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Lv Y, Wen L, Hu WJ, Deng C, Ren HW, Bao YN, Su BW, Gao P, Man ZY, Luo YY, Li CJ, Xiang ZX, Wang B, Luan ZL. Schizophrenia in the genetic era: a review from development history, clinical features and genomic research approaches to insights of susceptibility genes. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:147-171. [PMID: 37542622 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01271-x] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a devastating neuropsychiatric disorder affecting 1% of the world population and ranks as one of the disorders providing the most severe burden for society. Schizophrenia etiology remains obscure involving multi-risk factors, such as genetic, environmental, nutritional, and developmental factors. Complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia. This review provides an overview of the historical origins, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis, clinical symptoms and corresponding treatment of schizophrenia. In addition, as schizophrenia is a polygenic, genetic disorder caused by the combined action of multiple micro-effective genes, we further detail several approaches, such as candidate gene association study (CGAS) and genome-wide association study (GWAS), which are commonly used in schizophrenia genomics studies. A number of GWASs about schizophrenia have been performed with the hope to identify novel, consistent and influential risk genetic factors. Finally, some schizophrenia susceptibility genes have been identified and reported in recent years and their biological functions are also listed. This review may serve as a summary of past research on schizophrenia genomics and susceptibility genes (NRG1, DISC1, RELN, BDNF, MSI2), which may point the way to future schizophrenia genetics research. In addition, depending on the above discovery of susceptibility genes and their exact function, the development and application of antipsychotic drugs will be promoted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Lv
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lin Wen
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Wen-Juan Hu
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Chong Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Hui-Wen Ren
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Ya-Nan Bao
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Bo-Wei Su
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Ping Gao
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Zi-Yue Man
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Yi-Yang Luo
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Cheng-Jie Li
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Xiang
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Central hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116000, China.
| | - Zhi-Lin Luan
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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Ye W, Xing J, Yu Z, Hu X, Zhao Y. Mechanism and treatments of antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Int J Obes (Lond) 2023; 47:423-433. [PMID: 36959286 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-023-01291-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The long-term use of antipsychotics (APs) may cause a variety of diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG), and even obesity. This paper reviews the various mechanisms of AIWG and obesity in detail, involving genetics, the central nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, and the gut microbiome. The common drug and non-drug therapies used in clinical practice are also introduced, providing the basis for research on the molecular mechanisms and the future selection of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wujie Ye
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jingyu Xing
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zekai Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xingang Hu
- Internal encephalopathy of traditional Chinese medicine, Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, China.
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Hemby SE, McIntosh S. Chronic haloperidol administration downregulates select BDNF transcript and protein levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of rhesus monkeys. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1054506. [PMID: 36816400 PMCID: PMC9932326 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1054506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-mortem studies in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal formation from schizophrenia patients have revealed significant disruptions in the expression molecules associated with cytoarchitecture, synaptic structure, function, and plasticity, known to be regulated in part by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Interestingly, several studies using postmortem brain tissue from individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia have revealed a significant reduction in BDNF mRNA and protein levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), hippocampus and related areas; however, differentiating the effects of illness from antipsychotic history has remained difficult. We hypothesized that chronic antipsychotic treatment may contribute to the altered BDNF mRNA and protein expression observed in post-mortem brains of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. To address the influence of antipsychotic administration on BDNF expression in the primate brain, rhesus monkeys orally administered haloperidol, clozapine, or vehicle twice daily for 180 days. We found BDNF splice variants 4 and 5 in the DLPFC and variant 2 in the EC were significantly down-regulated following chronic administration of haloperidol. In addition, proBDNF and mature BDNF expression in the DLPFC, but not the EC, were significantly reduced. Based on the known regulation of BDNF expression by BDNF-AS, we assessed the expression of this lncRNA and found expression was significantly upregulated in the DLPFC, but not EC. The results of the present study provide evidence of haloperidol-induced regulation of BDNF mRNA and protein expression in the DLFPC and suggest an important role for BDNF-AS in this regulation. Given the role of BDNF in synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival and maintenance, aberrant expression induced by haloperidol likely has significant ramifications for neuronal populations and circuits in primate cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Hemby
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, High Point University, High Point, NC, United States
| | - Scot McIntosh
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, High Point University, High Point, NC, United States
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Asadi MR, Gharesouran J, Sabaie H, Moslehian MS, Dehghani H, Arsang-Jang S, Taheri M, Mortazavi D, Hussen BM, Sayad A, Rezazadeh M. Assessing the expression of two post-transcriptional BDNF regulators, TTP and miR-16 in the peripheral blood of patients with Schizophrenia. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:771. [PMID: 36476595 PMCID: PMC9730652 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04442-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental disorder with an unknown pathophysiology. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that has been associated with synapse plasticity, learning, and memory, as well as neurodevelopment and neuroprotection. The importance of neurodevelopmental and neurotoxicity-related components in the pathophysiology of SCZ has been highlighted in research on the neurobiology of this disease. The purpose of this research is to investigate the significant expression of two variables, tristetraprolin (TTP) and miR-16, which are known to be regulators of BDNF expression. Fifty Iranian Azeri SCZ patients were enrolled, and fifty healthy volunteers were age- and gender-matched as controls. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction measured the expression levels of the TTP and miR-16 in the peripheral blood (PB) of SCZ patients and healthy people. TTP expression levels in patients were higher than in controls, regardless of gender or age (posterior beta = 1.532, adjusted P-value = 0.012). TTP and miR-16 expression levels were found to be significantly correlated in both SCZ patients and healthy controls (r = 0.701, P < 0.001 and r = 0.777, P < 0.001, respectively). Due to the increased expression of TTP in SCZ and the existence of a significant correlation between TTP and miR-16, which helps to act on target mRNAs with AU-rich elements, this mechanism can be considered an influencing factor in SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Asadi
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jalal Gharesouran
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hani Sabaie
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Sadat Moslehian
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Dehghani
- grid.411701.20000 0004 0417 4622Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Shahram Arsang-Jang
- grid.469309.10000 0004 0612 8427Cancer Gene therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Deniz Mortazavi
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XDepartment of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan university of medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- grid.412012.40000 0004 0417 5553Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Arezou Sayad
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Rezazadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Sun W, Mei Y, Li X, Yang Y, An L. Maternal immune activation-induced proBDNF-mediated neural information processing dysfunction at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses associated with memory deficits in offspring. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1018586. [PMID: 36438556 PMCID: PMC9691851 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1018586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal infection increases the risk of offspring developing schizophrenia in adulthood. Current theories suggest that the consequences of MIA on mBDNF secretion may underlie the increased risk of cognitive disorder. There is little evidence for whether the expression of its precursor, proBDNF, is changed and how proBDNF-mediated signaling may involve in learning and memory. In this study, proBDNF levels were detected in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions of male adult rats following MIA by prenatal polyI:C exposure. Behaviorally, learning and memory were assessed in contextual fear conditioning tasks. Local field potentials were recorded in the hippocampal CA3-CA1 pathway. The General Partial Directed Coherence approach was utilized to identify the directional alternation of neural information flow between CA3 and CA1 regions. EPSCs were recorded in CA1 pyramidal neurons to explore a possible mechanism involving the proBDNF-p75NTR signaling pathway. Results showed that the expression of proBDNF in the polyI:C-treated offspring was abnormally enhanced in both CA3 and CA1 regions. Meanwhile, the mBDNF expression was reduced in both hippocampal regions. Intra-hippocampal CA1 but not CA3 injection with anti-proBDNF antibody and p75NTR inhibitor TAT-Pep5 effectively mitigated the contextual memory deficits. Meanwhile, reductions in the phase synchronization between CA3 and CA1 and the coupling directional indexes from CA3 to CA1 were enhanced by the intra-CA1 infusions. Moreover, blocking proBDNF/p75NTR signaling could reverse the declined amplitude of EPSCs in CA1 pyramidal neurons, indicating the changes in postsynaptic information processing in the polyI:C-treated offspring. Therefore, the changes in hippocampal proBDNF activity in prenatal polyI:C exposure represent a potential mechanism involved in NIF disruption leading to contextual memory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yazi Mei
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Department of Neurology, Jinan Geriatric/Rehabilitation Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Lei An
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Jinan Geriatric/Rehabilitation Hospital, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Dean B, Thomas EHX, Bozaoglu K, Tan EJ, Van Rheenen TE, Neill E, Sumner PJ, Carruthers SP, Scarr E, Rossell SL, Gurvich C. Evidence that a working memory cognitive phenotype within schizophrenia has a unique underlying biology. Psychiatry Res 2022; 317:114873. [PMID: 36252418 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
It is suggested studying phenotypes within the syndrome of schizophrenia will accelerate understanding the complex molecular pathology of the disorder. Supporting this hypothesis, we have identified a sub-group within schizophrenia with impaired working memory (WM) and have used Affymetrix™ Human Exon 1.0 ST Arrays to compare their blood RNA levels (n=16) to a group of with intact WM (n=18). Levels of 72 RNAs were higher in blood from patients with impaired WM, 11 of which have proven links to the maintenance of different aspects of working memory (cognition). Overall, changed gene expression in those with impaired WM could be linked to cognition through glutamatergic activity, olfaction, immunity, inflammation as well as energy and metabolism. Our data gives preliminary support to the hypotheses that there is a working memory deficit phenotype within the syndrome of schizophrenia with has a biological underpinning. In addition, our data raises the possibility that a larger study could show that the specific changes in gene expression we have identified could prove to be the biomarkers needed to develop a blood test to identify those with impaired WM; a significant step toward allowing the use of personalised medicine directed toward improving their impaired working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Dean
- The Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth H X Thomas
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kiymet Bozaoglu
- The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric J Tan
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tamsyn E Van Rheenen
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorne, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erica Neill
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip J Sumner
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean P Carruthers
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Scarr
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Selvaraj S, Shivakumar V, Kavya PV, Mullapudi T, Bhalerao G, Sreeraj VS, Suhas S, Dinakaran D, Parlikar R, Chhabra H, Narayanaswamy JC, Debnath M, Rao NP, Muralidharan K, Venkatasubramanian G. Neurohemodynamic correlates of BDNF gene expression in schizophrenia patients with working memory deficits: A functional MRI study. Asian J Psychiatr 2022; 77:103261. [PMID: 36181754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103261] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in neuroplasticity underlying cognitive deficits, including working memory deficits (WMD), in schizophrenia. Methodological challenges and inconsistencies are reported with peripheral BDNF levels. Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is proposed to underlie WMD, though inconsistently. We aimed to explore the correlations between brain activation during working memory task-based functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and BDNF gene expression in schizophrenia patients with WMD. METHODS 26 patients with schizophrenia with established WMD were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected to study lymphocyte BDNF gene expression. Patients underwent task-based fMRI to examine the working memory performance and related brain activation. Whole-brain analysis was performed with 2-back > 0-back and 2-back > rest contrast. The peak intensity values of the activation were used for correlation analysis. RESULTS Whole brain analysis with 2-back > rest contrast revealed maximum activation in left DLPFC, Brodmann area 9 (t = 10.54, FWE corrected p < 0.05). The baseline BDNF gene expression correlated positively with the peak intensity of brain activation in left DLPFC (r = 0.365, p = 0.033). Negative symptom score negatively correlated with BDNF gene expression (r = -0.499, p = 0.005) and left DLPFC fMRI activation (r = -0.393, p = 0.023) respectively. CONCLUSION We found a significant positive association between BDNF gene expression and the activation of the DLPFC during the working memory task. This novel observation needs further systematic evaluation to establish the potential role of peripheral BDNF expression in WMD in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Selvaraj
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India.
