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Brewe AM, Antezana L, Carlton CN, Gracanin D, Richey JA, Kim I, White SW. A Randomized Trial Utilizing EEG Brain Computer Interface to Improve Facial Emotion Recognition in Autistic Adults. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06436-w. [PMID: 38941048 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06436-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience challenges with facial emotion recognition (FER), which may exacerbate social difficulties in ASD. Few studies have examined whether FER can be experimentally manipulated and improved for autistic people. This study utilized a randomized controlled trial design to examine acceptability and preliminary clinical impact of a novel mixed reality-based neurofeedback program, FER Assistant, using EEG brain computer interface (BCI)-assisted technology to improve FER for autistic adolescents and adults. METHODS Twenty-seven autistic male participants (M age: 21.12 years; M IQ: 105.78; 85% white) were randomized to the active condition to receive FER Assistant (n = 17) or waitlist control (n = 10). FER Assistant participants received ten sessions utilizing BCI-assisted neurofeedback training in FER. All participants, regardless of randomization, completed a computerized FER task at baseline and endpoint. RESULTS Results partially indicated that FER Assistant was acceptable to participants. Regression analyses demonstrated that participation in FER Assistant led to group differences in FER at endpoint, compared to a waitlist control. However, analyses examining reliable change in FER indicated no reliable improvement or decline for FER Assistant participants, whereas two waitlist participants demonstrated reliable decline. CONCLUSION Given the preliminary nature of this work, results collectively suggest that FER Assistant may be an acceptable intervention. Results also suggest that FER may be a potential mechanism that is amenable to intervention for autistic individuals, although additional trials using larger sample sizes are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M Brewe
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, 101 McMillan Building, 200 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA.
| | - Ligia Antezana
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Corinne N Carlton
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Denis Gracanin
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - John A Richey
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Inyoung Kim
- Department of Statistics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Susan W White
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, 101 McMillan Building, 200 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
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Gan HW, Cerbone M, Dattani MT. Appetite- and Weight-Regulating Neuroendocrine Circuitry in Hypothalamic Obesity. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:309-342. [PMID: 38019584 PMCID: PMC11074800 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Since hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) was first described over 120 years ago by Joseph Babinski and Alfred Fröhlich, advances in molecular genetic laboratory techniques have allowed us to elucidate various components of the intricate neurocircuitry governing appetite and weight regulation connecting the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, brainstem, adipose tissue, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. On a background of an increasing prevalence of population-level common obesity, the number of survivors of congenital (eg, septo-optic dysplasia, Prader-Willi syndrome) and acquired (eg, central nervous system tumors) hypothalamic disorders is increasing, thanks to earlier diagnosis and management as well as better oncological therapies. Although to date the discovery of several appetite-regulating peptides has led to the development of a range of targeted molecular therapies for monogenic obesity syndromes, outside of these disorders these discoveries have not translated into the development of efficacious treatments for other forms of HyOb. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of the neuroendocrine physiology of appetite and weight regulation, and explore our current understanding of the pathophysiology of HyOb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoong-Wei Gan
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Manuela Cerbone
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Mehul Tulsidas Dattani
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Audunsdottir K, Sartorius AM, Kang H, Glaser BD, Boen R, Nærland T, Alaerts K, Kildal ESM, Westlye LT, Andreassen OA, Quintana DS. The effects of oxytocin administration on social and routinized behaviors in autism: A preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 167:107067. [PMID: 38815399 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin administration has demonstrated considerable promise for providing individualized support for autistic people. However, studies evaluating the effects of oxytocin administration on autistic characteristics have yielded inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effect of oxytocin administration on social and routinized behaviors in autism using recently developed methods to accurately assess the potential impact of effect size dependency and publication bias. Our frequentist meta-analysis yielded a significant summary effect size estimate for the impact of oxytocin administration on social outcomes in autism (d = 0.22, p < 0.001). The summary effect size estimate for routinized behavior outcomes was not statistically significant (d = 0.14, p = 0.22), with a follow up test indicating that the effect size estimate was not either statistically equivalent (Z = -1.06, p = 0.2), assuming a smallest effect size of interest of 0.25. Frequentist and Bayesian assessments for publication bias, as well as results from Robust Bayesian meta-analysis of oxytocin effects on social outcomes in autism, indicated that summary effect sizes might be inflated due to publication bias. Future studies should aim to reduce bias by preregistering analysis plans and to increase precision with larger sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Audunsdottir
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alina M Sartorius
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bernt D Glaser
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rune Boen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Terje Nærland
- KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emilie S M Kildal
- KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel S Quintana
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Yamasue H. Is the efficacy of oxytocin for autism diminished at higher dosages or repeated doses?: Potential mechanisms and candidate solutions. Peptides 2024; 171:171133. [PMID: 38072084 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
No approved pharmacological intervention currently exists to address the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition. However, there is a growing body of empirical evidence highlighting oxytocin's modulatory effects on social and communicative behaviors. Numerous single-dose trials have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of oxytocin in ameliorating behavioral and neural measurements associated with the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Nevertheless, prior investigations involving the repeated administration of oxytocin have yielded disparate findings concerning its effectiveness, particularly in relation to clinical measures of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Recent studies have also raised the possibility of diminishing efficacy of oxytocin over time, particularly when higher or recurrent dosages of oxytocin are administered. This review article aims to provide an overview of previous studies examining this issue. Furthermore, it aims to discuss the potential mechanisms underlying these effects, including the interaction between oxytocin and vasopressin, as well as potential strategies for addressing the challenges mentioned. This review's overall objective is to provide insights into the potential development of innovative therapeutics to mitigate the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, representing potential breakthroughs in the treatment of this complex neurodevelopmental condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Yamasue
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan.
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Huang MH, Zeng BS, Tseng PT, Hsu CW, Wu YC, Tu YK, Stubbs B, Carvalho AF, Liang CS, Chen TY, Chen YW, Su KP. Treatment Efficacy of Pharmacotherapies for Frontotemporal Dementia: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 31:1062-1073. [PMID: 37633762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropsychiatric symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) have a profound negative impact on disease outcomes and care burden. Available pharmacotherapies might be supported by small-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, clinical recommendations might not be conclusive. METHODS We systematically searched several databases from inception to April 30, 2022, for RCTs of drug therapy in patients with FTD and neuropsychiatric symptoms (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included changes in caregiver stress, daily interactive activities, cognitive function, and acceptability (adverse event or dropout rates). The network meta-analysis (NMA) procedure was performed under the frequency model, showing effect sizes as standardized mean differences (SMD) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS Seven RCTs with 243 participants were included. Compared with placebo, high-dose oxytocin (72 international units) was associated with the greatest improvement in patients' neuropsychiatric symptoms (SMD = -1.17, 95% CIs = -2.25 to -0.08, z = -2.10, p = 0.035). Piracetam significantly worsened neuropsychiatric symptoms (SMD = 3.48, 95% CIs = 1.58 to 5.37, z = 3.60, p < 0.001) and caregiver stress (SMD = 2.40, 95% CIs = 0.80-4.01, z = 2.94, p = 0.003). Trazodone had significantly higher rates of adverse events (OR = 9.53, 95% CIs = 1.85-49.20, z = 2.69, p = 0.007). No pharmacological intervention significantly benefited cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first NMA for clinical recommendation to support the use of high-dose oxytocin and caution regarding the use of piracetam for neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Hsuan Huang
- Department of psychiatry (M-HH), Yuanshan and Suao branches of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Ilan, Taiwan; Division of Psychiatry (M-HH), Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Syuan Zeng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (B-SZ, P-TT), National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine (B-SZ), E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (B-SZ, P-TT), National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology (Y-WC, P-TT), Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Department of Psychology (P-TT), Collage of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Precision Medicine (P-TT), National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry (C-WH), Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Wu
- Department of Sports Medicine (Y-CW), Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Institute of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine (Y-KT), College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry (Y-KT), National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine (BS), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Physiotherapy Department (BS), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Positive Ageing Research Institute (PARI) (BS), Faculty of Health, Social Care Medicine and Education, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment (IMPACT) Strategic Research Centre (AFC), School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Chih-Sung Liang
- Department of Psychiatry (C-SL), Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (C-SL), National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Yu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry (T-YC), Tri-Service General Hospital; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science (T-YC), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Wen Chen
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology (Y-WC, P-TT), Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- Department of Psychiatry & Mind-Body Interface Laboratory (MBI-Lab) (K-PS), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; College of Medicine (K-PS), China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; An-Nan Hospital (K-PS), China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Malewska-Kasprzak M, Jowik K, Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor M. The use of intranasal oxytocin in the treatment of eating disorders. Neuropeptides 2023; 102:102387. [PMID: 37837804 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102387] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a hypothalamic peptide that plays a number of roles in the body, being involved in labor and lactation, as well as cognitive-emotional processes and social behavior. In recent years, knowledge of the physiology of OXT has been repeatedly used to explore its potential role in the treatment of numerous diseases, identifying a significant role for OXT in appetite regulation, eating behavior, weight regulation, and food-related beliefs. In this review we provide an overview of publications on this topic, but due to the wealth of research, we have limited our focus to studies based on the use of intranasal OXT in psychiatric diseases, with a particular focus on the role of oxytocin in eating disorders and obesity. Accumulating evidence that OXT intranasal supplementation may provide some therapeutic benefit seems promising. In individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia, OXT may affect core deficits, improving social cognition and reducing symptom severity in schizophrenia. Dysregulation of serum and CSF OXT levels, as well as polymorphisms of its genes, may affect emotion perception in patients with eating disorders and correlate with co-occurring depressive and anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, there are still many critical questions regarding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intranasal OXT that can only be answered in larger randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarzyna Jowik
- Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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Pfundmair M. Better safe than sorry: Oxytocin shifts the regulatory focus. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 157:106361. [PMID: 37566963 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is known to play a major role in social cognition and behavior. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether OT also affects the motivational system, specifically, the regulatory focus. Because OT weakens the self- and promotes the other-bias, we hypothesized that OT would decrease promotion focus and increase prevention focus. To test this, we conducted two experiments. In each, male participants intranasally administered OT or a placebo and assessed their regulatory focus using validated paradigms. Results revealed that OT led to an increase of prevention focus (Studies 1 and 2) and a slight but non-significant decrease of promotion focus (Study 2). Thus, participants under OT (vs. placebo) saw potential losses as more important, while they tended to devaluate potential gains. This was unrelated to the perceived likelihood of success. These findings indicate that OT might provide adaption to the social environment by pursuing a vigilant motivational strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Pfundmair
