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Post TE, Heijn LG, Jordan J, van Gerven JMA. Sensitivity of cognitive function tests to acute hypoxia in healthy subjects: a systematic literature review. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1244279. [PMID: 37885803 PMCID: PMC10598721 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1244279] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute exposure to hypoxia can lead to cognitive impairment. Therefore, hypoxia may become a safety concern for occupational or recreational settings at altitude. Cognitive tests are used as a tool to assess the degree to which hypoxia affects cognitive performance. However, so many different cognitive tests are used that comparing studies is challenging. This structured literature evaluation provides an overview of the different cognitive tests used to assess the effects of acute hypoxia on cognitive performance in healthy volunteers. Less frequently used similar cognitive tests were clustered and classified into domains. Subsequently, the different cognitive test clusters were compared for sensitivity to different levels of oxygen saturation. A total of 38 articles complied with the selection criteria, covering 86 different cognitive tests. The tests and clusters showed that the most consistent effects of acute hypoxia were found with the Stroop test (where 42% of studies demonstrated significant abnormalities). The most sensitive clusters were auditory/verbal memory: delayed recognition (83%); evoked potentials (60%); visual/spatial delayed recognition (50%); and sustained attention (47%). Attention tasks were not particularly sensitive to acute hypoxia (impairments in 0%-47% of studies). A significant hypoxia level-response relationship was found for the Stroop test (p = 0.001), as well as three clusters in the executive domain: inhibition (p = 0.034), reasoning/association (p = 0.019), and working memory (p = 0.024). This relationship shows a higher test sensitivity at more severe levels of hypoxia, predominantly below 80% saturation. No significant influence of barometric pressure could be identified in the limited number of studies where this was varied. This review suggests that complex and executive functions are particularly sensitive to hypoxia. Moreover, this literature evaluation provides the first step towards standardization of cognitive testing, which is crucial for a better understanding of the effects of acute hypoxia on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titiaan E. Post
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Laurens G. Heijn
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jens Jordan
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Joop M. A. van Gerven
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO), The Hague, Netherlands
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2
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Faßbender K, Baumert PM, Wintergerst MWM, Terheyden JH, Aslan B, M Harmening W, Ettinger U. GABAergic Involvement in Selective Attention. J Cogn Neurosci 2023; 35:976-989. [PMID: 36976900 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_01989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Animals need to cope with abundant sensory information, and one strategy is to selectively direct attention to only the most relevant part of the environment. Although the cortical networks of selective attention have been studied extensively, its underlying neurotransmitter systems, especially the role of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), remain less well understood. Increased GABAA receptor activity because of administration of benzodiazepines such as lorazepam is known to slow reactions in cognitive tasks. However, there is limited knowledge about GABAergic involvement in selective attention. Particularly, it is unknown whether increased GABAA receptor activity slows the build-up of selectivity or generally widens attentional focus. To address this question, participants (n = 29) received 1 mg lorazepam and placebo (within-subjects, double-blind) and performed an extended version of the flanker task. The spatial distribution of selective attention was studied by systematically manipulating number and position of incongruent flankers; the temporal build-up was characterized using delta plots. An online task version was presented to an independent, unmedicated sample (n = 25) to verify task effects. Under placebo and in the unmedicated sample, only the number of incongruent flankers, but not their position, influenced RTs. Incongruent flankers impaired RTs more strongly under lorazepam than placebo, especially when adjacent to the target. Delta plot analyses of RT showed that this effect persisted even when participants reacted slowly, indicating that lorazepam-induced impairments in selective attention do not result from simply slowed down build-up of selectivity. Instead, our data indicate that increased GABAA receptor activity widens the attentional focus.
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Holmqvist K, Örbom SL, Hooge ITC, Niehorster DC, Alexander RG, Andersson R, Benjamins JS, Blignaut P, Brouwer AM, Chuang LL, Dalrymple KA, Drieghe D, Dunn MJ, Ettinger U, Fiedler S, Foulsham T, van der Geest JN, Hansen DW, Hutton SB, Kasneci E, Kingstone A, Knox PC, Kok EM, Lee H, Lee JY, Leppänen JM, Macknik S, Majaranta P, Martinez-Conde S, Nuthmann A, Nyström M, Orquin JL, Otero-Millan J, Park SY, Popelka S, Proudlock F, Renkewitz F, Roorda A, Schulte-Mecklenbeck M, Sharif B, Shic F, Shovman M, Thomas MG, Venrooij W, Zemblys R, Hessels RS. Eye tracking: empirical foundations for a minimal reporting guideline. Behav Res Methods 2023; 55:364-416. [PMID: 35384605 PMCID: PMC9535040 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01762-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we present a review of how the various aspects of any study using an eye tracker (such as the instrument, methodology, environment, participant, etc.) affect the quality of the recorded eye-tracking data and the obtained eye-movement and gaze measures. We take this review to represent the empirical foundation for reporting guidelines of any study involving an eye tracker. We compare this empirical foundation to five existing reporting guidelines and to a database of 207 published eye-tracking studies. We find that reporting guidelines vary substantially and do not match with actual reporting practices. We end by deriving a minimal, flexible reporting guideline based on empirical research (Section "An empirically based minimal reporting guideline").