| | - Venkataram Shivakumar
- Department of Integrative Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Paranthaman V Kavya
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Thrinath Mullapudi
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Gaurav Bhalerao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Vanteemar S Sreeraj
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Satish Suhas
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Damodharan Dinakaran
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Rujuta Parlikar
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Harleen Chhabra
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Monojit Debnath
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Naren P Rao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Kesavan Muralidharan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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Zhang Y, Gao X, Bai X, Yao S, Chang YZ, Gao G. The emerging role of furin in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:39. [PMID: 35996194 PMCID: PMC9395820 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Furin is an important mammalian proprotein convertase that catalyzes the proteolytic maturation of a variety of prohormones and proproteins in the secretory pathway. In the brain, the substrates of furin include the proproteins of growth factors, receptors and enzymes. Emerging evidence, such as reduced FURIN mRNA expression in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients or schizophrenia patients, has implicated a crucial role of furin in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Currently, compared to cancer and infectious diseases, the aberrant expression of furin and its pharmaceutical potentials in neurological diseases remain poorly understood. In this article, we provide an overview on the physiological roles of furin and its substrates in the brain, summarize the deregulation of furin expression and its effects in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, and discuss the implications and current approaches that target furin for therapeutic interventions. This review may expedite future studies to clarify the molecular mechanisms of furin deregulation and involvement in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, and to develop new diagnosis and treatment strategies for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xiaoqin Gao
- Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050027, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Shanshan Yao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yan-Zhong Chang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| | - Guofen Gao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Qing Y, Wang P, Cui G, Zhang J, Liang K, Xia Z, Wang P, He L, Jia W. Targeted metabolomics reveals aberrant profiles of serum bile acids in patients with schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA 2022; 8:65. [PMID: 35982185 PMCID: PMC9388515 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00273-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that bile acids (BAs), which are signaling molecules that regulate metabolism and inflammation, appear to be dysregulated in schizophrenia (SZ). Further investigation is warranted to comprehensively characterize BA profiles in SZ. To address this, we analyzed serum BA profiles in 108 drug-free patients with SZ and in 108 healthy controls (HCs), divided into a discovery set (n = 119) and a validation set (n = 97), using ultraperformance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Forty serum BAs were detected and absolutely quantified using calibration curves. Global BA profiling showed differences in SZ and HC groups in both discovery and validation sets. The concentrations of chenodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, 3β-chenodeoxycholic acid, 7-ketolithocholic acid, 3-dehydrocholic acid, total BAs, and unconjugated BAs were significantly lower in patients with SZ compared with HCs in the two sample sets. The BA deconjugation potentials by gut microbiota and the affinity index of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) were notably decreased in SZ patients compared to those of HCs. Conjugated BAs and BA deconjugation potentials differed in SZ patients with first versus recurrent episodes, although similar BA profiles were observed in both groups. In addition, a panel of 8 BA variables acted as a potential auxiliary diagnostic biomarker in discriminating SZ patients from HCs, with area under the curve values for receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.758 and 0.732 and for precision-recall curves of 0.750 and 0.714 in the discovery and validation sets, respectively. This study has provided compelling evidence of comprehensive characteristics of circulating BA metabolism in patients with SZ and promoted a deeper understanding of the role of BAs in the pathophysiology of this disease, possibly via the gut microbiota-FXR signaling pathway.
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Szarowicz CA, Steece-Collier K, Caulfield ME. New Frontiers in Neurodegeneration and Regeneration Associated with Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and the rs6265 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148011. [PMID: 35887357 PMCID: PMC9319713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is an extensively studied neurotrophin implicated in the pathology of multiple neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, traumatic brain injury, major de-pressive disorder, and schizophrenia. Here we provide a brief summary of current knowledge on the role of BDNF and the common human single nucleotide polymorphism, rs6265, in driving the pathogenesis and rehabilitation in these disorders, as well as the status of BDNF-targeted therapies. A common trend has emerged correlating low BDNF levels, either detected within the central nervous system or peripherally, to disease states, suggesting that BDNF replacement therapies may hold clinical promise. In addition, we introduce evidence for a distinct role of the BDNF pro-peptide as a biologically active ligand and the need for continuing studies on its neurological function outside of that as a molecular chaperone. Finally, we highlight the latest research describing the role of rs6265 expression in mechanisms of neurodegeneration as well as paradoxical advances in the understanding of this genetic variant in neuroregeneration. All of this is discussed in the context of personalized medicine, acknowledging there is no “one size fits all” therapy for neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders and that continued study of the multiple BDNF isoforms and genetic variants represents an avenue for discovery ripe with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlye A. Szarowicz
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kathy Steece-Collier
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
| | - Margaret E. Caulfield
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-616-234-0969; Fax: +1- 616-234-0991
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Tsai CW, Tsai SJ, Pan YJ, Lin HM, Pan TY, Yang FY. Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation Reverses Behavior Changes and the Expression of Calcium-Binding Protein in a Rodent Model of Schizophrenia. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:649-659. [PMID: 35229268 PMCID: PMC9226253 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01195-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunctions are a core feature of schizophrenia that may be linked to abnormalities in gamma-aminobutyric-acid (GABA)ergic neurons. Traditional antipsychotics show poor efficacy in treating cognitive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the restorative role of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) in counteracting dizocilpine (MK-801)-induced cognitive deficits and GABAergic interneuron dysfunction in a simulation of schizophrenia. Some rats subjected to MK-801 administration were treated with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) daily for 5 days, while other rats subjected to MK-801 administration received no LIPUS treatment. After LIPUS treatment, the neuroprotective effects of LIPUS in the LIPUS-treated rats were assessed through behavioral analysis, western blotting, and histological observations. Compared with the MK-801-treated group, the MK-801 plus LIPUS-treated rats revealed a preference for novel objects. The MK-801 plus LIPUS-treated rats also exhibited a significant decrease in swim times compared to the MK-801-treated rats. LIPUS stimulation significantly increased hippocampal levels of CB and PV and restored the cell densities of PV + and CB + in the cingulate cortex in the MK-801 plus LIPUS-treated group. In addition, LIPUS stimulation rebalanced the BDNF levels in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. Our findings indicate that LIPUS improves cognitive deficits and ameliorates neuropathology in MK-801-treated rats. These results suggest that LIPUS may constitute a potential novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Wen Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Pan
- Department of Psychiatry, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Mei Lin
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yu Pan
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yi Yang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Rogóż Z, Kamińska K, Lech MA, Lorenc-Koci E. N-Acetylcysteine and Aripiprazole Improve Social Behavior and Cognition and Modulate Brain BDNF Levels in a Rat Model of Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042125. [PMID: 35216241 PMCID: PMC8877560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of negative symptoms and cognitive disorders in patients with schizophrenia is still a serious clinical problem. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of chronic administration of the atypical antipsychotic drug aripiprazole (7-{4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl] butoxy}-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone; ARI) and the well-known antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) both in alleviating schizophrenia-like social and cognitive deficits and in reducing the decreases in the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP) of adult Sprague-Dawley rats, that have been induced by chronic administration of the model compound L-buthionine-(S, R)-sulfoximine (BSO) during the early postnatal development (p5–p16). ARI was administered at doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg while NAC at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg, alone or in combination. Administration of higher doses of ARI or NAC alone, or co-treatment with lower, ineffective doses of these drugs significantly improved social and cognitive performance as assessed in behavioral tests. Both doses of NAC and 0.3 mg/kg of ARI increased the expression of BDNF mRNA in the PFC, while all doses of these drugs and their combinations enhanced the levels of BDNF protein in this brain structure. In the HIP, only 0,3 mg/kg ARI increased the levels of both BDNF mRNA and its protein. These data show that in the rat BSO-induced neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia, ARI and NAC differently modulated BDNF levels in the PFC and HIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Rogóż
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (Z.R.); (K.K.); (M.A.L.)