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Leopoldstr. 13, 80802 München, Germany; Federal University of Administrative Sciences (current affiliation), Habersaathstr. 51, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
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de Miguel L, Ballester P, Egoavil C, Sánchez-Ocaña ML, García-Muñoz AM, Cerdá B, Zafrilla P, Ramos E, Peiró AM. Pharmacogenetics May Prevent Psychotropic Adverse Events in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Observational Pilot Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1496. [PMID: 37895967 PMCID: PMC10610471 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Up to 73% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) currently have prescriptions for psychotropic drugs. This is explained by a higher prevalence of medical and psychiatric chronic comorbidities, which favors polypharmacy, increasing the probability of the appearance of adverse events (AEs). These could be a preventable cause of harm to patients with ASD and an unnecessary waste of healthcare resources. OBJECTIVE To study the impact of pharmacogenetic markers on the prevention of AE appearance in a population with ASD and ID. METHODS This is a cross-sectional, observational study (n = 118, 72 participants completed all information) in the ASD population. Sociodemographic and pharmacological data were gathered. The Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser Scale (UKU Scale) was used to identify AEs related to the use of psychotropic medication. Polymorphisms of DOP2, ABCB1, and COMT were genotyped and correlated with the AE to find candidate genes. Furthermore, a review of all medications assessed in a clinical trial for adults with autism was performed to enrich the search for potential pharmacogenetic markers, keeping in mind the usual medications. RESULTS The majority of the study population were men (75%) with multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy, the most frequently prescribed drugs were antipsychotics (69%); 21% of the participants had four or more AEs related to psychotropic drugs. The most common were "Neurological" and" Psychiatric" (both 41%). Statistical analysis results suggested a significant correlation between the neurological symptoms and the DOP2 genotype, given that they are not equally distributed among its allelic variants. The final review considered 19 manuscripts of medications for adults with ASD, and the confirmed genetic markers for those medications were consulted in databases. CONCLUSION A possible correlation between neurologic AEs and polymorphisms of DOP2 was observed; therefore, studying this gene could contribute to the safety of this population's prescriptions. The following studies are underway to maximize statistical power and have a better representation of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura de Miguel
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), General University Hospital of Alicante, c/Pintor Baeza, 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Chemical Safety Unit, Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Pura Ballester
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cecilia Egoavil
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), General University Hospital of Alicante, c/Pintor Baeza, 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - María Luisa Sánchez-Ocaña
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana María García-Muñoz
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Begoña Cerdá
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Zafrilla
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Enrique Ramos
- Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Chemical Safety Unit, Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Ana M. Peiró
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), General University Hospital of Alicante, c/Pintor Baeza, 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Chemical Safety Unit, Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain
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Kraus J, Výborová E, Silani G. The effect of intranasal oxytocin on social reward processing in humans: a systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1244027. [PMID: 37779612 PMCID: PMC10536251 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1244027] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the neurobiology of social reward processing is fundamental, holding promises for reducing maladaptive/dysfunctional social behaviors and boosting the benefits associated with a healthy social life. Current research shows that processing of social (vs. non-social) rewards may be driven by oxytocinergic signaling. However, studies in humans often led to mixed results. This review aimed to systematically summarize available experimental results that assessed the modulation of social reward processing by intranasal oxytocin (IN-OXY) administration in humans. The literature search yielded 385 results, of which 19 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The effects of IN-OXY on subjective, behavioral, and (neuro)physiological output variables are discussed in relation to moderating variables-reward phase, reward type, onset and dosage, participants' sex/gender, and clinical condition. Results indicate that IN-OXY is mostly effective during the consumption ("liking") of social rewards. These effects are likely exerted by modulating the activity of the prefrontal cortex, insula, precuneus, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, and striatum. Finally, we provide suggestions for designing future oxytocin studies. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021278945, identifier CRD42021278945.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Kraus
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Eliška Výborová
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Giorgia Silani
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Liu S, Huang R, Li A, Yu S, Yao S, Xu J, Tang L, Li W, Gan C, Cheng H. The role of the oxytocin system in the resilience of patients with breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1187477. [PMID: 37781188 PMCID: PMC10534028 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1187477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a grave traumatic experience that can profoundly compromise patients' psychological resilience, impacting their overall quality of life. The oxytocin system represents one of the essential neurobiological bases of psychological resilience and plays a critical role in regulating resilience in response to social or traumatic events during adulthood. Oxytocin, through its direct interaction with peripheral or central oxytocin receptors, has been found to have a significant impact on regulating social behavior. However, the precise mechanism by which the activation of peripheral oxytocin receptors leads to improved social is still not completely comprehended and requires additional research. Its activation can modulate psychological resilience by influencing estrogen and its receptors, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, thyroid function, 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism levels, and arginine pressure release in breast cancer patients. Various interventions, including psychotherapy and behavioral measures, have been employed to improve the psychological resilience of breast cancer patients. The potential effectiveness of such interventions may be underpinned by their ability to modulate oxytocin release levels. This review provides an overview of the oxytocin system and resilience in breast cancer patients and identifies possible future research directions and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Runze Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Anlong Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Sheng Yu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Senbang Yao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lingxue Tang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chen Gan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Shenzhen Clinical Medical School of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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11
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Michaelian JC, McCade D, Hoyos CM, Brodaty H, Harrison F, Henry JD, Guastella AJ, Naismith SL. Pilot Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial Evaluating the Feasibility of an Intranasal Oxytocin in Improving Social Cognition in Individuals Living with Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:715-729. [PMID: 37483320 PMCID: PMC10357119 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) demonstrate extensive deficits in social cognition. To date, no studies have investigated the feasibility of an intranasal oxytocin (INOT) treatment to improve social cognition in individuals living with AD. Objective We conducted a pilot trial to determine recruitment feasibility, enrolment acceptability, and adherence to an INOT treatment to inform on the subsequent design of a future randomized controlled trial (RCT). We also estimated the effect sizes of potential social cognitive function outcome measures related to participants and their caregivers. Methods Four individuals with AD were enrolled in a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving a one-week treatment period with both INOT (72 IU twice daily) and placebo. Results All participants reported no treatment-causative or serious adverse events following repeated INOT administration. While enrolment acceptability (100%) and INOT adherence (placebo, 95%; INOT, 98%) were excellent, feasibility of recruitment was not acceptable (i.e., n = 4/58 individuals screened met inclusion criteria). However, positive/large effects were associated with secondary outcomes of self-reported health and wellbeing, caregiver 'burden', intimacy and interpersonal-bonding, following repeated INOT administration. No positive effects were associated with participant outcomes of social cognition. Conclusion This pilot RCT provides first evidence that INOT administration in individuals living with AD is safe and well-tolerated. Despite limitations in sample size, moderate-to-large effect size improvements were identified in participant health outcomes as well as core social cognitive functions and 'burden' as reported by a caregiver. This suggests potential broad-ranging beneficial effects of INOT which should be assessed in future RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes C. Michaelian
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Donna McCade
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Camilla M. Hoyos
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fleur Harrison
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Adam J. Guastella
- Brain and Mind Centre, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon L. Naismith
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Bose M, Farias Quipildor G, Ehrlich ME, Salton SR. Intranasal Peptide Therapeutics: A Promising Avenue for Overcoming the Challenges of Traditional CNS Drug Development. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223629. [PMID: 36429060 PMCID: PMC9688574 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) has, among all organ systems in the human body, the highest failure rate of traditional small-molecule drug development, ranging from 80-100% depending on the area of disease research. This has led to widespread abandonment by the pharmaceutical industry of research and development for CNS disorders, despite increased diagnoses of neurodegenerative disorders and the continued lack of adequate treatment options for brain injuries, stroke, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neuropsychiatric illness. However, new approaches, concurrent with the development of sophisticated bioinformatic and genomic tools, are being used to explore peptide-based therapeutics to manipulate endogenous pathways and targets, including "undruggable" intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The development of peptide-based therapeutics was previously rejected due to systemic off-target effects and poor bioavailability arising from traditional oral and systemic delivery methods. However, targeted nose-to-brain, or intranasal (IN), approaches have begun to emerge that allow CNS-specific delivery of therapeutics via the trigeminal and olfactory nerve pathways, laying the foundation for improved alternatives to systemic drug delivery. Here we review a dozen promising IN peptide therapeutics in preclinical and clinical development for neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), neuropsychiatric (depression, PTSD, schizophrenia), and neurodevelopmental disorders (autism), with insulin, NAP (davunetide), IGF-1, PACAP, NPY, oxytocin, and GLP-1 agonists prominent among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Bose
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Gabriela Farias Quipildor
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michelle E. Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Stephen R. Salton
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-212-824-9308
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13
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Woodward SH, Jamison AL, Khan C, Gala S, Bhowmick C, Villasenor D, Tamayo G, Puckett M, Parker KJ. Reading the mind in the eyes in PTSD: Limited Moderation by the presence of a service dog. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 155:320-330. [PMID: 36174367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.09.012] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Persons with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently experience relationship failures in family and occupational domains resulting in loss of social supports. Prior research has implicated impairments in social cognition. The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) measures a key component of social cognition, the ability to infer the internal states of other persons based on features of the eyes region of the face; however, studies administering this popular test to persons with PTSD have yielded mixed results. This study assessed RMET performance in 47 male U.S. military Veterans with chronic, severe PTSD. Employing a within-subjects design that avoided selection biases, it aimed specifically to determine whether components of RMET performance, including accuracy, response latency, and stimulus dwell time, were improved by the company of a service dog, an intervention that has improved social function in other populations. RMET accuracies and response latencies in this PTSD sample were in the normal range. The presence of a familiar service dog did not improve RMET accuracy, reduce response latencies, or increase dwell times. Dog presence increased the speed of visual scanning perhaps consistent with reduced social fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven H Woodward
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
| | - Andrea L Jamison
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Christina Khan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Rd., Stanford, CA, 94305-5485, USA
| | - Sasha Gala
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Chloe Bhowmick
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Diana Villasenor
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Gisselle Tamayo
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Melissa Puckett
