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
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Miller CL. The Epigenetics of Psychosis: A Structured Review with Representative Loci. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030561. [PMID: 35327363 PMCID: PMC8945330 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The evidence for an environmental component in chronic psychotic disorders is strong and research on the epigenetic manifestations of these environmental impacts has commenced in earnest. In reviewing this research, the focus is on three genes as models for differential methylation, MCHR1, AKT1 and TDO2, each of which have been investigated for genetic association with psychotic disorders. Environmental factors associated with psychotic disorders, and which interact with these model genes, are explored in depth. The location of transcription factor motifs relative to key methylation sites is evaluated for predicted gene expression results, and for other sites, evidence is presented for methylation directing alternative splicing. Experimental results from key studies show differential methylation: for MCHR1, in psychosis cases versus controls; for AKT1, as a pre-existing methylation pattern influencing brain activation following acute administration of a psychosis-eliciting environmental stimulus; and for TDO2, in a pattern associated with a developmental factor of risk for psychosis, in all cases the predicted expression impact being highly dependent on location. Methylation induced by smoking, a confounding variable, exhibits an intriguing pattern for all three genes. Finally, how differential methylation meshes with Darwinian principles is examined, in particular as it relates to the “flexible stem” theory of evolution.
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Hornick MG, Olson ME, Jadhav AL. SARS-CoV-2 Psychiatric Sequelae: A Review of Neuroendocrine Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:1-12. [PMID: 34648616 PMCID: PMC8524640 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
From the earliest days of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been reports of significant neurological and psychological symptoms following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This narrative review is designed to examine the potential psychoneuroendocrine pathogenic mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 elicits psychiatric sequelae as well as to posit potential pharmacologic strategies to address and reverse these pathologies. Following a brief overview of neurological and psychological sequelae from previous viral pandemics, we address mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 could enter or otherwise elicit changes in the CNS. We then examine the hypothesis that COVID-19-induced psychiatric disorders result from challenges to the neuroendocrine system, in particular the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis and monoamine synthesis, physiological mechanisms that are only further enhanced by the pandemic-induced social environment of fear, isolation, and socioeconomic pressure. Finally, we evaluate several FDA-approved therapeutics in the context of COVID-19-induced psychoneuroendocrine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary G Hornick
- Roosevelt University, College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
| | - Margaret E Olson
- Roosevelt University, College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
| | - Arun L Jadhav
- Roosevelt University, College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
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Tamimou R, Lumbroso S, Mouzat K, Lopez-Castroman J. Genetic variations related to inflammation in suicidal ideation and behavior: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1003034. [PMID: 36325529 PMCID: PMC9621324 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1003034] [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: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Immune-inflammatory changes have been found in all types of suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB), independently of associated mental disorders. Since several Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) affect the function of inflammation-related genes, we searched the literature for genetic variations potentially altering inflammatory processes in SIB. METHODS We included studies that looked for associations between SIB and SNPs in genes related to inflammatory processes. Case reports, literature reviews, and animal studies were excluded. Articles were retrieved from PubMed and PsycINFO databases, Google Scholar and GreySource Index until September 17th, 2022. Quality was assessed using Q-Genie. RESULTS We analyzed 32 studies. SIB has been associated with eighteen SNPs located in genes encoding for interleukin-8 (rs4073), C-reactive protein (rs1130864), tumor necrosis factor α (rs1800629, rs361525, and rs1099724), tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (rs1061622), transforming growth factor β-1 (rs1982073), acid phosphatase 1 (rs7419262, rs300774), interleukin-10 (rs1800896), interferon γ (rs2430561), amino-carboxy muconate semialdehyde decarboxylase (rs2121337), interleukin 7 (rs10448044, rs10448042), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (rs755622), interleukin 1-α (rs1800587), and interleukin 1-β (rs1143634 and rs16944. A genome-wide association study reported one association at the threshold of significance with the rs300774 SNP, located in the 2p25 region containing ACP1 gene. DISCUSSION The studies included were methodologically and clinically diverse and of moderate quality. Their findings suggest that some inflammation-related SNPs could increase the likelihood of SIB but the evidence to date is insufficient. Further research using gene-gene (GxG) and gene-environment (GxE) approaches is warranted. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk], identifier [CRD42022296310].