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Holmqvist
- Department of Psychology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
- Department of Computer Science and Informatics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
- Department of Psychology, Regensburg University, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Saga Lee Örbom
- Department of Psychology, Regensburg University, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ignace T C Hooge
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Diederick C Niehorster
- Lund University Humanities Lab and Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Robert G Alexander
- Department of Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Jeroen S Benjamins
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Social, Health and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter Blignaut
- Department of Computer Science and Informatics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | | | - Lewis L Chuang
- Department of Ergonomics, Leibniz Institute for Working Environments and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
- Institute of Informatics, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Denis Drieghe
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matt J Dunn
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Susann Fiedler
- Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tom Foulsham
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Essex, UK
| | | | - Dan Witzner Hansen
- Machine Learning Group, Department of Computer Science, IT University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Enkelejda Kasneci
- Human-Computer Interaction, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Paul C Knox
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ellen M Kok
- Department of Education and Pedagogy, Division Education, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Online Learning and Instruction, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Helena Lee
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Joy Yeonjoo Lee
- School of Health Professions Education, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jukka M Leppänen
- Department of Psychology and Speed-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Stephen Macknik
- Department of Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Päivi Majaranta
- TAUCHI Research Center, Computing Sciences, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Susana Martinez-Conde
- Department of Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Antje Nuthmann
- Institute of Psychology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marcus Nyström
- Lund University Humanities Lab, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jacob L Orquin
- Department of Management, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Research in Marketing and Consumer Psychology, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jorge Otero-Millan
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Soon Young Park
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stanislav Popelka
- Department of Geoinformatics, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Frank Proudlock
- The University of Leicester Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Frank Renkewitz
- Department of Psychology, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Austin Roorda
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Bonita Sharif
- School of Computing, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Frederick Shic
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of General Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark Shovman
- Eyeviation Systems, Herzliya, Israel
- Department of Industrial Design, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mervyn G Thomas
- The University of Leicester Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ward Venrooij
- Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Roy S Hessels
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Cerne R, Lippa A, Poe MM, Smith JL, Jin X, Ping X, Golani LK, Cook JM, Witkin JM. GABAkines - Advances in the discovery, development, and commercialization of positive allosteric modulators of GABA A receptors. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108035. [PMID: 34793859 PMCID: PMC9787737 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors or GABAkines have been widely used medicines for over 70 years for anxiety, epilepsy, sleep, and other disorders. Traditional GABAkines like diazepam have safety and tolerability concerns that include sedation, motor-impairment, respiratory depression, tolerance and dependence. Multiple GABAkines have entered clinical development but the issue of side-effects has not been fully solved. The compounds that are presently being developed and commercialized include several neuroactive steroids (an allopregnanolone formulation (brexanolone), an allopregnanolone prodrug (LYT-300), Sage-324, zuranolone, and ganaxolone), the α2/3-preferring GABAkine, KRM-II-81, and the α2/3/5-preferring GABAkine PF-06372865 (darigabat). The neuroactive steroids are in clinical development for post-partum depression, intractable epilepsy, tremor, status epilepticus, and genetic epilepsy disorders. Darigabat is in development for epilepsy and anxiety. The imidazodiazepine, KRM-II-81 is efficacious in animal models for the treatment of epilepsy and post-traumatic epilepsy, acute and chronic pain, as well as anxiety and depression. The efficacy of KRM-II-81 in models of pharmacoresistant epilepsy, preventing the development of seizure sensitization, and in brain tissue of intractable epileptic patients bodes well for improved therapeutics. Medicinal chemistry efforts are also ongoing to identify novel and improved GABAkines. The data document gaps in our understanding of the molecular pharmacology of GABAkines that drive differential pharmacological profiles, but emphasize advancements in the ability to successfully utilize GABAA receptor potentiation for therapeutic gain in neurology and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Cerne
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Arnold Lippa
- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA
| | | | - Jodi L. Smith