- Trauma Recovery Programs and Recreation Service, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Karen J Parker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Rd., Stanford, CA, 94305-5485, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-5342, USA
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14
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Fathabadipour S, Mohammadi Z, Roshani F, Goharbakhsh N, Alizadeh H, Palizgar F, Cumming P, Michel TM, Vafaee MS. The neural effects of oxytocin administration in autism spectrum disorders studied by fMRI: A systematic review. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 154:80-90. [PMID: 35933858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Oxytocin (OXT) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that is released from the posterior pituitary gland and at specific targets in the central nervous system (CNS). The prosocial effects of OXT acting in the CNS present it as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of aspects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this article, we systematically review the functional MRI (fMRI) literature that reports task-state and resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) studies of the neural effects of single or multiple dose intranasal OXT (IN-OXT) administration in individuals with ASD. METHOD We searched four databases for relevant documents (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar) using the keywords "autism spectrum disorder", "Asperger Syndrome", "oxytocin", and "fMRI". Moreover, we made a manual search to assess the quality of our automatic search. The search was confined to English language articles published in the interval February 2013 until March 2021. RESULTS The search yielded 12 fMRI studies with OXT intervention, including 288 individuals with ASD (age 8-55 years) enrolled in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel designs, within-subject-crossover experimental OXT trials. Studies reporting activation task and rsfMRI were summarized with region of interest (ROI) or whole-brain voxel wise analysis. The systematic review of the 12 studies supported the proposition that IN-OXT administration alters brain activation in individuals with ASD. The effects of IN-OXT interacted with the type of the task and the overall results did not indicate restoration of normal brain activation in ASD signature regions albeit the lack of statistical evidence. CONCLUSION A large body of evidence consistently indicates that OXT alters activation to fMRI in brain networks of individuals with ASD, but with uncertain implications for alleviation of their social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fathabadipour
- Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mohammadi
- Neurosciences Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Niloofar Goharbakhsh
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hadi Alizadeh
- Neurosciences Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Palizgar
- School of Psychology, Keele University, Newcastle Under Lyme, UK
| | - Paul Cumming
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tanja Maria Michel
- Department of Clinical Research, BRIDGE, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit for Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Manouchehr Seyedi Vafaee
- Department of Clinical Research, BRIDGE, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit for Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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15
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Marazziti D, Diep PT, Carter S, Carbone MG. Oxytocin: An Old Hormone, A Novel Psychotropic Drug And Possible Use In Treating Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5615-5687. [PMID: 35894453 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220727120646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Historically, this molecule has been involved as a key factor in the formation of infant attachment, maternal behavior and pair bonding and, more generally, in linking social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. In the last decades, the whole oxytocin system has gained a growing interest as it was proposed to be implicated in etiopathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS With the main goal of an in-depth understanding of the oxytocin role in the regulation of different functions and complex behaviors as well as its intriguing implications in different neuropsychiatric disorders, we performed a critical review of the current state of art. We carried out this work through PubMed database up to June 2021 with the search terms: 1) "oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders"; 2) "oxytocin and neurodevelopmental disorders"; 3) "oxytocin and anorexia"; 4) "oxytocin and eating disorders"; 5) "oxytocin and obsessive-compulsive disorder"; 6) "oxytocin and schizophrenia"; 7) "oxytocin and depression"; 8) "oxytocin and bipolar disorder"; 9) "oxytocin and psychosis"; 10) "oxytocin and anxiety"; 11) "oxytocin and personality disorder"; 12) "oxytocin and PTSD". RESULTS Biological, genetic, and epigenetic studies highlighted quality and quantity modifications in the expression of oxytocin peptide or in oxytocin receptor isoforms. These alterations would seem to be correlated with a higher risk of presenting several neuropsychiatric disorders belonging to different psychopathological spectra. Collaterally, the exogenous oxytocin administration has shown to ameliorate many neuropsychiatric clinical conditions. CONCLUSION Finally, we briefly analyzed the potential pharmacological use of oxytocin in patient with severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunoregulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Phuoc-Tan Diep
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Carter
- Director Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Manuel G Carbone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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16
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Zhao F, Zhang H, Wang P, Cui W, Xu K, Chen D, Hu M, Li Z, Geng X, Wei S. Oxytocin and serotonin in the modulation of neural function: Neurobiological underpinnings of autism-related behavior. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:919890. [PMID: 35937893 PMCID: PMC9354980 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.919890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of generalized neurodevelopmental disorders. Its main clinical features are social communication disorder and repetitive stereotyped behavioral interest. The abnormal structure and function of brain network is the basis of social dysfunction and stereotyped performance in patients with autism spectrum disorder. The number of patients diagnosed with ASD has increased year by year, but there is a lack of effective intervention and treatment. Oxytocin has been revealed to effectively improve social cognitive function and significantly improve the social information processing ability, empathy ability and social communication ability of ASD patients. The change of serotonin level also been reported affecting the development of brain and causes ASD-like behavioral abnormalities, such as anxiety, depression like behavior, stereotyped behavior. Present review will focus on the research progress of serotonin and oxytocin in the pathogenesis, brain circuit changes and treatment of autism. Revealing the regulatory effect and neural mechanism of serotonin and oxytocin on patients with ASD is not only conducive to a deeper comprehension of the pathogenesis of ASD, but also has vital clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Cui
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Minghui Hu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Zifa Li,
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Xiwen Geng,
| | - Sheng Wei
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Sheng Wei,
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17
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Higashida H, Furuhara K, Lopatina O, Gerasimenko M, Hori O, Hattori T, Hayashi Y, Cherepanov SM, Shabalova AA, Salmina AB, Minami K, Yuhi T, Tsuji C, Fu P, Liu Z, Luo S, Zhang A, Yokoyama S, Shuto S, Watanabe M, Fujiwara K, Munesue SI, Harashima A, Yamamoto Y. Oxytocin Dynamics in the Body and Brain Regulated by the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products, CD38, CD157, and Nicotinamide Riboside. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:858070. [PMID: 35873827 PMCID: PMC9301327 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.858070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating the neurocircuit and synaptic sites of action of oxytocin (OT) in the brain is critical to the role of OT in social memory and behavior. To the same degree, it is important to understand how OT is transported to the brain from the peripheral circulation. To date, of these, many studies provide evidence that CD38, CD157, and receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) act as regulators of OT concentrations in the brain and blood. It has been shown that RAGE facilitates the uptake of OT in mother’s milk from the digestive tract to the cell surface of intestinal epithelial cells to the body fluid and subsequently into circulation in male mice. RAGE has been shown to recruit circulatory OT into the brain from blood at the endothelial cell surface of neurovascular units. Therefore, it can be said that extracellular OT concentrations in the brain (hypothalamus) could be determined by the transport of OT by RAGE from the circulation and release of OT from oxytocinergic neurons by CD38 and CD157 in mice. In addition, it has recently been found that gavage application of a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, nicotinamide riboside, for 12 days can increase brain OT in mice. Here, we review the evaluation of the new concept that RAGE is involved in the regulation of OT dynamics at the interface between the brain, blood, and intestine in the living body, mainly by summarizing our recent results due to the limited number of publications on related topics. And we also review other possible routes of OT recruitment to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiro Higashida
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Social Brain Study, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- *Correspondence: Haruhiro Higashida,
| | - Kazumi Furuhara
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Olga Lopatina
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Social Brain Study, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Maria Gerasimenko
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Osamu Hori
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hattori
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Stanislav M. Cherepanov
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Anna A. Shabalova
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Alla B. Salmina
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Social Brain Study, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Kana Minami
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Teruko Yuhi
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiharu Tsuji
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - PinYue Fu
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Zhongyu Liu
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shuxin Luo
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Anpei Zhang
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shuto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mizuki Watanabe
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Koichi Fujiwara
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sei-ichi Munesue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ai Harashima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
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18
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A Historical Review of Brain Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061283. [PMID: 35745855 PMCID: PMC9229021 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The history of brain drug delivery is reviewed beginning with the first demonstration, in 1914, that a drug for syphilis, salvarsan, did not enter the brain, due to the presence of a blood-brain barrier (BBB). Owing to restricted transport across the BBB, FDA-approved drugs for the CNS have been generally limited to lipid-soluble small molecules. Drugs that do not cross the BBB can be re-engineered for transport on endogenous BBB carrier-mediated transport and receptor-mediated transport systems, which were identified during the 1970s-1980s. By the 1990s, a multitude of brain drug delivery technologies emerged, including trans-cranial delivery, CSF delivery, BBB disruption, lipid carriers, prodrugs, stem cells, exosomes, nanoparticles, gene therapy, and biologics. The advantages and limitations of each of these brain drug delivery technologies are critically reviewed.
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19
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D'Angelo D, Kooij S, Verhoeven F, Sonvico F, van Rijn C. Fluorescence-enabled evaluation of nasal tract deposition and coverage of pharmaceutical formulations in a silicone nasal cast using an innovative spray device. J Adv Res 2022; 44:227-232. [PMID: 36725192 PMCID: PMC9937822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The characterisation of nasal formulations is a critical point. However, there are still no recommendations or guidelines in terms of standard approaches for evaluating the formulation's nasal deposition and/or coverage profile. This study optimises a method for quantifying silicone nasal cast deposition and coverage of liquid formulations using different nasal devices. OBJECTIVES The present work investigates the nasal deposition and coverage patterns of innovative nasal spray nozzles producing slow velocity soft mists, using a nasal cavity replica and a fluorescent dye. METHODS The study of the deposition pattern of a fluorescent liquid formulation in a transparent nasal cast was carried out in both the presence and absence of a simulated inhalation flow. The extent of the deposition pattern was investigated using ImageJ and fluorescence in the nasal cast, quantified by fluorometric analysis. The particle size distribution and initial droplet velocity were determined using a laser diffractometer and a high-speed camera with a frame rate of 1000 fps. RESULTS A uniform intranasal coverage was obtained with droplets of a volume median particle size (Dv50) between 15 and 25 µm in airflow between 10 and 30 L/min. In these conditions, aerosol formulations can be uniformly deposited in the vestibule and turbinate cavity nasal regions, with less than 10 % passing beyond the nasopharyngeal region. CONCLUSION The method applied allowed for the determination of the coverage of the nasal cast in different regions using images analysis and fluorometric analysis. Droplet velocity is a critical parameter in the deposition in the nasal cavity. With standard swirl nozzles, many droplets are found on the surface of the nasal vestibule. Soft mist nozzles produce smaller droplets at a much lower initial velocity (<1 m/s), resulting in a more uniform coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide D'Angelo
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Stefan Kooij
- Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098XH, the Netherlands.
| | - Frank Verhoeven
- Medspray, Medspray Technology & Manufacturing B.V, Enschede 7521 PV, the Netherlands.
| | - Fabio Sonvico
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Cees van Rijn
- Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098XH, the Netherlands.