| | - Kinga Kamińska
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (Z.R.); (K.K.); (M.A.L.)
| | - Marta Anna Lech
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (Z.R.); (K.K.); (M.A.L.)
| | - Elżbieta Lorenc-Koci
- Department of Neuro-Psychopharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-126-623-272
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Brandão-Teles C, Smith BJ, Carregari VC. PTMs: A Missing Piece for Schizophrenia Studies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1382:119-127. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-05460-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Fernández-Teruel A, Oliveras I, Cañete T, Rio-Álamos C, Tapias-Espinosa C, Sampedro-Viana D, Sánchez-González A, Sanna F, Torrubia R, González-Maeso J, Driscoll P, Morón I, Torres C, Aznar S, Tobeña A, Corda MG, Giorgi O. Neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental profiles of a heuristic genetic model of differential schizophrenia- and addiction-relevant features: The RHA vs. RLA rats. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:597-617. [PMID: 34571119 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Roman High- (RHA) and Low-(RLA) avoidance rat lines/strains were generated through bidirectional selective breeding for rapid (RHA) vs. extremely poor (RLA) two-way active avoidance acquisition. Compared with RLAs and other rat strains/stocks, RHAs are characterized by increased impulsivity, deficits in social behavior, novelty-induced hyper-locomotion, impaired attentional/cognitive abilities, vulnerability to psychostimulant sensitization and drug addiction. RHA rats also exhibit decreased function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, increased functional activity of the mesolimbic dopamine system and a dramatic deficit of central metabotropic glutamate-2 (mGlu2) receptors (due to a stop codon mutation at cysteine 407 in Grm2 -cys407*-), along with increased density of 5-HT2A receptors in the PFC, alterations of several synaptic markers and increased density of pyramidal "thin" (immature) dendrític spines in the PFC. These characteristics suggest an immature brain of RHA rats, and are reminiscent of schizophrenia features like hypofrontality and disruption of the excitation/inhibition cortical balance. RHA rats represent a promising heuristic model of neurodevelopmental schizophrenia-relevant features and comorbidity with drug addiction vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Fernández-Teruel
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ignasi Oliveras
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Cañete
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Carles Tapias-Espinosa
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Sampedro-Viana
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Sánchez-González
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Sanna
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rafael Torrubia
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier González-Maeso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Ignacio Morón
- Department of Psychobiology and Centre of Investigation of Mind, Brain, and Behaviour (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Torres
- Department of Psychology, University of Jaén, 23071, Jaén, Spain.
| | - Susana Aznar
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg Copenhagen University Hospital, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Adolf Tobeña
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria G Corda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Osvaldo Giorgi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, Italy.
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15
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Rodrigues-Amorim D, Iglesias-Martínez-Almeida M, Rivera-Baltanás T, Fernández-Palleiro P, Freiría-Martínez L, Rodríguez-Jamardo C, Comís-Tuche M, Vallejo-Curto MDC, Álvarez-Ariza M, López-García M, de las Heras E, García-Caballero A, Olivares JM, Spuch C. The Role of the Second Extracellular Loop of Norepinephrine Transporter, Neurotrophin-3 and Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase C in T Cells: A Peripheral Biomarker in the Etiology of Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168499. [PMID: 34445205 PMCID: PMC8395201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurobiology of schizophrenia is multifactorial, comprising the dysregulation of several biochemical pathways and molecules. This research proposes a peripheral biomarker for schizophrenia that involves the second extracellular loop of norepinephrine transporter (NEText), the tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC), and the neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in T cells. The study of NEText, NT-3, and TrkC was performed in T cells and plasma extracted from peripheral blood of 54 patients with schizophrenia and 54 healthy controls. Levels of NT-3, TrkC, and NET were significantly lower in plasma and T cells of patients compared to healthy controls. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IPs) showed protein interactions with Co-IP NEText–NT-3 and Co-IP NEText–TrkC. Computational modelling of protein–peptide docking by CABS-dock provided a medium–high accuracy model for NT-3–NEText (4.6935 Å) and TrkC–NEText (2.1365 Å). In summary, immunocomplexes reached statistical relevance in the T cells of the control group contrary to the results obtained with schizophrenia. The reduced expression of NT-3, TrkC, and NET, and the lack of molecular complexes in T cells of patients with schizophrenia may lead to a peripheral dysregulation of intracellular signaling pathways and an abnormal reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) by NET. This peripheral molecular biomarker underlying schizophrenia reinforces the role of neurotrophins, and noradrenergic and immune systems in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rodrigues-Amorim
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
| | - Marta Iglesias-Martínez-Almeida
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Tania Rivera-Baltanás
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
| | - Patricia Fernández-Palleiro
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Luis Freiría-Martínez
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Cynthia Rodríguez-Jamardo
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - María Comís-Tuche
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
| | - María del Carmen Vallejo-Curto
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
| | - María Álvarez-Ariza
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
| | - Marta López-García
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
| | - Elena de las Heras
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
| | - Alejandro García-Caballero
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
| | - Jose Manuel Olivares
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, 36213 Vigo, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.O.); (C.S.)
| | - Carlos Spuch
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Bloque Técnico, Planta 2, Sala de Investigación, Estrada Clara Campoamor, 341, 36212 Vigo, Spain; (D.R.-A.); (M.I.-M.-A.); (T.R.-B.); (P.F.-P.); (L.F.-M.); (C.R.-J.); (M.C.-T.); (M.d.C.V.-C.); (M.Á.-A.); (M.L.-G.); (E.d.l.H.); (A.G.-C.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.O.); (C.S.)
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16
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Jaehne EJ, Chong EMS, Sbisa A, Gillespie B, Hill R, Gogos A, van den Buuse M. TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone reverses an induced prepulse inhibition deficit selectively in maternal immune activation offspring: implications for schizophrenia. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:404-412. [PMID: 33883449 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling has been implicated in schizophrenia endophenotypes, including deficits in prepulse inhibition (PPI). Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a widely used neurodevelopmental animal model for schizophrenia but it is unclear if BDNF and its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), are involved in PPI regulation in this model. Pregnant Long Evans rats were treated with the viral mimetic, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C; 4 mg/kg i.v.), and nine male offspring from these dams were compared in adulthood to 11 male Long Evans controls. Offspring underwent PPI testing following injection with the TrkB agonist, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) (10 mg/kg i.p.), with or without the dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine (APO; 1 mg/kg s.c.), or the dopamine releasing drug, methamphetamine (METH; 2 mg/kg s.c.). Acute administration of APO and METH caused the expected significant reduction of PPI. Acute administration of 7,8-DHF did not alter PPI on its own; however, it significantly reversed the effect of APO on PPI in poly I:C rats, but not in controls. A similar trend was observed in combination with METH. Western blot analysis of frontal cortex revealed significantly increased levels of BDNF protein, but not TrkB or phosphorylated TrkB/TrkB levels, in poly I:C rats. These findings suggest that, selectively in MIA offspring, 7,8-DHF has the ability to reverse PPI deficits caused by dopaminergic stimulation. This effect could be associated with increased BDNF expression in the frontal cortex. These data suggest that targeting BDNF signalling may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of certain symptoms of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Jaehne
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University
| | - Elaine Mei San Chong
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University
| | - Alyssa Sbisa
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne
| | - Brendan Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University
| | - Rachel Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University
| | - Andrea Gogos
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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17
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Tanqueiro SR, Mouro FM, Ferreira CB, Freitas CF, Fonseca-Gomes J, Simões do Couto F, Sebastião AM, Dawson N, Diógenes MJ. Sustained NMDA receptor hypofunction impairs brain-derived neurotropic factor signalling in the PFC, but not in the hippocampus, and disturbs PFC-dependent cognition in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:730-743. [PMID: 34008450 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211008560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive deficits profoundly impact on the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. Alterations in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling, which regulates synaptic function through the activation of full-length tropomyosin-related kinase B receptors (TrkB-FL), are implicated in the aetiology of schizophrenia, as is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) hypofunction. However, whether NMDA-R hypofunction contributes to the disrupted BDNF signalling seen in patients remains unknown. AIMS The purpose of this study was to characterise BDNF signalling and function in a preclinical rodent model relevant to schizophrenia induced by prolonged NMDA-R hypofunction. METHODS Using the subchronic phencyclidine (PCP) model, we performed electrophysiology approaches, molecular characterisation and behavioural analysis. RESULTS The data showed that prolonged NMDA-R antagonism, induced by subchronic PCP treatment, impairs long-term potentiation (LTP) and the facilitatory effect of BDNF upon LTP in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) of adult mice. Additionally, TrkB-FL receptor expression is decreased in the PFC of these animals. By contrast, these changes were not present in the hippocampus of PCP-treated mice. Moreover, BDNF levels were not altered in the hippocampus or PFC of PCP-treated mice. Interestingly, these observations are paralleled by impaired performance in PFC-dependent cognitive tests in mice treated with PCP. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these data suggest that NMDA-R hypofunction induces dysfunctional BDNF signalling in the PFC, but not in the hippocampus, which may contribute to the PFC-dependent cognitive deficits seen in the subchronic PCP model. Additionally, these data suggest that targeting BDNF signalling may be a mechanism to improve PFC-dependent cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Tanqueiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francisco M Mouro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina B Ferreira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Céline F Freitas
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Fonseca-Gomes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Frederico Simões do Couto
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Hospital de Santa Maria - Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Neil Dawson
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Maria J Diógenes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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18