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xingjie Ping
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lalit K. Golani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - James M. Cook
- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Witkin
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA,RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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5
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Tomažič T, Čelofiga AK. The Role of Different Behavioral and Psychosocial Factors in the Context of Pharmaceutical Cognitive Enhancers’ Misuse. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10060972. [PMID: 35742024 PMCID: PMC9222761 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10060972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In an effort for better memory, greater motivation, and concentration, otherwise healthy individuals use pharmaceutical cognitive enhancers (PCEs), medicines for the treatment of cognitive deficits of patients with various disorders and health problems, to achieve greater productivity, efficiency, and performance. We examined the use of PCEs among 289 students at the Slovenian Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the behavioral and psychosocial context (students’ attitudes towards study, parents, health, leisure time, and work). Furthermore, we also addressed the immediate reasons, or the hypothesized connections of behavioral and psychosocial aspects, related to PCE misuse. The study consisted of a structured questionnaire, and chi-squared tests were used. An analysis of student statements revealed differences in students’ and parents’ attitudes toward good academic grades. In addition, students chose among 17 values related to relationships with parents, friends, partners, careers, study obligations, leisure, hobbies, material goods, appearance, and the future, and assessed their importance. Regardless of the group they belonged to, young people cited the same values among the most important. Good grades and parental opinions have proven to be key factors in the context of PCE abuse. This research was the first study to examine the relation between PCE misuse and the role of different behavioral and psychosocial factors.
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6
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Faßbender K, Bey K, Lippold JV, Aslan B, Hurlemann R, Ettinger U. GABAergic modulation of performance in response inhibition and interference control tasks. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:1496-1509. [PMID: 34278874 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211032440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibitory control is a crucial executive function with high relevance to mental and physical well-being. However, there are still unanswered questions regarding its neural mechanisms, including the role of the major inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). AIMS This study examined the effects of lorazepam (0.5 mg and 1 mg), a positive allosteric modulator at the GABAA receptor, on response inhibition and interference control. We also explored the heterogeneity of inhibitory control and calculated delta plots to explore whether lorazepam affects the gradual build-up of inhibition and activation over time. METHODS N = 50 healthy participants performed antisaccade, Eriksen flanker and Simon tasks in a within-subjects, placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized design. RESULTS Lorazepam increased reaction time (RT) and error rates dose dependently in all tasks (p ⩽ 0.005). In the antisaccade and Simon tasks, lorazepam increased congruency effects for error rate (p ⩽ 0.029) but not RT (p ⩾ 0.587). In the Eriksen flanker task, both congruency effects were increased by the drug (p ⩽ 0.031). Delta plots did not reflect drug-induced changes in inhibition and activation over time. Delta plots for RT in the Simon task were negative-going, as expected, whereas those for the antisaccade and flanker tasks were positive-going. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for GABAergic involvement in performance on response inhibition and interference control tasks. Furthermore, our findings highlight the diversity of the broader construct of inhibitory control while also pointing out similarities between different inhibitory control tasks. In contrast to RT and error rates, the cognitive processes indexed by delta plots may not be sensitive to GABAergic modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Faßbender
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Bey
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Behrem Aslan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - René Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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7
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Bakker C, van Esdonk MJ, Stuurman R(FE, Borghans LG, de Kam ML, van Gerven JM, Groeneveld GJ. Biperiden Challenge Model in Healthy Elderly as Proof-of-Pharmacology Tool: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61:1466-1478. [PMID: 34021607 PMCID: PMC8596596 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Selective M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonists are being developed as symptomatic treatment for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders that lead to cognitive dysfunction. Demonstrating cognition-enhancing effects in early-phase clinical development in healthy subjects is difficult. A challenge with the M1 mAChR antagonist biperiden could be used to demonstrate procognitive and pharmacological effects of selective M1 mAChR agonists. The aim of this study was to develop such a model. To this end, 12 healthy elderly subjects participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, 3-way crossover study investigating tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of 2 and 4 mg biperiden. Repeated PD assessments were performed using neurocognitive tasks and electrophysiological measurements. A population PK-PD model was developed. Four milligrams of biperiden showed significant impairment of sustained attention (-2.1 percentage point in adaptive tracking [95%CI, -3.043 to -1.148], verbal memory (2-3 fewer words recalled [95%CI, -5.9 to -0.2]) and working memory (up to a 50-millisecond increase in the n-back task reaction time [95%CI, 21.854-77.882]) compared with placebo. The PK data were best fitted by a 2-compartment model and showed high interoccasion and intersubject variability. Population PK-PD analysis quantified significant concentration-effect relationships for the n-back reaction time, n-back accuracy, and adaptive tracking. In conclusion, biperiden caused M1 mAChR-related dose- and concentration-dependent temporary declines in cognitive functioning. Therefore a biperiden pharmacological challenge model can be used for proof-of-pharmacology studies and to demonstrate cognition-enhancing effects of new cholinergic compounds that are being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Bakker