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Martins D, Brodmann K, Veronese M, Dipasquale O, Mazibuko N, Schuschnig U, Zelaya F, Fotopoulou A, Paloyelis Y. "Less is more": a dose-response account of intranasal oxytocin pharmacodynamics in the human brain. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 211:102239. [PMID: 35122880 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Intranasal oxytocin is attracting attention as a potential treatment for several brain disorders due to promising preclinical results. However, translating findings to humans has been hampered by remaining uncertainties about its pharmacodynamics and the methods used to probe its effects in the human brain. Using a dose-response design (9, 18 and 36 IU), we demonstrate that intranasal oxytocin-induced changes in local regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the amygdala at rest, and in the covariance between rCBF in the amygdala and other key hubs of the brain oxytocin system, follow a dose-response curve with maximal effects for lower doses. Yet, the effects on local rCBF might vary by amygdala subdivision, highlighting the need to qualify dose-response curves within subregion. We further link physiological changes with the density of the oxytocin receptor gene mRNA across brain regions, strengthening our confidence in intranasal oxytocin as a valid approach to engage central targets. Finally, we demonstrate that intranasal oxytocin does not disrupt cerebrovascular reactivity, which corroborates the validity of haemodynamic neuroimaging to probe the effects of intranasal oxytocin in the human brain. DATA AVAILABILITY: Participants did not consent for open sharing of the data. Therefore, data can only be accessed from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martins
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Katja Brodmann
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Mattia Veronese
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Ottavia Dipasquale
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Ndaba Mazibuko
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | | | - Fernando Zelaya
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Aikaterini Fotopoulou
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yannis Paloyelis
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
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21
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Effects of Intranasal Administration of Oxytocin and Vasopressin on Social Cognition and Potential Routes and Mechanisms of Action. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020323. [PMID: 35214056 PMCID: PMC8874551 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic administration of intranasal oxytocin and vasopressin have been extensively utilized in both animal models and human preclinical and clinical studies over the last few decades to modulate various aspects of social cognition and their underlying neural mechanisms, although effects are not always consistent. The use of an intranasal route of administration is largely driven by evidence that it permits neuropeptides to penetrate directly into the brain by circumventing the blood–brain barrier, which has been considered relatively impermeable to them. However, this interpretation has been the subject of considerable debate. In this review, we will focus on research in both animal models and humans, which investigates the different potential routes via which these intranasally administered neuropeptides may be producing their various effects on social cognition. We will also consider the contribution of different methods of intranasal application and additionally the importance of dose magnitude and frequency for influencing G protein-coupled receptor signaling and subsequent functional outcomes. Overall, we conclude that while some functional effects of intranasal oxytocin and vasopressin in the domain of social cognition may result from direct penetration into the brain following intranasal administration, others may be contributed by the neuropeptides either entering the peripheral circulation and crossing the blood–brain barrier and/or producing vagal stimulation via peripheral receptors. Furthermore, to complicate matters, functional effects via these routes may differ, and both dose magnitude and frequency can produce very different functional outcomes and therefore need to be optimized to produce desired effects.
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22
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Yamasue H, Kojima M, Kuwabara H, Kuroda M, Matsumoto K, Kanai C, Inada N, Owada K, Ochi K, Ono N, Benner S, Wakuda T, Kameno Y, Inoue J, Harada T, Tsuchiya K, Umemura K, Yamauchi A, Ogawa N, Kushima I, Ozaki N, Suyama S, Saito T, Uemura Y, Hamada J, Kano Y, Honda N, Kikuchi S, Seto M, Tomita H, Miyoshi N, Matsumoto M, Kawaguchi Y, Kanai K, Ikeda M, Nakamura I, Isomura S, Hirano Y, Onitsuka T, Kosaka H, Okada T. Effect of a novel nasal oxytocin spray with enhanced bioavailability on autism: a randomized trial. Brain 2022; 145:490-499. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Although intranasal oxytocin is expected to be a novel therapy for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, which has currently no approved medication, the efficacy of repeated administrations was inconsistent, suggesting that the optimal dose for a single administration of oxytocin is not optimal for repeated administration.
The current double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, crossover trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03466671) was aimed to test the effect of TTA-121, a new formulation of intranasal oxytocin spray with an enhanced bioavailability (3.6 times higher than Syntocinon® spray, as assessed by area under the concentration–time curve in rabbit brains), which enabled us to test a wide range of multiple doses, on autism spectrum disorder core symptoms and to determine the dose–response relationship. Four-week administrations of TTA-121, at low dose once per day (3 U/day), low dose twice per day (6 U/day), high dose once per day (10 U/day), or high dose twice per day (20 U/day), and 4-week placebo were administered in a crossover manner. The primary outcome was the mean difference in the reciprocity score (range: 0–14, higher values represent worse outcomes) on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule between the baseline and end point of each administration period. This trial with two administration periods and eight groups was conducted at seven university hospitals in Japan, enrolling adult males with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Enrolment began from June 2018 and ended December 2019. Follow-up ended March 2020.
Of 109 males with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder who were randomized, 103 completed the trial. The smallest P-value, judged as the dose–response relationship, was the contrast with the peak at TTA-121 6 U/day, with inverted U-shape for both the full analysis set (P = 0.182) and per protocol set (P = 0.073). The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule reciprocity score, the primary outcome, was reduced in the TTA-121 6 U/day administration period compared with the placebo (full analysis set: P = 0.118, mean difference = −0.5; 95% CI: −1.1 to 0.1; per protocol set: P = 0.012, mean difference = −0.8; 95% CI: −1.3 to −0.2). The per protocol set was the analysis target population, consisting of all full analysis set participants except those who deviated from the protocol. Most dropouts from the full analysis set to the per protocol set occurred because of poor adherence to the test drug (9 of 12 in the first period and 8 of 15 in the second period). None of the secondary clinical and behavioural outcomes were significantly improved with the TTA-121 compared with the placebo in the full analysis set.
A novel intranasal spray of oxytocin with enhanced bioavailability enabled us to test a wide range of multiple doses, revealing an inverted U-shape dose–response curve, with the peak at a dose that was lower than expected from previous studies. The efficacy of TTA-121 shown in the current exploratory study should be verified in a future large-scale, parallel-group trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Yamasue
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu City 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development at Hamamatsu, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Masaki Kojima
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu City 431-3192, Japan
- Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development at Hamamatsu, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Miho Kuroda
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Psychology, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, 7-1 Ohgigaoka, Nonoichi 921-8054, Japan
| | - Chieko Kanai
- Child Development and Education, Faculty of Humanities, Wayo Women’s University, Konodai 2-3-1, Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0827, Japan
| | - Naoko Inada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiho Owada
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Keiko Ochi
- School of Media Science, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Ono
- Department of Computer Science, Graduate School of Systems Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hino, Japan
| | - Seico Benner
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu City 431-3192, Japan
| | - Tomoyasu Wakuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu City 431-3192, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kameno
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu City 431-3192, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu City 431-3192, Japan
| | - Taeko Harada
- Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development at Hamamatsu, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kenji Tsuchiya
- Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development at Hamamatsu, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kazuo Umemura
- Department of Pharmacology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu City 431-3192, Japan
| | - Aya Yamauchi
- Department of Medical Technique, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Nanayo Ogawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Satoshi Suyama
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takuya Saito
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yukari Uemura
- Biostatistics Section, Department of Data Science, Center for Clinical Science, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjyu-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Junko Hamada
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kano
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Nami Honda
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Saya Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Moe Seto
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Noriko Miyoshi
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Megumi Matsumoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuko Kawaguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Kanai
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Manabu Ikeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Itta Nakamura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shuichi Isomura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoji Hirano
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Onitsuka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
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Rokicki J, Quintana DS, Westlye LT. Linking Central Gene Expression Patterns and Mental States Using Transcriptomics and Large-Scale Meta-Analysis of fMRI Data: A Tutorial and Example Using the Oxytocin Signaling Pathway. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2384:127-137. [PMID: 34550572 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1759-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The measurement of gene expression levels in the human brain can help accelerate our understanding of complex mental states and psychiatric illnesses. Mental states are typically associated with whole-brain networks; however, gene expression levels from postmortem brain samples have traditionally been measured in a limited number of brain regions due to resource limitations. The recent availability of whole-brain gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA) provides the opportunity to generate gene expression patterns for over 20,000 genes. By linking these expression patterns with brain activity patterns that are associated with specific mental states, researchers can better understand which genes may support given mental states, via forward inference. Conversely, reverse inference can also be used to determine which mental state activation patterns are most strongly associated with a given gene expression map. This chapter provides a step-by-step guide on how to use the AHBA in conjunction with the NeuroSynth fMRI meta-analysis tool to identify the mental state correlates of specific gene expression patterns, using genes from oxytocin signaling pathway as an example. We also demonstrate how to perform an out-of-sample validation and assess the specificity of results for genes of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Rokicki
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel S Quintana
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Romero-Martínez Á, Sarrate-Costa C, Moya-Albiol L. A Systematic Review of the Role of Oxytocin, Cortisol, and Testosterone in Facial Emotional Processing. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:1334. [PMID: 34943249 PMCID: PMC8698823 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A topic of interest is the way decoding and interpreting facial emotional expressions can lead to mutual understanding. Facial emotional expression is a basic source of information that guarantees the functioning of other higher cognitive processes (e.g., empathy, cooperativity, prosociality, or decision-making, among others). In this regard, hormones such as oxytocin, cortisol, and/or testosterone have been found to be important in modifying facial emotion processing. In fact, brain structures that participate in facial emotion processing have been shown to be rich in receptors for these hormones. Nonetheless, much of this research has been based on correlational designs. In recent years, a growing number of researchers have tried to carry out controlled laboratory manipulation of these hormones by administering synthetic forms of these hormones. The main objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of studies that assess whether manipulation of these three hormones effectively promotes significant alterations in facial emotional processing. To carry out this review, PRISMA quality criteria for reviews were followed, using the following digital databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, Dialnet, Psicodoc, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library, and focusing on manuscripts with a robust research design (e.g., randomized, single- or double-blind, and/or placebo-controlled) to increase the value of this systematic review. An initial identification of 6340 abstracts and retrieval of 910 full texts led to the final inclusion of 101 papers that met all the inclusion criteria. Only about 18% of the manuscripts included reported a direct effect of hormone manipulation. In fact, emotional accuracy seemed to be enhanced after oxytocin increases, but it diminished when cortisol and/or testosterone increased. Nonetheless, when emotional valence and participants' gender were included, hormonal manipulation reached significance (in around 53% of the articles). In fact, these studies offered a heterogeneous pattern in the way these hormones altered speed processing, attention, and memory. This study reinforces the idea that these hormones are important, but not the main modulators of facial emotion processing. As our comprehension of hormonal effects on emotional processing improves, the potential to design good treatments to improve this ability will be greater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Romero-Martínez
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (C.S.-C.); (L.M.-A.)