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabah Tamimou
- Department of Psychiatry, Nimes University Hospital, Nimes, France.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nimes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France.,Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, CNRS-INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Serge Lumbroso
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nimes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France
| | - Kevin Mouzat
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nimes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France
| | - Jorge Lopez-Castroman
- Department of Psychiatry, Nimes University Hospital, Nimes, France.,Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, CNRS-INSERM, Montpellier, France.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
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Butler MI, Long-Smith C, Moloney GM, Morkl S, O'Mahony SM, Cryan JF, Clarke G, Dinan TG. The immune-kynurenine pathway in social anxiety disorder. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 99:317-326. [PMID: 34758380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway is of major interest in psychiatry and is altered in patients with depression, schizophrenia and panic disorder. Stress and immune alterations can impact this system, through cortisol- and cytokine-induced activation. In addition, there is emerging evidence that the kynurenine pathway is associated with suicidality. There have been no studies to date exploring the immune-kynurenine system in social anxiety disorder (SAD), and indeed very limited human studies on the kynurenine pathway in any clinical anxiety disorder. METHODS We investigated plasma levels of several kynurenine pathway markers, including kynurenine (KYN), tryptophan (TRYP) and kynurenic acid (KYNA), along with the KYN/TRYP and KYNA/KYN ratios, in a cohort of 32 patients with SAD and 36 healthy controls. We also investigated a broad array of both basal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated blood cytokine levels including IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. RESULTS SAD patients had elevated plasma KYNA levels and an increased KYNA/KYN ratio compared to healthy controls. No differences in KYN, TRYP or the KYN/TRYP ratio were seen between the two groups. SAD patients with a history of past suicide attempt showed elevated plasma KYN levels and a higher KYN/TRYP ratio compared to patients without a history of suicide attempt. No differences were seen in basal or LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels between the patients and controls. However, unstimulated IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, was significantly lower in the SAD group. A significant sex influence was evident with SAD males having lower levels of IL-10 compared to healthy males but no difference seen between SAD females and healthy females. CONCLUSIONS The peripheral kynurenine pathway is altered in SAD and preferentially directed towards KYNA synthesis. Additionally, kynurenine pathway activation, as evidenced by elevated KYN and KYN/TRYP ratio, is evident in SAD patients with a history of past suicide attempt. While no differences in pro-inflammatory cytokines is apparent in SAD patients, lower anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels are seen in SAD males. Further investigation of the role of the immune-kynurenine pathway in SAD and other clinical anxiety disorders is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary I Butler
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland.
| | | | - Gerard M Moloney
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Sabrina Morkl
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Siobhain M O'Mahony
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Toxoplasmosis: Targeting neurotransmitter systems in psychiatric disorders. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:123-146. [PMID: 34476718 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00824-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The most common form of the disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is latent toxoplasmosis due to the formation of tissue cysts in various organs, such as the brain. Latent toxoplasmosis is probably a risk factor in the development of some neuropsychiatric disorders. Behavioral changes after infection are caused by the host immune response, manipulation by the parasite, central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, as well as changes in hormonal and neuromodulator relationships. The present review focused on the exact mechanisms of T. gondii effect on the alteration of behavior and neurotransmitter levels, their catabolites and metabolites, as well as the interaction between immune responses and this parasite in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. The dysfunction of neurotransmitters in the neural transmission is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, further intensive studies are required to determine the effect of this parasite on altering the level of neurotransmitters and the role of neurotransmitters in the etiology of host behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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50
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Myint AM, Halaris A. Imbalances in Kynurenines as Potential Biomarkers in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:913303. [PMID: 35836656 PMCID: PMC9275364 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.913303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aye-Mu Myint
- Department of Psychiatry, Loyola University School of Medicine and Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Angelos Halaris
- Department of Psychiatry, Loyola University School of Medicine and Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
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