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
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Falcón CR, Hurst NF, Vivinetto AL, López PHH, Zurita A, Gatti G, Cervi L, Monferran CG, Roth GA. Diazepam Impairs Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses and Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:682612. [PMID: 34354703 PMCID: PMC8329586 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently there is increasing attention on the modulatory effects of benzodiazepines on the immune system. Here, we evaluate how Diazepam (DZ) affects both innate and adaptive immunity. We observed that treatment with DZ and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on macrophages or dendritic cells (DCs) induced a defective secretion of IL-12, TNF-α, IL-6 and a lesser expression of classical activation markers as NO production and CD40 in comparison with LPS condition. More importantly, mice pre-treated with DZ and then challenged to LPS induced-septic shock showed reduced death. The DZ treatment shifted the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production of peritoneal cells (PCs) to an anti-inflammatory profile commanded by IL-10. In agreement with this, DZ treatment prevented LPS-induced DC ability to initiate allogeneic Th1 and Th17 responses in vitro when compared with LPS-matured DC. Since these inflammatory responses are the key in the development of the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we treated EAE mice preventively with DZ. Mice that received DZ showed amelioration of clinical signs and immunological parameters of the disease. Additionally, DZ reduced the release of IFN-γ and IL-17 by splenocytes from untreated sick mice in vitro. For this reason, we decided to treat diseased mice therapeutically with DZ when they reached the clinical score of 1. Most importantly, this treatment ameliorated clinical signs, reduced the MOG-specific inflammatory cytokine production and prevented axonal damage. Altogether, these results indicate that DZ is a potent immunomodulator capable of controlling undesired innate and adaptive immune responses, both at the beginning of these responses and also once they have started.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian R Falcón
- Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, UNC-CONICET), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Fernández Hurst
- Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, UNC-CONICET), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Laura Vivinetto
- Instituto de Investigacion Medica Mercedes y Martin Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pablo Héctor Horacio López
- Instituto de Investigacion Medica Mercedes y Martin Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Adolfo Zurita
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Gerardo Gatti
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI, UNC-CONICET), Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.,Fundación para el Progreso de la Medicina, Laboratorio de Investigación en Cáncer, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Laura Cervi
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI, UNC-CONICET), Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Clara G Monferran
- Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, UNC-CONICET), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - German A Roth
- Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, UNC-CONICET), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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9
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[The skin microbiome-useful for diagnosis and therapy?]. Hautarzt 2021; 72:579-585. [PMID: 34115159 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-021-04830-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our skin is a very important and complex organ of the body. The microorganisms of the skin, the so-called microbiome, represent an important part of the healthy skin barrier and are influenced by various external and internal factors. AIM The question to what extent the skin microbiome represents a diagnostic or even therapeutic target in the context of skin diseases is discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was performed. RESULTS Several diseases are associated with negative alterations of the skin microbiome. In atopic dermatitis, a correlation between severity and increased availability of Staphylococcus aureus is known, with a loss of bacterial diversity on the skin. In the future, S. aureus will not only be used as a diagnostic marker in atopic dermatitis, but also represents a promising target as a predictive marker for therapeutic success. The role of the skin microbiome in psoriasis has not yet been researched in depth. However, there is evidence that dysbiosis of the skin microbiome contributes to the course of psoriasis and that there is a disturbance in immune tolerance in patients. In the case of acne, the involvement of Cutibacterium acnes in the clinical picture is well known; however, recent findings show that it is not sufficient to identify the species, but certain characteristics of C. acnes strains are associated. CONCLUSION Microbial biomarkers are currently only established in atopic dermatitis. For other diseases, this might be the case in the future; however combinations of microorganisms, single species and also strains with specific characteristics must be considered.