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Mayer AV, Wermter AK, Stroth S, Alter P, Haberhausen M, Stehr T, Paulus FM, Krach S, Kamp-Becker I. Randomized clinical trial shows no substantial modulation of empathy-related neural activation by intranasal oxytocin in autism. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15056. [PMID: 34301983 PMCID: PMC8302641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that intranasal application of oxytocin facilitates empathy and modulates its underlying neural processes, which are often impaired in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Oxytocin has therefore been considered a promising candidate for the treatment of social difficulties in ASD. However, evidence linking oxytocin treatment to social behavior and brain function in ASD is limited and heterogeneous effects might depend on variations in the oxytocin-receptor gene (OXTR). We examined 25 male ASD patients without intellectual disability in a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled fMRI-protocol, in which a single dose of oxytocin or placebo was applied intranasally. Patients performed three experiments in the MRI examining empathy for other's physical pain, basic emotions, and social pain. All participants were genotyped for the rs53576 single-nucleotide polymorphism of the OXTR. Oxytocin increased bilateral amygdala responsiveness during the physical pain task for both painful and neutral stimuli. Other than that, there were no effects of oxytocin treatment. OXTR genotype did not significantly interact with oxytocin treatment. Our results contribute to the growing body of empirical literature suggesting heterogenous effects of oxytocin administration in ASD. To draw clinically relevant conclusions regarding the usefulness of oxytocin treatment, however, empirical studies need to consider methods of delivery, dose, and moderating individual factors more carefully in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalina V Mayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Social Neuroscience Lab, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Anne-Kathrin Wermter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sanna Stroth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Peter Alter
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Haberhausen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Stehr
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Frieder M Paulus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Social Neuroscience Lab, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sören Krach
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Social Neuroscience Lab, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Inge Kamp-Becker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Sarn N, Thacker S, Lee H, Eng C. Germline nuclear-predominant Pten murine model exhibits impaired social and perseverative behavior, microglial activation, and increased oxytocinergic activity. Mol Autism 2021; 12:41. [PMID: 34088332 PMCID: PMC8176582 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00448-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a strong genetic etiology. Germline mutation in the tumor suppressor gene PTEN is one of the best described monogenic risk cases for ASD. Animal modeling of cell-specific Pten loss or mutation has provided insight into how disruptions to the function of PTEN affect neurodevelopment, neurobiology, and social behavior. As such, there is a growing need to understand more about how various aspects of PTEN activity and cell-compartment-specific functions, contribute to certain neurological or behavior phenotypes. METHODS To understand more about the relationship between Pten localization and downstream effects on neurophenotypes, we generated the nuclear-predominant PtenY68H/+ mouse, which is identical to the genotype of some PTEN-ASD individuals. We subjected the PtenY68H/+ mouse to morphological and behavioral phenotyping, including the three-chamber sociability, open field, rotarod, and marble burying tests. We subsequently performed in vivo and in vitro cellular phenotyping and concluded the work with a transcriptomic survey of the PtenY68H/+ cortex, which profiled gene expression. RESULTS We observe a significant increase in P-Akt downstream of canonical Pten signaling, macrocephaly, decreased sociability, decreased preference for novel social stimuli, increased repetitive behavior, and increased thigmotaxis in PtenY68H/+ six-week-old (P40) mice. In addition, we found significant microglial activation with increased expression of complement and neuroinflammatory proteins in vivo and in vitro accompanied by enhanced phagocytosis. These observations were subsequently validated with RNA-seq and qRT-PCR, which revealed overexpression of many genes involved in neuroinflammation and neuronal function, including oxytocin. Oxytocin transcript was fivefold overexpressed (P = 0.0018), and oxytocin protein was strongly overexpressed in the PtenY68H/+ hypothalamus. CONCLUSIONS The nuclear-predominant PtenY68H/+ model has clarified that Pten dysfunction links to microglial pathology and this associates with increased Akt signaling. We also demonstrate that Pten dysfunction associates with changes in the oxytocin system, an important connection between a prominent ASD risk gene and a potent neuroendocrine regulator of social behavior. These cellular and molecular pathologies may related to the observed changes in social behavior. Ultimately, the findings from this work may reveal important biomarkers and/or novel therapeutic modalities that could be explored in individuals with germline mutations in PTEN with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Sarn
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
| | - Stetson Thacker
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
| | - Hyunpil Lee
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
| | - Charis Eng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
- Germline High Risk Focus Group, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
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Oxytocin ameliorates impaired social behavior in a Chd8 haploinsufficiency mouse model of autism. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:32. [PMID: 33933000 PMCID: PMC8088024 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00631-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by the core symptoms of impaired social interactions. Increasing evidence suggests that ASD has a strong genetic link with mutations in chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CHD8), a gene encoding a chromatin remodeler. It has previously been shown that Chd8 haplodeficient male mice manifest ASD-like behavioral characteristics such as anxiety and altered social behavior. Along with that, oxytocin (OT) is one of the main neuropeptides involved in social behavior. Administration of OT has shown improvement of social behavior in genetic animal models of ASD. The present study was undertaken to further explore behavioral abnormalities of Chd8 haplodeficient mice of both sexes, their link with OT, and possible effects of OT administration. First, we performed a battery of behavioral tests on wild-type and Chd8+/∆SL female and male mice. Next, we measured plasma OT levels and finally studied the effects of intraperitoneal OT injection on observed behavioral deficits. Results We showed general anxiety phenotype in Chd8+/∆SL mice regardless of sex, the depressive phenotype in Chd8+/∆SL female mice only and bidirectional social deficit in female and male mice. We observed decreased level of OT in Chd+/∆SL mice, possibly driven by males. Mice injected by OT demonstrated recovery of social behavior, while reduced anxiety was observed only in male mice. Conclusions Here, we demonstrated that abnormal social behaviors were observed in both male and female Chd8+/∆SL mice. The ability of peripheral OT administration to affect such behaviors along with altered plasma OT levels indicated a possible link between Chd8 + /∆SL and OT in the pathogenesis of ASD as well as the possible usefulness of OT as a therapeutic tool for ASD patients with CHD8 mutations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-021-00631-6.
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28
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Chen K, Ye Y, Troje NF, Zhou W. Oxytocin modulates human chemosensory decoding of sex in a dose-dependent manner. eLife 2021; 10:59376. [PMID: 33439831 PMCID: PMC7806258 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been accumulating evidence of human social chemo-signaling, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Considering the evolutionarily conserved roles of oxytocin and vasopressin in reproductive and social behaviors, we examined whether the two neuropeptides are involved in the subconscious processing of androsta-4,16,-dien-3-one and estra-1,3,5 (10),16-tetraen-3-ol, two human chemosignals that convey masculinity and femininity to the targeted recipients, respectively. Psychophysical data collected from 216 heterosexual and homosexual men across five experiments totaling 1056 testing sessions consistently showed that such chemosensory communications of masculinity and femininity were blocked by a competitive antagonist of both oxytocin and vasopressin receptors called atosiban, administered nasally. On the other hand, intranasal oxytocin, but not vasopressin, modulated the decoding of androstadienone and estratetraenol in manners that were dose-dependent, nonmonotonic, and contingent upon the recipients’ social proficiency. Taken together, these findings establish a causal link between neuroendocrine factors and subconscious chemosensory communications of sex-specific information in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kepu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuting Ye
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Wen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
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29
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Intranasal oxytocin in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders: A multilevel meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 122:18-27. [PMID: 33400920 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intranasal oxytocin has been shown to promote social functioning and has recently been applied as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The current meta-analysis aims to assess the crucial question of oxytocin's efficacy in the treatment of ASD. We performed a systematic literature search, including randomized, single- or double-blind/open-label and placebo-controlled clinical trials as well as single-arm, non-randomized and uncontrolled studies investigating exogenous oxytocin effect on ASD. A total of 28 studies (N = 726 ASD patients) met our predefined inclusion criteria. We used a multilevel meta-analytic model and found that oxytocin had beneficial effects on social functioning, but did not find strong evidence for symptoms improvement in the non-social domain. Our findings suggest that oxytocin administration can be regarded as an effective treatment for some core aspects of ASD, especially in the domain of social functioning, highlighting the promise of using oxytocin as a new-generation therapeutic to address core social impairments in ASD.