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Harb M, Jagusch J, Durairaja A, Endres T, Leßmann V, Fendt M. BDNF haploinsufficiency induces behavioral endophenotypes of schizophrenia in male mice that are rescued by enriched environment. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:233. [PMID: 33888685 PMCID: PMC8062437 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01365-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in a number of processes that are crucial for healthy functioning of the brain. Schizophrenia is associated with low BDNF levels in the brain and blood, however, not much is known about BDNF's role in the different symptoms of schizophrenia. Here, we used BDNF-haploinsufficient (BDNF+/-) mice to investigate the role of BDNF in different mouse behavioral endophenotypes of schizophrenia. Furthermore, we assessed if an enriched environment can prevent the observed changes. In this study, male mature adult wild-type and BDNF+/- mice were tested in mouse paradigms for cognitive flexibility (attentional set shifting), sensorimotor gating (prepulse inhibition), and associative emotional learning (safety and fear conditioning). Before these tests, half of the mice had a 2-month exposure to an enriched environment, including running wheels. After the tests, BDNF brain levels were quantified. BDNF+/- mice had general deficits in the attentional set-shifting task, increased startle magnitudes, and prepulse inhibition deficits. Contextual fear learning was not affected but safety learning was absent. Enriched environment housing completely prevented the observed behavioral deficits in BDNF+/- mice. Notably, the behavioral performance of the mice was negatively correlated with BDNF protein levels. These novel findings strongly suggest that decreased BDNF levels are associated with several behavioral endophenotypes of schizophrenia. Furthermore, an enriched environment increases BDNF protein to wild-type levels and is thereby able to rescue these behavioral endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Harb
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Justina Jagusch
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Archana Durairaja
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Endres
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Volkmar Leßmann
- Institute of Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany. .,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Fendt
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany. .,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
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19
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Čater M, Majdič G. How early maternal deprivation changes the brain and behavior? Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2058-2075. [PMID: 33870558 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress can adversely influence brain development and reprogram brain function and consequently behavior in adult life. Adequate maternal care in early childhood is therefore particularly important for the normal brain development, and adverse early life experiences can lead to altered emotional, behavioral, and neuroendocrine stress responses in the adulthood. As a form of neonatal stress, maternal deprivation/separation is often used in behavioral studies to examine the effects of early life stress and for modeling the development of certain psychiatric disorders and brain pathologies in animal models. The temporary loss of maternal care during the critical postpartum periods remodels the offspring's brain and provokes long-term effects on learning and cognition, the development of mental disorders, aggression, and an increased tendency for the drug abuse. Early life stress through maternal deprivation affects neuroendocrine responses to stress in adolescence and adulthood by dysregulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and permanently disrupts stress resilience. In this review, we focused on how improper maternal care during early postnatal life affects brain development resulting in modified behavior later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Čater
- Veterinary Faculty, Laboratory for Animal Genomics, Institute for Preclinical Studies, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Majdič
- Veterinary Faculty, Laboratory for Animal Genomics, Institute for Preclinical Studies, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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20
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Fleury S, Boukhatem I, Le Blanc J, Welman M, Lordkipanidzé M. Tissue-Specificity of Antibodies Raised Against TrkB and p75 NTR Receptors; Implications for Platelets as Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:606861. [PMID: 33643311 PMCID: PMC7905091 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.606861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelets and neurons share many similarities including comparable secretory granule types with homologous calcium-dependent secretory mechanisms as well as internalization, sequestration and secretion of many neurotransmitters. Thus, platelets present a high potential to be used as peripheral biomarkers to reflect neuronal pathologies. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) acts as a neuronal growth factor involved in learning and memory through the binding of two receptors, the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and the 75 kDa pan-neurotrophic receptor (p75NTR). In addition to its expression in the central nervous system, BDNF is found in much greater quantities in blood circulation, where it is largely stored within platelets. Levels 100- to 1,000-fold those of neurons make platelets the most important peripheral reservoir of BDNF. This led us to hypothesize that platelets would express canonical BDNF receptors, i.e., TrkB and p75NTR, and that the receptors on platelets would bear significant resemblance to the ones found in the brain. However, herein we report discrepancies regarding detection of these receptors using antibody-based assays, with antibodies displaying important tissue-specificity. The currently available antibodies raised against TrkB and p75NTR should therefore be used with caution to study platelets as models for neurological disorders. Rigorous characterization of antibodies and bioassays appears critical to understand the interplay between platelet and neuronal biology of BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Fleury
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Imane Boukhatem
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jessica Le Blanc
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mélanie Welman
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Lordkipanidzé
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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21
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Huo L, Zheng Z, Lu X, Wu F, Ning Y, Zhang XY. Decreased Peripheral BDNF Levels and Cognitive Impairment in Late-Life Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:641278. [PMID: 34239458 PMCID: PMC8257950 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.641278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: There are relatively few studies on mechanisms of cognitive deficits in late-life schizophrenia (LLS). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as an important neuroplastic molecule, has been reported to be involved in neurocognitive impairment in schizophrenia. This study aimed to examine whether peripheral BDNF levels were associated with cognitive deficits in LLS, which has not been explored yet. Methods: Forty-eight LLS patients and 45 age-matched elderly controls were recruited. We measured all participants on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) for cognition and serum BDNF levels. Psychopathological symptoms in patients were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: The levels of BDNF in LLS patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (8.80 ± 2.30 vs. 12.63 ± 5.08 ng/ml, p < 0.001). The cognitive performance of LLS patients was worse than that of the controls on RBANS total score and scores of immediate memory, attention, language, and delayed memory (all p ≤ 0.005). BDNF was positively associated with attention in LLS patients (r = 0.338, p = 0.019). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that older patients with schizophrenia exhibit lower BDNF levels and more cognitive deficits than older controls, supporting the accelerated aging hypothesis of schizophrenia. Moreover, decreased BDNF is related to attention deficits, indicating that BDNF might be a candidate biomarker of cognitive impairments in LLS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Huo
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobing Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengchun Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Ning
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Yang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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22
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in first-episode schizophrenia and healthy controls: A comparative study. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 54:102370. [PMID: 33271690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormalities in brain development and plasticity have been associated with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in schizophrenia is the recent area of interest because it regulates neurogenesis. The current study aimed to assess and compare serum BDNF levels between first-episode schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, and evaluate its correlation with the socio-demographic and clinical variables. METHODOLOGY It was a cross-sectional comparative study for the assessment of serum BDNF levels between patients with first-episode schizophrenia (N=50) and healthy controls (N-50) conducted in the Department of Psychiatry at a tertiary care public hospital attached to a medical school in North India. Participants were assessed for the socio-demographic parameters, nicotine dependence, and clinical details using structured scales. Serum BDNF level estimated using the sandwich ELISA technique. The comparison between the groups was done by using a Student t-test or chi-square test. Spearman correlation was performed between mean BDNF scores and demographic or illness variables in both first-episode schizophrenia and healthy control groups. RESULTS There was a significantly lower mean score of total serum BDNF levels in first-episode schizophrenia patients as compared to controls (8.44 ± 1.54 vs 10.44 ± 2.04; t = 5.52, p < 0.001; 95% CI = 1.28-2.71). The total FTND scores for smokeless tobacco use were negatively correlated to BDNF levels among healthy controls (r=-0.30, p=0.03) as well as in the first-episode schizophrenia group (r=-0.32, p= 0.04). None of the other illness-related variables were correlated to serum BDNF values in the first episode schizophrenia group. CONCLUSION Individuals with first-episode schizophrenia have lower serum BDNF levels than healthy controls. The illness-related factors such as duration of untreated psychosis or psychopathology were not correlated with BDNF levels. Thus abnormal signaling of BDNF can lead to abnormal brain functioning which can make an individual more susceptible to schizophrenia.
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23
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Tendilla-Beltrán H, Sanchez-Islas NDC, Marina-Ramos M, Leza JC, Flores G. The prefrontal cortex as a target for atypical antipsychotics in schizophrenia, lessons of neurodevelopmental animal models. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 199:101967. [PMID: 33271238 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prefrontal cortex (PFC) inflammatory imbalance, oxidative/nitrosative stress (O/NS) and impaired neuroplasticity in schizophrenia are thought to have neurodevelopmental origins. Animal models are not only useful to test this hypothesis, they are also effective to establish a relationship among brain disturbances and behavior with the atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) effects. Here we review data of PFC post-mortem and in vivo neuroimaging, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), and peripheral blood studies of inflammatory, O/NS, and neuroplasticity alterations in the disease as well as about their modulation by AAPs. Moreover, we reviewed the PFC alterations and the AAP mechanisms beyond their canonical antipsychotic action in four neurodevelopmental animal models relevant to the study of schizophrenia with a distinct approach in the generation of schizophrenia-like phenotypes, but all converge in O/NS and altered neuroplasticity in the PFC. These animal models not only reinforce the neurodevelopmental risk factor model of schizophrenia but also arouse some novel potential therapeutic targets for the disease including the reestablishment of the antioxidant response by the perineuronal nets (PNNs) and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) pathway, as well as the dendritic spine dynamics in the PFC pyramidal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiram Tendilla-Beltrán
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Mexico; Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), CDMX, Mexico
| | | | - Mauricio Marina-Ramos
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Juan C Leza
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), UCM. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital, 12 de Octubre (Imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Flores
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Mexico.