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10
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Bakker C, Tasker T, Liptrot J, Hart EP, Klaassen ES, Prins S, van der Doef TF, Brown GA, Brown A, Congreve M, Weir M, Marshall FH, Cross DM, Groeneveld GJ, Nathan PJ. First-in-man study to investigate safety, pharmacokinetics and exploratory pharmacodynamics of HTL0018318, a novel M 1 -receptor partial agonist for the treatment of dementias. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:2945-2955. [PMID: 33351971 PMCID: PMC8359307 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS HTL0018318 is a selective M1 receptor partial agonist currently under development for the symptomatic treatment of cognitive and behavioural symptoms in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. We investigated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and exploratory pharmacodynamics (PD) of HTL0018318 following single ascending doses. METHODS This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 40 healthy younger adult and 57 healthy elderly subjects, investigated oral doses of 1-35 mg HTL0018318. Pharmacodynamic assessments were performed using a battery of neurocognitive tasks and electrophysiological measurements. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of HTL0018318 and food effects on pharmacokinetics of HTL0018318 were investigated in an open label and partial cross-over design in 14 healthy subjects. RESULTS Pharmacokinetics of HTL0018318 were well-characterized showing dose proportional increases in exposure from 1-35 mg. Single doses of HTL0018318 were associated with mild dose-related adverse events of low incidence in both younger adult and elderly subjects. The most frequently reported cholinergic AEs included hyperhidrosis and increases in blood pressure up to 10.3 mmHg in younger adults (95% CI [4.2-16.3], 35-mg dose) and up to 11.9 mmHg in elderly subjects (95% CI [4.9-18.9], 15-mg dose). There were no statistically significant effects on cognitive function but the study was not powered to detect small to moderate effect sizes of clinical relevance. CONCLUSION HTL0018318 showed well-characterized pharmacokinetics and following single doses were generally well tolerated in the dose range studied. These provide encouraging data in support of the development for HTL0018318 for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ellen P Hart
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CDHR), Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Samantha Prins
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CDHR), Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CDHR), Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pradeep J Nathan
- Sosei Heptares, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK.,School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia
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11
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Bey K, Lippold JV, Aslan B, Hurlemann R, Ettinger U. Effects of lorazepam on prosaccades and saccadic adaptation. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:91-99. [PMID: 33274663 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120972424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzodiazepines have reliable adverse effects on saccadic eye movements, but the impact of sex as a potential modulator of these effects is less clear. A recent study reported stronger adverse effects on the spatial consistency of saccades in females, which may reflect sex differences in cerebellar mechanisms. AIMS We aimed to further examine the role of sex as a potential modulator of benzodiazepine effects by employing the saccadic adaptation paradigm, which is known to be sensitive to cerebellar functioning. METHODS A total of n=50 healthy adults performed a horizontal step prosaccade task and a saccadic adaptation task under 0.5 mg lorazepam, 1 mg lorazepam and placebo in a double-blind, within-subjects design. RESULTS In the prosaccade task, lorazepam had adverse effects on measures of peak velocity, latency and spatial consistency. The administration of 0.5 mg lorazepam led to significant reductions in gain-decrease adaptation, while a dose of 1 mg did not impair adaptation learning. Gain-increase adaptation was generally less pronounced, and unaffected by the drug. There were no significant drug×sex interactions in either task. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that a low dose of lorazepam impairs gain-decrease adaptation independent of sex. At higher doses, however, increasing fatigue may facilitate adaptation and thus counteract the adverse effects observed at lower doses. With regards to prosaccades, our findings confirm peak velocity as well as latency and spatial measures as sensitive biomarkers of GABAergic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Bey
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Behrem Aslan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - René Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oldenburg, Bad Zwischenahn, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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12
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Takizawa M, Cerneus D, Michon I, Rijnders S, Meijer J, Someya A, Sato Y. Investigation of Safety and Tolerability of ASP3652 Based on Clinical Studies of Cerebrospinal Fluid Transfer After Multiple Doses and Exposure After Single Doses at High Dose Levels. Adv Ther 2020; 37:3967-3984. [PMID: 32715381 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01451-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The studies described here were conducted to investigate the central nervous system (CNS) transfer of ASP3652, a peripherally acting inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase, after multiple doses at around the anticipated therapeutic dose and the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics after single doses at corresponding supratherapeutic doses in healthy subjects. METHODS Study 1 was an open-label multiple dose study in which ASP3652 (300 mg bid) or matching placebo was administered in multiple doses to healthy subjects. Study 2 was a placebo-controlled, randomized 4 × 4 crossover study in which ASP3652 was given as three single ascending doses of ASP3652 (600-1800 mg) or matching placebo to healthy subjects. Levels of ASP3652 and endocannabinoids (eCBs) in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (study 1 only), and safety were evaluated. RESULTS In study 1, ASP3652 was readily absorbed to reach Cmax at 1 h after dosing. AUCtau and Cmax of ASP3652 in CSF were approximately 0.2% and 0.06% of the AUCtau and Cmax in plasma after multiple doses of ASP3652 300 mg bid. At steady state the area under the response-time curve (AURC) from 0 to 12 h and the maximum response for anandamide in plasma were approximately 550-fold and 230-fold higher than those in CSF. In study 2, the Cmax and AUC of ASP3652 increased higher than dose proportionally in subjects receiving 600-1800 mg ASP3652. For eCBs, although the AURC increased less than dose proportionally, maximum plasma levels were comparable across all treatment groups. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar across all treatment groups including the placebo group. There was no evidence of CNS-related side effects. CONCLUSIONS ASP3652 showed low CNS penetration at the anticipated therapeutic dose and was well tolerable without any CNS-related AEs at supratherapeutic doses, supporting that the drug can be safely tested at the anticipated therapeutic dose. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02034734 for study 1, NCT01815684 for study 2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk Cerneus
- Astellas Pharma Europe B. V., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Michon
- Astellas Pharma Europe B. V., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - John Meijer
- Astellas Pharma Europe B. V., Leiden, The Netherlands
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13
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Kruizinga MD, Zuiker RGJA, Sali E, de Kam ML, Doll RJ, Groeneveld GJ, Santen GWE, Cohen AF. Finding Suitable Clinical Endpoints for a Potential Treatment of a Rare Genetic Disease: the Case of ARID1B. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:1300-1310. [PMID: 32462407 PMCID: PMC7609730 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00868-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of reliable, repeatable, and non-invasive clinical endpoints when investigating treatments for intellectual disability (ID). The aim of this study is to explore a novel approach towards developing new endpoints for neurodevelopmental disorders, in this case for ARID1B-related ID. In this study, twelve subjects with ARID1B-related ID and twelve age-matched controls were included in this observational case-control study. Subjects performed a battery of non-invasive neurobehavioral and neurophysiological assessments on two study days. Test domains included cognition, executive functioning, and eye tracking. Furthermore, several electrophysiological assessments were performed. Subjects wore a smartwatch (Withings® Steel HR) for 6 days. Tests were systematically assessed regarding tolerability, variability, repeatability, difference with control group, and correlation with traditional endpoints. Animal fluency, adaptive tracking, body sway, and smooth pursuit eye movements were assessed as fit-for-purpose regarding all criteria, while physical activity, heart rate, and sleep parameters show promise as well. The event-related potential waveform of the passive oddball and visual evoked potential tasks showed discriminatory ability, but EEG assessments were perceived as extremely burdensome. This approach successfully identified fit-for-purpose candidate endpoints for ARID1B-related ID and possibly for other neurodevelopmental disorders. Next, results could be replicated in different ID populations or the assessments could be included as exploratory endpoint in interventional trials in ARID1B-related ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs D Kruizinga
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333 CL, Leiden, the Netherlands.
- Juliana Children's Hospital, HAGA Teaching Hospital, the Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Rob G J A Zuiker
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333 CL, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Elif Sali
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333 CL, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke L de Kam
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333 CL, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J Doll
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333 CL, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333 CL, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs W E Santen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Adam F Cohen
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333 CL, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Differentiating anxiety from fear: an experimental-pharmacological approach. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 3:e6. [PMID: 32596627 PMCID: PMC7303801 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2020.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gray’s theory of personality postulates that fear and anxiety are distinct emotional systems with only the latter being sensitive to anxiolytic drugs. His work was mainly based on animal research, and translational studies validating his theory are scarce. Previous work in humans showed an influence of the benzodiazepine lorazepam on both systems, however, dependent on dosage (1 and 2 mg) and personality differences in negative emotionality. The present study aims to replicate these findings, and in addition tests the drug threshold effect by introducing a lower dosage of 0.5 mg lorazepam. Fifty healthy adults (23 males, agemean 22.40, SD ± 3.68) participated in an experimental threat-avoidance paradigm designed to dissociate risk assessment intensity (RAI, reflecting anxiety) and flight intensity (FI, reflecting fear) and completed two self-report questionnaires assessing facets of negative emotionality (Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Fear Survey Schedule). In a randomized placebo-controlled within-subjects design, 0.5 and 1 mg of lorazepam were applied per os. Saccadic peak velocity was assessed by means of eye-tracking in order to control for sedating drug effects. Results showed the expected and specific anxiolytic effect of lorazepam on RAI, however, only in the 0.5 mg condition. FI was not influenced by lorazepam, and previous findings of interaction effects of lorazepam with self-reported negative emotionality could not be corroborated. Overall, this study demonstrates anxiolytic effects of lorazepam in dosages ≤1 mg in the absence of a drug effect on fear using a translational behavioural task. However, a putative moderating role of personality on defensive behaviour has to be clarified in future research.