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30
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Quintana DS, Lischke A, Grace S, Scheele D, Ma Y, Becker B. Advances in the field of intranasal oxytocin research: lessons learned and future directions for clinical research. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:80-91. [PMID: 32807845 PMCID: PMC7815514 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00864-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Reports on the modulatory role of the neuropeptide oxytocin on social cognition and behavior have steadily increased over the last two decades, stimulating considerable interest in its psychiatric application. Basic and clinical research in humans primarily employs intranasal application protocols. This approach assumes that intranasal administration increases oxytocin levels in the central nervous system via a direct nose-to-brain route, which in turn acts upon centrally-located oxytocin receptors to exert its behavioral effects. However, debates have emerged on whether intranasally administered oxytocin enters the brain via the nose-to-brain route and whether this route leads to functionally relevant increases in central oxytocin levels. In this review we outline recent advances from human and animal research that provide converging evidence for functionally relevant effects of the intranasal oxytocin administration route, suggesting that direct nose-to-brain delivery underlies the behavioral effects of oxytocin on social cognition and behavior. Moreover, advances in previously debated methodological issues, such as pre-registration, reproducibility, statistical power, interpretation of non-significant results, dosage, and sex differences are discussed and integrated with suggestions for the next steps in translating intranasal oxytocin into psychiatric applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Quintana
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Alexander Lischke
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sally Grace
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dirk Scheele
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Yina Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Clinical Hospital of the Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
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31
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Melby K, Gråwe RW, Aamo TO, Skovlund E, Spigset O. Efficacy of Self-Administered Intranasal Oxytocin on Alcohol Use and Craving After Detoxification in Patients With Alcohol Dependence. A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Alcohol Alcohol 2020; 56:565-572. [PMID: 33352584 PMCID: PMC8406061 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of self-administered intranasal oxytocin on alcohol dependence after detoxification. Methods In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 38 patients fulfilling the criteria for ICD-10 diagnosis of alcohol dependence received either 8 IU oxytocin or placebo at their own discretion up to thrice daily for 4 weeks, after completing detoxification. Primary outcome was alcohol intake specified as the amount of alcohol consumed, the number of days to relapse into alcohol use and the proportion of subjects relapsing. Secondary outcomes were self-reported symptoms of craving, sleep and mental distress. Results There were no significant differences between the oxytocin group and the placebo group in daily alcohol intake in total (mean 1.3 ± 2.9 vs. 2.0 ± 5.0 units; P = 0.63) or on drinking days (mean 8.4 ± 2.7 vs. 7.7 ± 6.0 units; P = 0.76), in the number of days until relapse (P = 0.91) or in the proportion of subjects relapsing (37.5 vs. 41.2%; P = 0.84). Neither were there any statistically significant differences in any other outcomes, except a larger decrease in self-reported nervousness in the oxytocin group (P = 0.022). Conclusion The results were inconclusive as to whether intranasal oxytocin reduced the time to relapse, degree of craving or total amount of alcohol consumed after detoxification. However, the oxytocin group had a larger decrease in self-reported nervousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Melby
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology - NTNU, Trondheim, Norway.,Blue Cross Lade Addiction Treatment Centre, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rolf W Gråwe
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology - NTNU, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Research and Development, Division of Psychiatry, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Trond O Aamo
- Blue Cross Lade Addiction Treatment Centre, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eva Skovlund
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology - NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Olav Spigset
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology - NTNU, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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32
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Oxytocin treatment attenuates amygdala activity in autism: a treatment-mechanism study with long-term follow-up. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:383. [PMID: 33159033 PMCID: PMC7648620 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01069-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intranasal administration of the neuropeptide oxytocin (IN-OT) is increasingly considered as a potential treatment for targeting the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the effects of continual use on neural substrates are fairly unexplored and long-term effects are unknown. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, we investigated the effects of single-dose and multiple-dose IN-OT treatment (4 weeks of daily (24 IU) administrations) on brain activity related to processing emotional states. Thirty-eight adult men with ASD (aged between 18 and 35 years) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging of the posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTS) and amygdala regions while processing emotional states from point-light biological motion. In line with prior research, a single dose of IN-OT induced a reliable increase in pSTS brain activity during the processing of point-light biological motion, but no consistent long-term changes in pSTS activity were induced after the multiple-dose treatment. In terms of bilateral amygdala, the multiple-dose treatment induced a consistent attenuation in brain activity, which outlasted the period of actual administrations until four weeks and one year post-treatment. Critically, participants with stronger attenuations in amygdala-activity showed greater behavioral improvements, particularly in terms of self-reported feelings of avoidant attachment and social functioning. Together, these observations provide initial insights into the long-lasting neural consequences of chronic IN-OT use on amygdala functioning and provide first indications that the acute versus chronic effects of IN-OT administration may be qualitatively different. Larger studies are however warranted to further elucidate the long-term impact of IN-OT treatment on human neural substrates and its behavioral consequences.
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Wieckowski AT, Flynn LT, Richey JA, Gracanin D, White SW. Measuring change in facial emotion recognition in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 24:1607-1628. [PMID: 32551983 PMCID: PMC11078255 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320925334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder show difficulty recognizing facial emotions in others, which makes social interaction challenging. While there are many treatments developed to improve facial emotion recognition, there is no agreement on the best way to measure such abilities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The purpose of this review is to examine studies that were published between January 1998 and November 2019 and have measured change in facial emotion recognition to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments. Our search yielded 65 studies, and within these studies, 36 different measures were used to evaluate facial emotion recognition in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Only six of these measures, however, were used in different studies and by different investigators. In this review, we summarize the different measures and outcomes of the studies, in order to identify promising assessment tools and inform future research.
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34
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Abramova O, Zorkina Y, Ushakova V, Zubkov E, Morozova A, Chekhonin V. The role of oxytocin and vasopressin dysfunction in cognitive impairment and mental disorders. Neuropeptides 2020; 83:102079. [PMID: 32839007 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) are structurally homologous peptide hormones synthesized in the hypothalamus. Nowadays, the role of OXT and AVP in the regulation of social behaviour and emotions is generally known. However, recent researches indicate that peptides also participate in cognitive functioning. This review presents the evidence that the OXT/AVP systems are involved in the formation of social, working, spatial and episodic memory, mediated by such brain structures as the hippocampal CA2 and CA3 regions, amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Some data have demonstrated that the OXT receptor's polymorphisms are associated with impaired memory in humans, and OXT knockout in mice is connected with memory deficit. Additionally, OXT and AVP are involved in mental disorders' progression. Stress-induced imbalance of the OXT/AVP systems leads to an increased risk of various mental disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and autism. At the same time, cognitive deficits are observed in stress and mental disorders, and perhaps peptide hormones play a part in this. The final part of the review describes possible therapeutic strategies for the use of OXT and AVP for treatment of various mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Abramova
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Yana Zorkina
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valeria Ushakova
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia; Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
| | - Eugene Zubkov
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Morozova
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chekhonin
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia; Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Yamasue H, Okada T, Munesue T, Kuroda M, Fujioka T, Uno Y, Matsumoto K, Kuwabara H, Mori D, Okamoto Y, Yoshimura Y, Kawakubo Y, Arioka Y, Kojima M, Yuhi T, Owada K, Yassin W, Kushima I, Benner S, Ogawa N, Eriguchi Y, Kawano N, Uemura Y, Yamamoto M, Kano Y, Kasai K, Higashida H, Ozaki N, Kosaka H. Effect of intranasal oxytocin on the core social symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: a randomized clinical trial. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:1849-1858. [PMID: 29955161 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0097-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although small-scale studies have described the effects of oxytocin on social deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), no large-scale study has been conducted. In this randomized, parallel-group, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in Japan, 106 ASD individuals (18-48 y.o.) were enrolled between Jan 2015 and March 2016. Participants were randomly assigned to a 6-week intranasal oxytocin (48IU/day, n = 53) or placebo (n = 53) group. One-hundred-three participants were analyzed. Since oxytocin reduced the primary endpoint, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) reciprocity, (from 8.5 to 7.7; P < .001) but placebo also reduced the score (8.3 to 7.2; P < .001), no between-group difference was found (effect size -0.08; 95% CI, -0.46 to 0.31; P = .69); however, plasma oxytocin was only elevated from baseline to endpoint in the oxytocin-group compared with the placebo-group (effect size -1.12; -1.53 to -0.70; P < .0001). Among the secondary endpoints, oxytocin reduced ADOS repetitive behavior (2.0 to 1.5; P < .0001) compared with placebo (2.0 to 1.8; P = .43) (effect size 0.44; 0.05 to 0.83; P = .026). In addition, the duration of gaze fixation on socially relevant regions, another secondary endpoint, was increased by oxytocin (41.2 to 52.3; P = .03) compared with placebo (45.7 to 40.4; P = .25) (effect size 0.55; 0.10 to 1.0; P = .018). No significant effects were observed for the other secondary endpoints. No significant difference in the prevalence of adverse events was observed between groups, although one participant experienced temporary gynecomastia during oxytocin administration. Based on the present findings, we cannot recommend continuous intranasal oxytocin treatment alone at the current dose and duration for treatment of the core social symptoms of high-functioning ASD in adult men, although this large-scale trial suggests oxytocin's possibility to treat ASD repetitive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Yamasue
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashiku, Hamamatsu City, 431-3192, Japan. .,Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Takashi Okada
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Toshio Munesue
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Miho Kuroda
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Toru Fujioka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Yota Uno
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan.,Laboratory for Psychiatric and Molecular Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Kaori Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Psychology, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, 7-1 Ohgigaoka, Nonoichi, 921-8054, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.,Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development at Hamamatsu, Handayama 1 Higashiku, Hamamatsu, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mori
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan.,Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yuko Okamoto
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshimura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yuki Kawakubo
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan.,Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yuko Arioka
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masaki Kojima
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Teruko Yuhi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Keiho Owada
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Walid Yassin
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Seico Benner
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Nanayo Ogawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yosuke Eriguchi
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Naoko Kawano
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yukari Uemura
- Biostatistics Division, Clinical Research Support Center, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Maeri Yamamoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kano
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Kasai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
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Exogenous effects of oxytocin in five psychiatric disorders: a systematic review, meta-analyses and a personalized approach through the lens of the social salience hypothesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 114:70-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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37
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Pacheva I, Ivanov I. Targeted Biomedical Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4430-4453. [PMID: 31801452 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191205091312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represents presentations with impairment in communication and behaviour that vary considerably in their clinical manifestations and etiology as well as in their likely pathophysiology. A growing body of data indicates that the deleterious effect of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation, as well as their interconnections are important aspects of the pathophysiology of ASD. Glutathione deficiency decreases the mitochondrial protection against oxidants and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; immune dysregulation and inflammation inhibit mitochondrial function through TNF-α; autoantibodies against the folate receptors underpin cerebral folate deficiency, resulting in disturbed methylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Such pathophysiological processes can arise from environmental and epigenetic factors as well as their combined interactions, such as environmental toxicant exposures in individuals with (epi)genetically impaired detoxification. The emerging evidence on biochemical alterations in ASD is forming the basis for treatments aimed to target its biological underpinnings, which is of some importance, given the uncertain and slow effects of the various educational interventions most commonly used. METHODS Literature-based review of the biomedical treatment options for ASD that are derived from established pathophysiological processes. RESULTS Most proposed biomedical treatments show significant clinical utility only in ASD subgroups, with specified pre-treatment biomarkers that are ameliorated by the specified treatment. For example, folinic acid supplementation has positive effects in ASD patients with identified folate receptor autoantibodies, whilst the clinical utility of methylcobalamine is apparent in ASD patients with impaired methylation capacity. Mitochondrial modulating cofactors should be considered when mitochondrial dysfunction is evident, although further research is required to identify the most appropriate single or combined treatment. Multivitamins/multiminerals formulas, as well as biotin, seem appropriate following the identification of metabolic abnormalities, with doses tapered to individual requirements. A promising area, requiring further investigations, is the utilization of antipurinergic therapies, such as low dose suramin. CONCLUSION The assessment and identification of relevant physiological alterations and targeted intervention are more likely to produce positive treatment outcomes. As such, current evidence indicates the utility of an approach based on personalized and evidence-based medicine, rather than treatment targeted to all that may not always be beneficial (primum non nocere).