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24
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Rana T, Behl T, Sehgal A, Srivastava P, Bungau S. Unfolding the Role of BDNF as a Biomarker for Treatment of Depression. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 71:2008-2021. [PMID: 33230708 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a well-known disabling mental illness characterized by sadness, loss of interest in activities, and decreased energy. The symptoms of depression are usually recurrent in vulnerable individuals, and persistence of symptoms significantly impairs individuals' quality of life. The exact pathophysiology of depression remains ambiguous, though many hypotheses have been proposed. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has recently been reported to play a vital role in the pathophysiology of depression. BDNF is an important neurotrophic factor found in the human brain and is involved in neuronal growth and proliferation, synaptic neurotransmission, and neuroplasticity. The neurotrophic theory of depression proposes that depression results from reduced BDNF levels in the brain, which can be treated with antidepressants to alleviate depressive behavior and increase BDNF levels. The aim of this review is to provide broad insight into the role of BDNF in the pathogenesis of depression and in antidepressant therapy. The studies mentioned in this review article greatly support the role of BDNF in the pathogenesis of depression and treatment of this disorder with antidepressants. Since abnormalities in BDNF levels lead to the production of diverse insults that amplify the development or progression of depression, it is important to study and explore BDNF impairment in relation to depression, neuroplasticity, and neurogenesis, and increasing BDNF levels through antidepressant therapy, showing positive response in the management of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarapati Rana
- Government Pharmacy College, Seraj, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Government Pharmacy College, Seraj, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | | | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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25
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Guo C, Liu Y, Fang MS, Li Y, Li W, Mahaman YAR, Zeng K, Xia Y, Ke D, Liu R, Wang JZ, Shen H, Shu X, Wang X. ω-3PUFAs Improve Cognitive Impairments Through Ser133 Phosphorylation of CREB Upregulating BDNF/TrkB Signal in Schizophrenia. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:1271-1286. [PMID: 32367475 PMCID: PMC7609637 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00859-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a serious mental condition and is associated with cognitive impairments. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the learning- and memory-related molecules found in the CNS and its level was reported to be reduced in SZ brain, while ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3PUFAs) could improve SZ symptoms, but its mechanism of action remains unknown. Using MK801 injection-induced SZ rat model, we here found that supplementation with ω-3PUFAs improved the levels of p-CREB, BDNF, and p-TrkB in the brain of SZ rats, and restore hippocampal neuronal damage, thereby reducing cognitive impairments in SZ rats. However, overexpression of AAV9/CREB S133A (CREB inactivated mutation) downregulated BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and remarkably abolished the preventive effect of ω-3PUFAs in MK801-induced schizophrenia. Interestingly, AAV9/CREB S133D (CREB activated mutation) improved synaptic dysfunctions and cognitive defects in MK801 rats. In conclusion, these findings indicate that MK801-induced SZ lesions dephosphorylate CREB at Ser133 site, leading to neuron damage, and ω-3PUFAs improve SZ cognitive impairments by upregulating the CREB/BDNF/TrkB pathway, which provides new clues for the mechanism of SZ cognitive impairments, and a basis for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiping Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | | | - Yuanyuan Li
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wensheng Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yacoubou Abdoul Razak Mahaman
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Cognitive Impairment Ward of Neurology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, 47 Youyi Rd., Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kuan Zeng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yiyuan Xia
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dan Ke
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiji Shu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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26
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Manduca JD, Thériault RK, Perreault ML. Glycogen synthase kinase-3: The missing link to aberrant circuit function in disorders of cognitive dysfunction? Pharmacol Res 2020; 157:104819. [PMID: 32305493 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Elevated GSK-3 activity has been implicated in cognitive dysfunction associated with various disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, type 2 diabetes, traumatic brain injury, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Further, aberrant neural oscillatory activity in, and between, cortical regions and the hippocampus is consistently present within these same cognitive disorders. In this review, we will put forth the idea that increased GSK-3 activity serves as a pathological convergence point across cognitive disorders, inducing similar consequent impacts on downstream signaling mechanisms implicated in the maintenance of processes critical to brain systems communication and normal cognitive functioning. In this regard we suggest that increased activation of GSK-3 and neuronal oscillatory dysfunction are early pathological changes that may be functionally linked. Mechanistic commonalities between these disorders of cognitive dysfunction will be discussed and potential downstream targets of GSK-3 that may contribute to neuronal oscillatory dysfunction identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Manduca
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Melissa L Perreault
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, ON, Canada.
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27
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Spalletta G, Morris D, Angelucci F, Rubino I, Spoletini I, Bria P, Martinotti G, Siracusano A, Bonaviri G, Bernardini S, Caltagirone C, Bossù P, Donohoe G, Gill M, Corvin A. BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with aggressive behavior in schizophrenia. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 25:311-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2009.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 10/20/2009] [Accepted: 10/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene variants may potentially influence behaviour. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated the relationship between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and aggressive behaviour in a population of schizophrenic patients. Our results showed that increased number of BDNF Met alleles was associated with increased aggressive behaviour.
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28
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Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a secretory growth factor that promotes neuronal proliferation and survival, synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation in the central nervous system. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor biosynthesis and secretion are chrono-topically regulated processes at the cellular level, accounting for specific localizations and functions. Given its role in regulating brain development and activity, BDNF represents a potentially relevant gene for schizophrenia, and indeed BDNF and its non-synonymous functional variant, rs6265 (C → T, Val → Met) have been widely studied in psychiatric genetics. Human and animal studies have indicated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor is relevant for schizophrenia-related phenotypes, and that: (1) fine-tuned regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor secretion and activity is necessary to guarantee brain optimal development and functioning; (2) the Val → Met substitution is associated with impaired activity-dependent secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor; (3) disruption of brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling is associated with altered synaptic plasticity and neurodevelopment. However, genome-wide association studies failed to associate the BDNF locus with schizophrenia, even though a sub-threshold association exists. Here, we will review studies focused on the relationship between the genetic variation of BDNF and schizophrenia, trying to fill the gap between genetic risk per se and insights from molecular biology. A deeper understanding of brain-derived neurotrophic factor biology and of the epigenetic regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its interactome during development may help clarifying the potential role of this gene in schizophrenia, thus informing development of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-based strategies of prevention and treatment of this disorder.
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29
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Differential expression of synaptic markers regulated during neurodevelopment in a rat model of schizophrenia-like behavior. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 95:109669. [PMID: 31228641 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder. Recent reports relate synaptic alterations with disease etiology. The inbred Roman High- (RHA-I) and Low- (RLA-I) Avoidance rat strains are a congenital neurobehavioral model, with the RHA-I displaying schizophrenia-related behaviors and serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) and metabotropic glutamate 2 (mGlu2) receptor alterations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We performed a comprehensive characterization of the RHA-I/RLA-I rats by real-time qPCR and Western blotting for 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, mGlu2, dopamine 1 and dopamine 2 receptors (DRD1 and DRD2), AMPA receptor subunits Gria1, Gria2 and NMDA receptor subunits Grin1, Grin2a and Grin2b, as well as pre- and post-synaptic components in PFC and hippocampus (HIP). Besides corroborating decreased mGlu2 (Grm2) expression, we found increased mRNA levels for Snap25, Synaptophysin (Syp), Homer1 and Neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) in the PFC of the RHA-I and decreased expression of Vamp1, and Snapin in the HIP. We also showed alterations in Vamp1, Grin2b, Syp, Snap25 and Nrg1 at protein levels. mRNA levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) were increased in the PFC of the RHA-I rats, with no differences in the HIP, while BDNF protein levels were decreased in PFC and increased in HIP. To investigate the temporal dynamics of these synaptic markers during neurodevelopment, we made use of the open source BrainCloud™ dataset, and found that SYP, GRIN2B, NRG1, HOMER1, DRD1 and BDNF expression is upregulated in PFC during childhood and adolescence, suggesting a more immature neurobiological endophenotype in the RHA-I strain.