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15
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Maramai S, Benchekroun M, Ward SE, Atack JR. Subtype Selective γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor (GABAAR) Modulators Acting at the Benzodiazepine Binding Site: An Update. J Med Chem 2019; 63:3425-3446. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Maramai
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, U.K
| | - Mohamed Benchekroun
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, U.K
- Équipe de Chimie Moléculaire, Laboratoire de Génomique Bioinformatique et Chimie Moléculaire, GBCM, EA7528, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, 2 rue Conté, 75003 Paris, France
| | - Simon E. Ward
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K
| | - John R. Atack
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K
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Abstract
Many physiological and pathological changes in brain function manifest in eye-movement control. As such, assessment of oculomotion is an invaluable part of a clinical examination and affords a non-invasive window on several key aspects of neuronal computation. While oculomotion is often used to detect deficits of the sort associated with vascular or neoplastic events; subtler (e.g. pharmacological) effects on neuronal processing also induce oculomotor changes. We have previously framed oculomotor control as part of active vision, namely, a process of inference comprising two distinct but related challenges. The first is inferring where to look, and the second is inferring how to implement the selected action. In this paper, we draw from recent theoretical work on the neuromodulatory control of active inference. This allows us to simulate the sort of changes we would expect in oculomotor behaviour, following pharmacological enhancement or suppression of key neuromodulators-in terms of deciding where to look and the ensuing trajectory of the eye movement itself. We focus upon the influence of cholinergic and GABAergic agents on the speed of saccades, and consider dopaminergic and noradrenergic effects on more complex, memory-guided, behaviour. In principle, a computational approach to understanding the relationship between pharmacology and oculomotor behaviour affords the opportunity to estimate the influence of a given pharmaceutical upon neuronal function, and to use this to optimise therapeutic interventions on an individual basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Parr
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, 12 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Karl J Friston
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, 12 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
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17
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Chen X, van Gerven J, Cohen A, Jacobs G. Human pharmacology of positive GABA-A subtype-selective receptor modulators for the treatment of anxiety. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:571-582. [PMID: 30518829 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0185-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders arise from disruptions among the highly interconnected circuits that normally serve to process the streams of potentially threatening stimuli. The resulting imbalance among these circuits can cause a fundamental misinterpretation of neural sensory information as threatening and can lead to the inappropriate emotional and behavioral responses observed in anxiety disorders. There is considerable preclinical evidence that the GABAergic system, in general, and its α2- and/or α5-subunit-containing GABA(A) receptor subtypes, in particular, are involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. However, the clinical efficacy of GABA-A α2-selective agonists for the treatment of anxiety disorders has not been unequivocally demonstrated. In this review, we present several human pharmacological studies that have been performed with the aim of identifying the pharmacologically active doses/exposure levels of several GABA-A subtype-selective novel compounds with potential anxiolytic effects. The pharmacological selectivity of novel α2-subtype-selective GABA(A) receptor partial agonists has been demonstrated by their distinct effect profiles on the neurophysiological and neuropsychological measurements that reflect the functions of multiple CNS domains compared with those of benzodiazepines, which are nonselective, full GABA(A) agonists. Normalizing the undesired pharmacodynamic side effects against the desired on-target effects on the saccadic peak velocity is a useful approach for presenting the pharmacological features of GABA(A)-ergic modulators. Moreover, combining the anxiogenic symptom provocation paradigm with validated neurophysiological and neuropsychological biomarkers may provide further construct validity for the clinical effects of novel anxiolytic agents. In addition, the observed drug effects on serum prolactin levels support the use of serum prolactin levels as a complementary neuroendocrine biomarker to further validate the pharmacodynamic measurements used during the clinical pharmacological study of novel anxiolytic agents.