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliyana Pacheva
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University - Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4002, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University - Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4002, Bulgaria
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An Allostatic Theory of Oxytocin. Trends Cogn Sci 2020; 24:515-528. [PMID: 32360118 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has garnered considerable interest for its role in social behavior, as well as for the potential of intranasal administration to treat social difficulties. However, current theoretical models for the role of oxytocin in social behavior pay little consideration to its evolutionary and developmental history. This article aims to broaden our understanding of the role of oxytocin in social behavior by adopting an ethological approach through the lens of Nikolaas Tinbergen's 'four questions' - how does oxytocin work; how does the role of oxytocin change during development; how does oxytocin enhance survival; and how did the oxytocin system evolve? We argue that oxytocin is most accurately described as an allostatic hormone that modulates both social and non-social behavior by maintaining stability through changing environments.
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Mahmuda NA, Yokoyama S, Munesue T, Hayashi K, Yagi K, Tsuji C, Higashida H. One Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of the TRPM2 Channel Gene Identified as a Risk Factor in Bipolar Disorder Associates with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Japanese Population. Diseases 2020; 8:diseases8010004. [PMID: 32046066 PMCID: PMC7151227 DOI: 10.3390/diseases8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a non-specific cation channel, resulting in Ca2+ influx at warm temperatures from 34 °C to 47 °C, thus including the body temperature range in mammals. TRPM2 channels are activated by β-NAD+, ADP-ribose (ADPR), cyclic ADPR, and 2′-deoxyadenosine 5′-diphosphoribose. It has been shown that TRPM2 cation channels and CD38, a type II or type III transmembrane protein with ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity, simultaneously play a role in heat-sensitive and NAD+ metabolite-dependent intracellular free Ca2+ concentration increases in hypothalamic oxytocinergic neurons. Subsequently, oxytocin (OT) is released to the brain. Impairment of OT release may induce social amnesia, one of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The risk of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and variants of TRPM2 have been reported in bipolar disorder, but not in ASD. Therefore, it is reasonable to examine whether SNPs or haplotypes in TRPM2 are associated with ASD. Here, we report a case-control study with 147 ASD patients and 150 unselected volunteers at Kanazawa University Hospital in Japan. The sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction method together with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy was applied. Of 14 SNPs examined, one SNP (rs933151) displayed a significant p-value (OR = 0.1798, 95% CI = 0.039, 0.83; Fisher’s exact test; p = 0.0196). The present research data suggest that rs93315, identified as a risk factor for bipolar disorder, is a possible association factor for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Al Mahmuda
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan; (N.A.M.); (S.Y.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
- Faculty of Business Administration, Eastern University, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan; (N.A.M.); (S.Y.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Toshio Munesue
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan; (N.A.M.); (S.Y.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Kenshi Hayashi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (K.H.); (K.Y.)
| | - Kunimasa Yagi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan; (K.H.); (K.Y.)
| | - Chiharu Tsuji
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan; (N.A.M.); (S.Y.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan; (N.A.M.); (S.Y.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
- Laboratory for Social Brain Studies, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasentsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Li YX, An H, Wen Z, Tao ZY, Cao DY. Can oxytocin inhibit stress-induced hyperalgesia? Neuropeptides 2020; 79:101996. [PMID: 31776011 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Stress-induced hyperalgesia is a problematic condition that lacks an effective therapeutic measure, and hence impairs health-related quality of life. The regulation of stress by oxytocin (OT) has overlapping effects on pain. OT can alleviate pain directly mainly at the spinal level and the peripheral tissues. Additionally, OT plays an analgesic role by dealing with stress and fear learning. When OT relieves stress by targeting the prefrontal brain regions and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the body's sensitivity to pain is attenuated. Meanwhile, OT facilitates fear learning and may, in turn, enhance the anticipatory actions to painful stimulation. The unique therapeutic value of OT in patients suffering from stress and stress-related hyperalgesia conditions is worth considering. We reviewed recent advances in animal and human studies involving the effects of OT on stress and pain, and discussed the possible targets of OT within the descending and ascending pathways in the central nervous system. This review provides an overview of the evidence on the role of OT in alleviating stress-induced hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China; Department of Special Dental Care, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Hong An
- Department of Special Dental Care, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China.
| | - Zhuo Wen
- Department of Special Dental Care, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Zhuo-Ying Tao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Dong-Yuan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China.
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Zhao W, Luo R, Sindermann C, Li J, Wei Z, Zhang Y, Liu C, Le J, Quintana DS, Montag C, Becker B, Kendrick KM. Oxytocin modulation of self-referential processing is partly replicable and sensitive to oxytocin receptor genotype. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 96:109734. [PMID: 31415827 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Intranasal oxytocin (OXT) has been associated with effects on diverse social-emotional domains in humans, however progress towards a therapeutic application of OXT in disorders with social-emotion impairments is currently hampered by poor replicability. Limited statistical power and individual differences in biological factors, such as oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genetics, may have contributed to these variable findings. To this end, employing a validated oxytocin-sensitive trait judgment paradigm, we present a pharmaco-genetic study aiming at (1) replicating previous findings suggesting that intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) reduces the self-referential bias in a large sample of n = 170 male subjects, (2) determining whether variations in common receptor polymorphisms (rs237887, rs2268491, rs2254298, rs53576, rs2268498) influence sensitivity to oxytocin's behavioral effects. We confirmed that in the whole sample oxytocin influenced self-other distinction in terms of reduced decision time. However, oxytocin only influenced decision time in rs53576 G carriers, whereas effects on subsequent memory performance were only found in rs2268498 TT homozygotes. In summary, the current study partially replicates our previous findings showing that oxytocin reduces the self-referential bias and suggests that sensitivity to its effects in this domain are receptor genotype dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Zhao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Ruixue Luo
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Cornelia Sindermann
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Helmholtzstr. 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jialin Li
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Zhenyu Wei
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Congcong Liu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Jiao Le
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Daniel S Quintana
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian Montag
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Helmholtzstr. 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
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42
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Zhang J, Zhou C, Yu R. Oxytocin amplifies the influence of good intentions on social judgments. Horm Behav 2020; 117:104589. [PMID: 31593697 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) promotes various prosocial behaviors, yet there are few studies of the effect of OT on social judgments, especially on judgments when the actor's intention and the final outcome are incongruent. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment, participants were asked to play the role of the recipient in a dictator game and to make social judgments about the dictator after intranasal OT administration. To isolate the outcome and the intention of the dictator's allocation, we developed a novel social judgment task in which recipients were told that 50% of the dictators' proposals would be reversed. The results showed that the effect of OT on social judgment was modulated by intention: OT increased goodness ratings only towards dictators with hyperfair intention. Our findings support the affiliative-motivation theory which states that OT enhances the affiliative motivation and recognition of positive-valence social stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Zhang
- School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application and Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengyan Zhou
- School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application and Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongjun Yu
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Riem MME, Kunst LE, Bekker MHJ, Fallon M, Kupper N. Intranasal oxytocin enhances stress-protective effects of social support in women with negative childhood experiences during a virtual Trier Social Stress Test. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 111:104482. [PMID: 31677411 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is considered a biological mechanism underlying stress-protective effects of positive social interactions. It is assumed to underlie the women-specific tend-and-befriend response to stress, although few studies have tested this assertion with female samples. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to test whether oxytocin enhances stress-protective effects of social support during stress in women, taking into account the moderating role of childhood adversity. The sample consisted of 180 female undergraduate students who had reported on experiences of childhood abuse and how often their mother used love withdrawal as an insensitive disciplinary strategy. Women participated in a virtual version of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and were randomly assigned to receive 24 IU oxytocin or a placebo and to receive support or no support from a female friend (sub-groups N = 45). Results showed that oxytocin reduced heart rate variability during the TSST in participants who received support, possibly indicating that oxytocin increases attention and stimulates a challenge motivational state in the presence of a friend. In addition, we found that, in the presence of a friend, oxytocin reduced state anxiety levels and cortisol levels after the TSST, but only in women with higher levels of adverse childhood experiences. Our findings may indicate that oxytocin is a neurobiological means to attain and benefit from social support under stressful circumstances, which may be particularly adaptive for women with a history of adversity. Thus, oxytocin may function as motivator for affiliative disposition during stress exposure in women with a history of childhood adversity. Results should be replicated in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M E Riem
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic disorders, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Clinical Child and Family Studies, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - L E Kunst
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic disorders, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - M H J Bekker
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic disorders, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Fallon
- Business School, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - N Kupper
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic disorders, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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Jurek B, Meyer M. Anxiolytic and Anxiogenic? How the Transcription Factor MEF2 Might Explain the Manifold Behavioral Effects of Oxytocin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:186. [PMID: 32322239 PMCID: PMC7156634 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromodulator oxytocin, since its first synthesis by du Vigneaud in 1953, has mainly been associated with beneficial physiological effects, as well as positive social and emotional behaviors. This overall positive picture of oxytocin as the "love-, cuddle-, or bonding-hormone" has repeatedly been challenged since then. Oxytocin-induced effects that would be perceived as negative by the individual, such as increased anxiety or potentiation of stress-induced ACTH release, as well as the regulation of negative approach-related emotions, such as envy and schadenfreude (gloating) have been described. The general consent is that oxytocin, instead of acting unidirectional, induces changes in the salience network to shift the emphasis of emotional contexts, and therefore can, e.g., produce both anxiolytic as well as anxiogenic behavioral outcomes. However, the underlying mechanisms leading to alterations in the salience network are still unclear. With the aim to understand the manifold effects of oxytocin on a cellular/molecular level, a set of oxytocin receptor-coupled signaling cascades and downstream effectors regulating transcription and translation has been identified. Those oxytocin-driven effectors, such as MEF2 and CREB, are known modulators of the neuronal and glial cytoarchitecture. We hypothesize that, by determining cellular morphology and connectivity, MEF2 is one of the key factors that might contribute to the diverse behavioral effects of oxytocin.