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Kumar A, Kumar P, Pareek V, Faiq MA, Narayan RK, Raza K, Prasoon P, Sharma VK. Neurotrophin mediated HPA axis dysregulation in stress induced genesis of psychiatric disorders: Orchestration by epigenetic modifications. J Chem Neuroanat 2019; 102:101688. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.101688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Miranda M, Morici JF, Zanoni MB, Bekinschtein P. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A Key Molecule for Memory in the Healthy and the Pathological Brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:363. [PMID: 31440144 PMCID: PMC6692714 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 689] [Impact Index Per Article: 137.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a key molecule involved in plastic changes related to learning and memory. The expression of BDNF is highly regulated, and can lead to great variability in BDNF levels in healthy subjects. Changes in BDNF expression are associated with both normal and pathological aging and also psychiatric disease, in particular in structures important for memory processes such as the hippocampus and parahippocampal areas. Some interventions like exercise or antidepressant administration enhance the expression of BDNF in normal and pathological conditions. In this review, we will describe studies from rodents and humans to bring together research on how BDNF expression is regulated, how this expression changes in the pathological brain and also exciting work on how interventions known to enhance this neurotrophin could have clinical relevance. We propose that, although BDNF may not be a valid biomarker for neurodegenerative/neuropsychiatric diseases because of its disregulation common to many pathological conditions, it could be thought of as a marker that specifically relates to the occurrence and/or progression of the mnemonic symptoms that are common to many pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Miranda
- Laboratory of Memory Research and Molecular Cognition, Institute for Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience, Instituto de Neurología Cognitiva, CONICET, Universidad Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Facundo Morici
- Laboratory of Memory Research and Molecular Cognition, Institute for Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience, Instituto de Neurología Cognitiva, CONICET, Universidad Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Zanoni
- Laboratory of Memory Research and Molecular Cognition, Institute for Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience, Instituto de Neurología Cognitiva, CONICET, Universidad Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro Bekinschtein
- Laboratory of Memory Research and Molecular Cognition, Institute for Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience, Instituto de Neurología Cognitiva, CONICET, Universidad Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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D'Addario C, Bellia F, Benatti B, Grancini B, Vismara M, Pucci M, De Carlo V, Viganò C, Galimberti D, Fenoglio C, Scarpini E, Maccarrone M, Dell'Osso B. Exploring the role of BDNF DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 114:17-23. [PMID: 31004918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a clinically heterogeneous neuropsychiatric condition associated with profound disability, whose susceptibility, stemming from genetic and environmental factors that intersect with each other, is still under investigation. In this perspective, we sought to explore the transcriptional regulation of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a promising candidate biomarker in both development and etiology of different neuropsychiatric conditions, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from OCD patients and healthy controls. In particular, we focused on BDNF gene expression and interrogated in depth DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation at gene promoters (exons I, IV and IX) in a sample of OCD patients attending a tertiary OCD Clinic to receive guidelines-recommended treatment, and matched controls. Our preliminary data showed a significant increase in BDNF gene expression and a significant correlation with changes in the two epigenetic modifications selectively at promoter exon I, with no changes in the other promoters under study. We can conclude that transcriptional regulation of BDNF in OCD engages epigenetic mechanisms, and can suggest that this is likely evoked by the long-term pharmacotherapy. It is important to underline that many different factors need to be taken into account (i.e. age, sex, duration of illness, treatment), and thus further studies are mandatory to investigate their role in the epigenetic regulation of BDNF gene. Of note, we provide unprecedented evidence for the importance of analyzing 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels to correctly evaluate 5-methylcytosine changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Addario
- University of Teramo, Bioscience, Teramo, Italy; Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Beatrice Benatti
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Benedetta Grancini
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Vismara
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Vera De Carlo
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Caterina Viganò
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- University of Milan, Dino Ferrari Center, Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Policlinico, Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Fenoglio
- University of Milan, Dino Ferrari Center, Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Policlinico, Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Elio Scarpini
- University of Milan, Dino Ferrari Center, Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Policlinico, Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Santa Lucia, Unit of Lipid Neurochemistry, Rome, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- University of Milan, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Milano, Italy; CRC "Aldo Ravelli", University of Milan, Milano, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, CA, USA.
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Increased plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels in females with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2019; 209:212-217. [PMID: 31088701 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) acts as a critical regulator of synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Sex differences have been demonstrated in many aspects of schizophrenia. This study tested for sex-specific differences in peripheral BDNF levels in people with schizophrenia and healthy controls. We measured circulating plasma BDNF levels in 95 people with schizophrenia and 80 healthy controls. Plasma BDNF levels were significantly elevated in females with schizophrenia compared to males with schizophrenia and to female healthy controls. These results suggest that sex differences in peripheral BDNF levels may contribute to other sex related differences in schizophrenia.
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Lima Giacobbo B, Doorduin J, Klein HC, Dierckx RAJO, Bromberg E, de Vries EFJ. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Brain Disorders: Focus on Neuroinflammation. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:3295-3312. [PMID: 30117106 PMCID: PMC6476855 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1283-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 412] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the most studied neurotrophins in the healthy and diseased brain. As a result, there is a large body of evidence that associates BDNF with neuronal maintenance, neuronal survival, plasticity, and neurotransmitter regulation. Patients with psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders often have reduced BDNF concentrations in their blood and brain. A current hypothesis suggests that these abnormal BDNF levels might be due to the chronic inflammatory state of the brain in certain disorders, as neuroinflammation is known to affect several BDNF-related signaling pathways. Activation of glia cells can induce an increase in the levels of pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, which can lead to the modulation of neuronal function and neurotoxicity observed in several brain pathologies. Understanding how neuroinflammation is involved in disorders of the brain, especially in the disease onset and progression, can be crucial for the development of new strategies of treatment. Despite the increasing evidence for the involvement of BDNF and neuroinflammation in brain disorders, there is scarce evidence that addresses the interaction between the neurotrophin and neuroinflammation in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the effect of acute and chronic inflammation on BDNF levels in the most common psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders and aims to shed some light on the possible biological mechanisms that may influence this effect. In addition, this review will address the effect of behavior and pharmacological interventions on BDNF levels in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lima Giacobbo
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Biosciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av. 6681, Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 31.001, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janine Doorduin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 31.001, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans C Klein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 31.001, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi A J O Dierckx
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 31.001, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elke Bromberg
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Biosciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Av. 6681, Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Erik F J de Vries
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 31.001, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Amoli MM, Khatami F, Arzaghi SM, Enayati S, Nejatisafa AA. Over-expression of TGF-β1 gene in medication free Schizophrenia. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 99:265-270. [PMID: 30389222 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Immunological pathways play a crucial role in developing and precipitating neuropsychiatric disorders. Although the exact pathogenesis of schizophrenia is unknown, the possible role of genetic and biomarker involvement of the immune system is gaining attention. Here we quantified the mRNA expression of cytokines as a key role player of the immune system from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls to identify the differentially expressed genes. METHODS Sixteen medication-free schizophrenia patients and 16 healthy subjects were enrolled in the current study. To investigate the desired expression level of mRNAs including TGF-β1, IL-1β, IL-23, TNF-α, NF-κB, and BDNF, quantitative real-time PCR was performed using specific oligonucleotide primers and the Applied Bio systems StepOne™ real time PCR system. DNA methylation was also analyzed through methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). RESULTS TGF-β1 was significantly up-regulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients vs. healthy individuals (P value = 0.03). In addition, we found a significant correlation between the positive symptom scale and TGF-β1 gene overexpression (r = 0.536, P = 0.039). However, we did not observe any statistically significant differences for the methylation status of CpG Islands 1 and 2 between the patients and normal group. No statistical significance was found either for gene expression of IL-1β (P = 0.32), IL-23 (P = 0.12), TNF-α (P = 0.87), NF-κB (P = 0.07), and BDNF (P = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS Although the number of medication-free schizophrenia patients is extremely limited, our data highlighted the potential role of TGF-β1 as a regulatory cytokine in complex inflammatory mechanism involved in medication-free schizophrenia. In addition, we observed that increased level of TGF-β1 mRNA in this disease might not be under methylation as an epigenetic control element at the genomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa M Amoli
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khatami
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Masoud Arzaghi
- Elderly Health Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Samaneh Enayati
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Nejatisafa
- Psychiatry & Psychology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Taj M J RJ, Ganesh S, Shukla T, Deolankar S, Nadella RK, Sen S, Purushottam M, Reddy YCJ, Jain S, Viswanath B. BDNF gene and obsessive compulsive disorder risk, symptom dimensions and treatment response. Asian J Psychiatr 2018; 38:65-69. [PMID: 29079096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Genetic etiology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been investigated extensively, with mixed results across candidate gene studies. The dimensional subtypes of OCD are shown to better correlate with brain imaging endophenotypes and thus could potentially enhance the power of genetic association. In this study, we perform a case control analysis of association of a single nucleotide polymorphism rs6265(Val66Met) in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor gene, that has been previously implicated in a variety of psychiatric syndromes, and examine its association with symptom dimensions of OCD. METHODS Individuals diagnosed to have OCD (n=377) and controls (n=449) of South Indian origin were genotyped for polymorphism rs6265 (196G/A, Val66Met). Detailed phenotypic assessment of the cases were carried out in the cases using structured instruments. The genotypic association was tested for clinical variables such as age of onset, gender, family history, co-morbidity, treatment response, and factor analyzed OCD symptom dimensions. RESULTS The allele 'A' frequency was found to be significantly higher in the controls, as compared to cases suggesting a protective effect. The contamination/washing symptom dimension score was significantly lower in carriers of 'A' allele which remained significant even after testing for confounding effects on linear regression. CONCLUSIONS Our results support findings from previous studies on a possible protective effect of the 'Met' allele at the Val66Met locus in OCD. Its association with lower scores on the contamination/washing dimension is a novel finding of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma Jabeen Taj M J
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Suhas Ganesh
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Tulika Shukla
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, New Delhi, India.
| | - Sayali Deolankar
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Ravi K Nadella
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Somdatta Sen
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Meera Purushottam
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Y C Janardhan Reddy
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Sanjeev Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Biju Viswanath
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India.
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Naderi M, Ferrari MCO, Chivers DP, Niyogi S. Maternal Exposure to Dietary Selenium Causes Dopaminergic Hyperfunction and Cognitive Impairment in Zebrafish Offspring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:13574-13583. [PMID: 30335985 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b04768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to environmental contaminants is a predisposing factor for neurodevelopmental disorders with associated cognitive and social deficits in offspring. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal exposure to selenium (Se), a contaminant of potential environmental concern in aquatic ecosystems, on cognitive performance and the underlying mechanisms in F1-generation adult zebrafish. Adult female zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations of dietary Se (3.5, 11.1, or 27.4 μg Se/g dry weight) for a period of 60 days. Fish were subsequently bred, and their offspring were collected and raised for 6 months on a normal diet. Maternal exposure to all concentrations of dietary Se induced learning impairment in F1-zebrafish tested in a latent learning task. The results also showed a hyperfunctioning dopaminergic system in fish exhibiting the learning deficit. The hyperfunction of the dopaminergic system was associated with enhanced oxidative stress and alterations in the mRNA abundance of several immediate early and late response genes in the zebrafish brain. Taken together, these results suggest that maternal exposure to dietary Se via alterations in the dopaminergic system leads to persistent neurobehavioral deficits in F1-generation adult zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Naderi
- Department of Biology , University of Saskatchewan , 112 Science Place , Saskatoon , SK S7N 5E2 , Canada
| | - Maud C O Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences , University of Saskatchewan , 52 Campus Drive , Saskatoon , SK S7N 5B4 , Canada
| | - Douglas P Chivers
- Department of Biology , University of Saskatchewan , 112 Science Place , Saskatoon , SK S7N 5E2 , Canada
| | - Som Niyogi
- Department of Biology , University of Saskatchewan , 112 Science Place , Saskatoon , SK S7N 5E2 , Canada
- Toxicology Centre , University of Saskatchewan , 44 Campus Drive , Saskatoon , SK S7N 5B3 , Canada
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Ahmed HI, Abdel-Sattar SA, Zaky HS. Vinpocetine halts ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like deficits in rats: impact on BDNF and GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2018; 391:1327-1338. [PMID: 30083945 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-018-1552-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
There are increasing evidences supporting the involvement of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in schizophrenia. Vinpocetine, a nootropic phosphodiesterase-1 inhibitor, was proven to possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials. This research aimed to reveal the likely protective features of vinpocetine against ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like deficits in rats. Additionally, the probable mechanisms contributing to this neuroprotection were also elucidated. Vinpocetine was given (20 mg/kg, i.p.) once a day for 14 days commencing 7 days before administrating ketamine (25 mg/kg i.p.). Risperidone was applied as a reference antipsychotic. Vinpocetine pre-treatment revealed a marked amendment in the hyperlocomotion, anxiety, and short-term memory deficits induced by ketamine in rats. In rats' hippocampus, ketamine induced a drastic increase in tissue levels of dopamine, lipid peroxidation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines along with a significant decrease in glutamate, GABA, SOD, and total anti-oxidant capacity. Also, ketamine induced a reduced level of BDNF together with the potentiation of GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway that led to the destruction of β-catenin. Pre-treatment of ketamine-challenged animals with vinpocetine significantly attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotransmitter alterations. Vinpocetine also elevated BDNF expression and prevented ketamine-induced stimulation of the GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling. This research presents enlightenments into the role of vinpocetine in schizophrenia. This role may be accomplished through its effect on oxidative stress, inflammation as well as modulating BDNF and the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebatalla I Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11754, Egypt.
| | - Somaia A Abdel-Sattar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11754, Egypt
| | - Heba S Zaky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11754, Egypt
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Cao T, Zhen XC. Dysregulation of miRNA and its potential therapeutic application in schizophrenia. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018. [PMID: 29529357 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is generally believed that genetic and developmental factors play critical roles in pathogenesis of schizophrenia, however, the precise etiological mechanism of schizophrenia remains largely unknown. Over past decades, miRNAs have emerged as an essential post-transcriptional regulator in gene expression regulation. The importance of miRNA in brain development and neuroplasticity has been well-established. Abnormal expression and dysfunction of miRNAs are known to involve in the pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia. In this review, we summarized the recent findings in the schizophrenia-associated dysregulation of miRNA and functional roles in the development and pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We also discussed the potential therapeutic implications of miRNA regulation in the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xue-Chu Zhen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Krivoy A, Hochman E, Sendt KV, Hollander S, Vilner Y, Selakovic M, Weizman A, Taler M. Association between serum levels of glutamate and neurotrophic factors and response to clozapine treatment. Schizophr Res 2018; 192:226-231. [PMID: 28599751 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clozapine is the only available therapy for about 30% of schizophrenia patients otherwise refractory to antipsychotics. Unfortunately, the mechanism of action of the drug is still unknown and there are no biomarkers that can predict a positive response to clozapine. We aimed to examine serum neurotrophins and glutamate levels as putative biomarkers for clozapine response based on the hypothesized mode-of-action of the compound. Blood samples of 89 chronic schizophrenia patients maintained on clozapine were analyzed in a cross-sectional design. Serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), neurotrophic growth factor (NGF), glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and glutamate were determined. Differences between responders and non-responders to clozapine and correlation between clinical and biological measures were analyzed. Our sample consisted of 54 (61%) responders and 35 (39%) non-responders. Responders had higher mean BDNF levels than non-responders (2066±814 vs. 1668±820pg/ml, p<0.05. respectively) and higher serum glutamate levels (1.61±2.2 vs. 0.66±0.9pg/ml, respectively, p<0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between serum glutamate levels and positive symptoms among the clozapine-responder group (rho=0.47, p<0.005). High serum levels of BDNF and glutamate were associated with response to clozapine, while glutamate levels correlated with the psychosis severity in clozapine responders only. Large-scale, prospective longitudinal studies are needed to support these findings and the assumption that serum glutamate and BDNF can discriminate between clozapine responders and non-responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Krivoy
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute Of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Eldar Hochman
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel
| | - Kyra-Verena Sendt
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute Of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Hollander
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel
| | - Yael Vilner
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel
| | - Mirjana Selakovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Sismanoglio General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel
| | - Michal Taler
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel
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Laviola G, Zoratto F, Ingiosi D, Carito V, Huzard D, Fiore M, Macrì S. Low empathy-like behaviour in male mice associates with impaired sociability, emotional memory, physiological stress reactivity and variations in neurobiological regulations. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188907. [PMID: 29200428 PMCID: PMC5714342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in empathy have been proposed to constitute a hallmark of several psychiatric disturbances like conduct disorder, antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders. Limited sensitivity to punishment, shallow or deficient affect and reduced physiological reactivity to environmental stressors have been often reported to co-occur with limited empathy and contribute to the onset of antisocial phenotypes. Empathy in its simplest form (i.e. emotional contagion) is addressed in preclinical models through the evaluation of the social transmission of emotional states: mice exposed to a painful stimulus display a higher response if in the presence of a familiar individual experiencing a higher degree of discomfort, than in isolation. In the present study, we investigated whether a reduction of emotional contagion can be considered a predictor of reduced sociality, sensitivity to punishment and physiological stress reactivity. To this aim, we first evaluated emotional contagion in a group of Balb/cJ mice and then discretised their values in four quartiles. The upper (i.e. Emotional Contagion Prone, ECP) and the lower (i.e. Emotional Contagion Resistant, ECR) quartiles constituted the experimental groups. Our results indicate that mice in the lower quartile are characterized by reduced sociability, impaired memory of negative events and dampened hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical reactivity to external stressors. Furthermore, in the absence of changes in oxytocin receptor density, we show that these mice exhibit elevated concentrations of oxytocin and vasopressin and reduced density of BDNF receptors in behaviourally-relevant brain areas. Thus, not only do present results translate to the preclinical investigation of psychiatric disturbances, but also they can contribute to the study of emotional contagion in terms of its adaptive significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Laviola
- Reference Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Francesca Zoratto
- Reference Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Ingiosi
- Reference Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Carito
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Damien Huzard
- Laboratory of Behavioural Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Macrì
- Reference Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
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Kumar A, Pareek V, Faiq MA, Kumar P, Raza K, Prasoon P, Dantham S, Mochan S. Regulatory role of NGFs in neurocognitive functions. Rev Neurosci 2017; 28:649-673. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AbstractNerve growth factors (NGFs), especially the prototype NGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have a diverse array of functions in the central nervous system through their peculiar set of receptors and intricate signaling. They are implicated not only in the development of the nervous system but also in regulation of neurocognitive functions like learning, memory, synaptic transmission, and plasticity. Evidence even suggests their role in continued neurogenesis and experience-dependent neural network remodeling in adult brain. They have also been associated extensively with brain disorders characterized by neurocognitive dysfunction. In the present article, we aimed to make an exhaustive review of literature to get a comprehensive view on the role of NGFs in neurocognitive functions in health and disease. Starting with historical perspective, distribution in adult brain, implied molecular mechanisms, and developmental basis, this article further provides a detailed account of NGFs’ role in specified neurocognitive functions. Furthermore, it discusses plausible NGF-based homeostatic and adaptation mechanisms operating in the pathogenesis of neurocognitive disorders and has presents a survey of such disorders. Finally, it elaborates on current evidence and future possibilities in therapeutic applications of NGFs with an emphasis on recent research updates in drug delivery mechanisms. Conclusive remarks of the article make a strong case for plausible role of NGFs in comprehensive regulation of the neurocognitive functions and pathogenesis of related disorders and advocate that future research should be directed to explore use of NGF-based mechanisms in the prevention of implicated diseases as well as to target these molecules pharmacologically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
- Department of Anatomy, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Karaikal, Puducherry 609602, India
| | - Vikas Pareek
- Computational Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Division, National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Manesar, Haryana 122051, India
| | - Muneeb A. Faiq
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Pavan Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Khursheed Raza
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Pranav Prasoon
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Subrahamanyam Dantham
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sankat Mochan
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Individuals With Schizophrenia and Healthy Aging: Testing the Accelerated Aging Hypothesis of Schizophrenia. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2017; 19:36. [PMID: 28534294 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-017-0794-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Schizophrenia has been hypothesized to be a syndrome of accelerated aging. Brain plasticity is vulnerable to the normal aging process and affected in schizophrenia: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important neuroplasticity molecule. The present review explores the accelerated aging hypothesis of schizophrenia by comparing changes in BDNF expression in schizophrenia with aging-associated changes. RECENT FINDINGS Individuals with schizophrenia show patterns of increased overall mortality, metabolic abnormalities, and cognitive decline normally observed later in life in the healthy population. An overall decrease is observed in BDNF expression in schizophrenia compared to healthy controls and in older individuals compared to a younger cohort. There is a marked decrease in BDNF levels in the frontal regions and in the periphery among older individuals and those with schizophrenia; however, data for BDNF expression in the occipital, parietal, and temporal cortices and the hippocampus is inconclusive. Accelerated aging hypothesis is supported based on frontal regions and peripheral studies; however, further studies are needed in other brain regions.