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45
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Hedger N, Haffey A, McSorley E, Chakrabarti B. Empathy modulates the temporal structure of social attention. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:20181716. [PMID: 30963898 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with low empathy often show reduced attention towards social stimuli. A limitation of this literature is the lack of empirical work that has explicitly characterized how this relationship manifests itself over time. We investigate this issue by analysing data from two large eye-tracking datasets (total n = 176). Via growth-curve analysis, we demonstrate that self-reported empathy (as measured by the empathy quotient-EQ) predicts the temporal evolution of gaze behaviour under conditions where social and non-social stimuli compete for attention. In both datasets, we found that EQ not only predicted a global increase in social attention, but predicted a different temporal profile of social attention. Specifically, we detected a reliable effect of empathy on gaze towards social images after prolonged viewing. An analysis of switch latencies revealed that low-EQ observers switched gaze away from an initially fixated social image more frequently and at earlier latencies than high-EQ observers. Our analyses demonstrate that modelling these temporal components of gaze signals may reveal useful behavioural phenotypes. The explanatory power of this approach may provide enhanced biomarkers for conditions marked by deficits in empathy-related processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Hedger
- 1 Centre for Autism , University of Reading , Reading RG6 6AL , UK
| | - Anthony Haffey
- 1 Centre for Autism , University of Reading , Reading RG6 6AL , UK
| | - Eugene McSorley
- 2 Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences , University of Reading , Reading RG6 6AL , UK
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Wang Z, Xiong G, Tsang WC, Schätzlein AG, Uchegbu IF. Nose-to-Brain Delivery. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 370:593-601. [PMID: 31126978 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.258152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of neurologic disorders is rising, and yet we are still unable to deliver most drug molecules, in therapeutic quantities, to the brain. The blood brain barrier consists of a tight layer of endothelial cells surrounded by astrocyte foot processes, and these anatomic features constitute a significant barrier to drug transport from the blood to the brain. One way to bypass the blood brain barrier and thus treat diseases of the brain is to use the nasal route of administration and deposit drugs at the olfactory region of the nares, from where they travel to the brain via mechanisms that are still not clearly understood, with travel across nerve fibers and travel via a perivascular pathway both being hypothesized. The nose-to-brain route has been demonstrated repeatedly in preclinical models, with both solution and particulate formulations. The nose-to-brain route has also been demonstrated in human studies with solution and particle formulations. The entry of device manufacturers into the arena will enable the benefits of this delivery route to become translated into approved products. The key factors that determine the efficacy of delivery via this route include the following: delivery to the olfactory area of the nares as opposed to the respiratory region, a longer retention time at the nasal mucosal surface, penetration enhancement of the active through the nasal epithelia, and a reduction in drug metabolism in the nasal cavity. Indications where nose-to-brain products are likely to emerge first include the following: neurodegeneration, post-traumatic stress disorder, pain, and glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zian Wang
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom (Z.-a.W., G.X., W.C.T., A.G.S., I.F.U.); and Nanomerics, London, United Kingdom (A.G.S., I.F.U.)
| | - Guojun Xiong
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom (Z.-a.W., G.X., W.C.T., A.G.S., I.F.U.); and Nanomerics, London, United Kingdom (A.G.S., I.F.U.)
| | - Wai Chun Tsang
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom (Z.-a.W., G.X., W.C.T., A.G.S., I.F.U.); and Nanomerics, London, United Kingdom (A.G.S., I.F.U.)
| | - Andreas G Schätzlein
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom (Z.-a.W., G.X., W.C.T., A.G.S., I.F.U.); and Nanomerics, London, United Kingdom (A.G.S., I.F.U.)
| | - Ijeoma F Uchegbu
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom (Z.-a.W., G.X., W.C.T., A.G.S., I.F.U.); and Nanomerics, London, United Kingdom (A.G.S., I.F.U.)
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Evidence for intranasal oxytocin delivery to the brain: recent advances and future perspectives. Ther Deliv 2019; 9:515-525. [PMID: 29943688 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2018-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin plays an evolutionarily conserved role in mammalian social behavior. Despite striking effects on animal social behavior after intracerebroventricular drug delivery, this delivery mode is impractical in humans. Intranasal oxytocin delivery provides a noninvasive alternative to increase central oxytocin activity, and has shown promise as a treatment for psychiatric illnesses. Intranasal oxytocin delivery is purported to increase central oxytocin concentrations via channels surrounding trigeminal and olfactory nerve fibers, which may facilitate increased activity at central oxytocin receptors. This report outlines the evidence for intranasal oxytocin delivery increasing central concentrations or activity, identifies current knowledge gaps and highlights future research opportunities. Recent efforts to enhance intranasal oxytocin delivery via improved intranasal delivery technology and dose-ranging studies are discussed.
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Flanagan JC, Mitchell JM. Augmenting Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Co-Occurring Conditions with Oxytocin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 6:132-142. [PMID: 31763133 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-019-00171-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review The goal of this manuscript is to review the extant literature examining the neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms underlying the potential utility of intranasal oxytocin as a novel pharmacologic intervention for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and for the treatment of co-morbid PTSD and alcohol and substance use disorders. Recent findings Research indicates that intranasal oxytocin is a low-cost and easily accessible medication with an excellent safety profile. Oxytocin holds promise for facilitating more effective PTSD treatment, particularly when used in combination with evidence-supported psychotherapy interventions. There is still a significant need to identify the mechanisms of action underlying oxytocin treatment of PTSD, and to maximize methods of nasal spray delivery, examine dose-response outcomes, and clarify the characteristics of individuals and populations that are most likely to benefit from adjunctive oxytocin treatment. Summary Collectively, preclinical and human laboratory research suggest that oxytocin may be an effective mechanism by which treatment outcomes for PTSD and common comorbidities can be enhanced. Adequately powered randomized controlled trials are needed to address efficacy, identify predictors of treatment outcome, and to assess the use of intranasal oxytocin within appropriate PTSD populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne C Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Jennifer M Mitchell
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Higashida H, Munesue T, Kosaka H, Yamasue H, Yokoyama S, Kikuchi M. Social Interaction Improved by Oxytocin in the Subclass of Autism with Comorbid Intellectual Disabilities. Diseases 2019; 7:E24. [PMID: 30813294 PMCID: PMC6473850 DOI: 10.3390/diseases7010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of all autism spectrum disorder (ASD) individuals suffer from comorbid intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, the prevalence of epilepsy has been estimated to be 46% of patients with low intelligence quotient. It is important to investigate the therapeutic benefits and adverse effects of any recently developed drugs for this proportion of individuals with the so-called Kanner type of ASD. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic and/or adverse effects of intranasal oxytocin (OT) administration, especially in adolescents and adults with ASD and comorbid intellectual disability and epilepsy, with regard to core symptoms of social deficits. We have already reported three randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs). However, we revisit results in our pilot studies from the view of comorbidity. Most of the intellectually disabled participants were found to be feasible participants of the RCT. We observed significantly more events regarded as reciprocal social interaction in the OT group compared with the placebo group. In the trial, no or little differences in adverse events were found between the OT and placebo arms, as found in some other reports. However, seizures were induced in three participants with medical history of epilepsy during or after OT treatment. In conclusion, we stress that behavioral changes in ASD patients with intellectual disabilities could be recognized not by the conventional measurements of ASD symptoms but by detailed evaluation of social interactions arising in daily-life situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiro Higashida
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Toshio Munesue
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji 910-1193, Japan.
| | - Hidenori Yamasue
- Department of Psychiatry and Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan.
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
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Low-dose intranasal oxytocin delivered with Breath Powered device modulates pupil diameter and amygdala activity: a randomized controlled pupillometry and fMRI study. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:306-313. [PMID: 30323359 PMCID: PMC6300535 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0241-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about how intranasally administered oxytocin reaches the brain and modulates social behavior and cognition. Pupil dilation is a sensitive index of attentional allocation and effort, and inter-individual variability in pupil diameter during performance of social-cognitive tasks may provide a better assessment of pharmacological effects on the brain than behavioral measures. Here, we leverage the close relationship between pupil and neural activity to inform our understanding of nose-to-brain oxytocin routes and possible dose-response relationships. To this end, we assessed pupil diameter data from a previously reported functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study under four treatment conditions-including two different doses of intranasal oxytocin using a novel Breath Powered nasal device, intravenous (IV) oxytocin, and placebo-and investigated the association with amygdala activation in response to emotional stimuli. The study used a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover design, with 16 healthy male adults administering a single-dose of these four treatments. A significant main effect of treatment condition on pupil diameter was observed. Posthoc tests revealed reduced pupil diameter after 8IU intranasal oxytocin compared to placebo, but no significant difference between 8IU intranasal oxytocin and either 24IU intranasal oxytocin or IV oxytocin treatment conditions. Analysis also showed a significant relationship between pupil diameter and right amygdala activation after 8IU intranasal oxytocin. Although there was no significant difference between 8IU intranasal oxytocin and IV oxytocin on right amygdala activity and pupil diameter, the significant difference between 8IU intranasal oxytocin and placebo is consistent with the hypothesis that oxytocin can travel to the brain via a nose-to-brain route.
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