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Pytka K, Młyniec K, Podkowa K, Podkowa A, Jakubczyk M, Żmudzka E, Lustyk K, Sapa J, Filipek B. The role of melatonin, neurokinin, neurotrophic tyrosine kinase and glucocorticoid receptors in antidepressant-like effect. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 69:546-554. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Yang B, Ren Q, Zhang JC, Chen QX, Hashimoto K. Altered expression of BDNF, BDNF pro-peptide and their precursor proBDNF in brain and liver tissues from psychiatric disorders: rethinking the brain-liver axis. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1128. [PMID: 28509900 PMCID: PMC5534963 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. The precursor proBDNF is converted to mature BDNF and BDNF pro-peptide, the N-terminal fragment of proBDNF; however, the precise function of these proteins in psychiatric disorders is unknown. We sought to determine whether expression of these proteins is altered in the brain and peripheral tissues from patients with psychiatric disorders. We measured protein expression of proBDNF, mature BDNF and BDNF pro-peptide in the parietal cortex, cerebellum, liver and spleen from control, major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) groups. The levels of mature BDNF in the parietal cortex from MDD, SZ and BD groups were significantly lower than the control group, whereas the levels of BDNF pro-peptide in this area were significantly higher than controls. In contrast, the levels of proBDNF and BDNF pro-peptide in the cerebellum of MDD, SZ and BD groups were significantly lower than controls. Moreover, the levels of mature BDNF from the livers of MDD, SZ and BD groups were significantly higher than the control group. The levels of mature BDNF in the spleen did not differ among the four groups. Interestingly, there was a negative correlation between mature BDNF in the parietal cortex and mature BDNF in the liver in all the subjects. These findings suggest that abnormalities in the production of mature BDNF and BDNF pro-peptide in the brain and liver might have a role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, indicating a brain-liver axis in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Yang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Q Ren
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - J-c Zhang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Q-X Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - K Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
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Notaras MJ, Hill RA, Gogos JA, van den Buuse M. BDNF Val66Met Genotype Interacts With a History of Simulated Stress Exposure to Regulate Sensorimotor Gating and Startle Reactivity. Schizophr Bull 2017; 43:665-672. [PMID: 27262112 PMCID: PMC5464110 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbw077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Reduced expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, which results in deficient activity-dependent secretion of BDNF, is associated with clinical features of schizophrenia. We investigated the effect of this polymorphism on Prepulse Inhibition (PPI), a translational model of sensorimotor gating which is disrupted in schizophrenia. We utilized humanized BDNFVal66Met (hBDNFVal66Met) mice which have been modified to carry the Val66Met polymorphism, as well as express humanized BDNF in vivo. We also studied the long-term effect of chronic corticosterone (CORT) exposure in these animals as a model of history of stress. PPI was assessed at 30ms and 100ms interstimulus intervals (ISI). Analysis of PPI at the commonly used 100ms ISI identified that, irrespective of CORT treatment, the hBDNFVal/Met genotype was associated with significantly reduced PPI. In contrast, PPI was not different between hBDNFMet/Met and hBDNFVal/Val genotype mice. At the 30ms ISI, CORT treatment selectively disrupted sensorimotor gating of hBDNFVal/Met heterozygote mice but not hBDNFVal/Val or hBDNFMet/Met mice. Analysis of startle reactivity revealed that chronic CORT reduced startle reactivity of hBDNFVal/Val male mice by 51%. However, this was independent of the effect of CORT on PPI. In summary, we provide evidence of a distinct BDNFVal66Met heterozygote-specific phenotype using the sensorimotor gating endophenotype of schizophrenia. These data have important implications for clinical studies where, if possible, the BDNFVal/Met heterozygote genotype should be distinguished from the BDNFMet/Met genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Notaras
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia;,Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel A. Hill
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph A. Gogos
- Departments of Biophysics and Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia;,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia;,The College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
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Janardhanan A, Sadanand A, Vanisree AJ. Nardostachys jatamansi Targets BDNF-TrkB to Alleviate Ketamine-Induced Schizophrenia-Like Symptoms in Rats. Neuropsychobiology 2017; 74:104-114. [PMID: 28241130 DOI: 10.1159/000454985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Schizophrenia, a common neurological disorder appearing in the late teens or early adulthood, is characterized by disorganized thinking, behaviour, and perception of emotions. Aberrant N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated synaptic plasticity is a major pathological event here due to dysfunction of dopamine and glutamate transmission at NMDA receptors. De-regulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), i.e., its signalling through the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor, is a major feature of schizophrenia. With recent global awareness of traditional plant medicines in reducing side effects, the aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of the ethanolic root extract of a herb belonging to the Valerianacea family, Nardostachys jatamansi, against ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like model in rats. METHODS The effect of the N. jatamansi drug (oral dosage of 500 mg/kg body weight for 14 days) in ketamine-administered male Wistar albino rats (30 mg/kg body weight for 5 days) on modulating behaviour and the level of neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate was studied in whole-brain homogenates, and its influence on BDNF and TrkB levels in 2 relevant brain regions, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, was assessed. RESULTS We observed that N. jatamansi treatment exhibited encouraging results in the modulation of ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like behaviours, principally the positive symptoms. Our drug both significantly upregulated the glutamate level and downregulated the dopamine level in whole-brain homogenates and retained the normal levels of BDNF (in the hippocampus but not in the prefrontal cortex) and TrkB (in both hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) induced by ketamine in rats. CONCLUSION These findings suggest a neuroprotective effect of the ethanolic root extract of N. jatamansi against ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like symptoms in rats; possibly, regarding its effect on TrkB signalling. Further research is warranted in the treatment of schizophrenic symptoms.
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Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in physiological and pathological conditions. Clin Sci (Lond) 2016; 131:123-138. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20160009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays a key role in the central nervous system, promoting synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis and neuroprotection. The BDNF gene structure is very complex and consists of multiple 5′-non-coding exons, which give rise to differently spliced transcripts, and one coding exon at the 3′-end. These multiple transcripts, together with the complex transcriptional regulatory machinery, lead to a complex and fine regulation of BDNF expression that can be tissue and stimulus specific. BDNF effects are mainly mediated by the high-affinity, tropomyosin-related, kinase B receptor and involve the activation of several downstream cascades, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase, phospholipase C-γ and phosphoinositide-3-kinase pathways. BDNF exerts a wide range of effects on neuronal function, including the modulation of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. Importantly, alterations in BDNF expression and function are involved in different brain disorders and represent a major downstream mechanism for stress response, which has important implications in psychiatric diseases, such as major depressive disorders and schizophrenia. In the present review, we have summarized the main features of BDNF in relation to neuronal plasticity, stress response and pathological conditions, and discussed the role of BDNF as a possible target for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in the context of psychiatric illnesses.
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Intake of 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone During Juvenile and Adolescent Stages Prevents Onset of Psychosis in Adult Offspring After Maternal Immune Activation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36087. [PMID: 27824119 PMCID: PMC5099694 DOI: 10.1038/srep36087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal infection and subsequent abnormal neurodevelopment of offspring is involved in the etiology of schizophrenia. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high affinity receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling plays a key role in the neurodevelopment. Pregnant mice exposed to polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] causes schizophrenia-like behavioral abnormalities in their offspring at adulthood. Here we found that the juvenile offspring of poly(I:C)-treated mice showed cognitive deficits, as well as reduced BDNF-TrkB signaling in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Furthermore, the adult offspring of poly(I:C)-treated mice showed cognitive deficits, prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits, reduced BDNF-TrkB signaling, immunoreactivity of parvalbumin (PV) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) in the prelimbic (PrL) of medial PFC and CA1 of hippocampus. Supplementation of a TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (1 mg/mL in drinking water) during juvenile and adolescent stages could prevent these behavioral abnormalities, reduced BDNF-TrkB signaling in PFC and CA1, and immunoreactivity of PV and PGC-1α in the PrL of medial PFC and CA1 in the adult offspring from poly(I:C)-treated mice. These findings suggest that early intervention by a TrkB agonist in subjects with ultra-high risk for psychosis may reduce the risk of subsequent transition to schizophrenia.
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population. Historically, alterations of dopaminergic function were considered the primary cause of schizophrenia. However, for many patients, drugs that alter dopaminergic function do not consistently lead to resolution of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Thus, there is an increased interest in pathophysiologic processes that result in altered neurodevelopment and plasticity associated with schizophrenia. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin involved in neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, cognition, and neurotransmission. Genetic polymorphism, expression, and function of BDNF have been implicated in psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia. This review discusses BDNF, its role in neurologic processes, and the evidence implicating BDNF in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Gören
- Associate Professor, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island; Senior Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Instructor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,
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