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18
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Baakman AC, Alvarez-Jimenez R, Loewen G, de Kam ML, Broekhuizen K, Hilt DC, Groeneveld GJ. No synergistic effect of subtherapeutic doses of donepezil and EVP-6124 in healthy elderly subjects in a scopolamine challenge model. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2019; 5:89-98. [PMID: 30984817 PMCID: PMC6446049 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Donepezil is a widely used cholinesterase inhibitor in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Despite large-scaled evidence for its efficacy, elevated peripheral ACh levels often lead to side effects and are dose limiting. The present exploratory study is designed to determine the potentiation of the effects of donepezil by cotreatment with EVP-6124, an alpha-7 nicotinic agonist, to reduce scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits in healthy elderly subjects. Secondary objectives are to explore safety and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics effects of EVP-6124 alone and in combination with donepezil compared to placebo. METHODS A phase I randomized, single-center, placebo-controlled, double-blind, five-way, partial crossover study was performed with donepezil 2.5, 5 mg or placebo combined with EVP-6124 0.3, 1, 2, 4 mg or placebo in three cohorts of healthy elderly subjects in a scopolamine (0.3 mg i.v.) challenge test. Safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamics outcomes were assessed. RESULTS A total of 36 subjects completed the study. Donepezil pharmacokinetic parameters were similar with and without EVP-6124. Effective dose combinations were donepezil/EVP-6124(5/2 mg) and donepezil/EVP-6124 (5/0.3 mg) and showed improvements of the delayed recall of the Visual Verbal Learning Test (1.2; CI = 0.1-2.3) and reaction time during the two-back condition of the N-back (-42; CI = -77, -8), respectively. Overall, no marked reversal of scopolamine effects was observed. DISCUSSION This study shows no synergistic effect of subtherapeutic doses of donepezil and EVP-6124 in a scopolamine challenge model in healthy elderly subjects. Dosing of scopolamine and the combination of donepezil and EVP-6124 requires further study.
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An 8-Week, Randomized, Phase 2, Double-Blind, Sequential Parallel-Group Comparison Study of Two Dose Levels of the GABAA Positive Allosteric Modulator PF-06372865 Compared With Placebo as an Adjunctive Treatment in Outpatients With Inadequate Response to Standard of Care for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2019; 39:20-27. [PMID: 30531477 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common psychiatric disorder, but many patients experience only partial relief of symptoms with existing therapies. Benzodiazepines are effective in many cases but are limited by a number of significant adverse effects. PF-06372865 is a subtype-selective gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA)-positive allosteric modulator lacking in functional activity at alpha 1-containing receptors that are believed to mediate many of these adverse effects. METHODS PF-06372865 was evaluated as an adjunct to current GAD treatment in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential parallel comparison study in patients with GAD who showed an incomplete response to current standard-of-care pharmacotherapy. A total of 90 subjects (of the planned 384) were randomized into the study before the decision to terminate the study. Two doses of PF-06372865 (2.5 mg twice daily and 7.5 mg twice daily) were compared with placebo. RESULTS Neither dose of PF-06372865 differentiated from placebo on week 4 Hamilton Anxiety Inventory total (primary end point) or on the Sheehan Disability Scale total score (secondary end point). Adverse events including dizziness, headache, and somnolence were observed, and the 7.5 mg dose demonstrated some impairment on the Digit Symbol Substitution test and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale relative to placebo and the 2.5 mg dose. CONCLUSIONS Factors contributing to the negative results include the limited sample size and failure to explore a broader range of doses.
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Duschek S, Hoffmann A, Montoro CI, Bair A, Reyes Del Paso GA, Ettinger U. Cerebral blood flow modulations during antisaccade preparation in chronic hypotension. Psychophysiology 2018; 56:e13305. [PMID: 30456801 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In addition to symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, reduced drive, or mood disturbance, individuals with chronic low blood pressure (hypotension) frequently report cognitive complaints. While attentional deficits have been empirically confirmed, it is still unknown whether the impairments also encompass executive functions. This study investigated cerebral blood flow modulations in hypotension during a precued antisaccade/prosaccade task requiring the executive function of proactive inhibition in addition to preparatory attention. Using functional transcranial Doppler sonography, bilateral blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries (MCA) were recorded in 39 hypotensive and 40 normotensive participants. In the task, a stimulus appeared left or right of a fixation point 5 s after a cuing stimulus; subjects had to move their gaze to the mirror image position of the stimulus (antisaccade) or toward it (prosaccade control condition). Video-based eye tracking was used for ocular recording. A right dominant MCA blood flow increase arose during task preparation, which was smaller in hypotensive than normotensive participants. In addition, hypotensive participants exhibited lower peak velocity of the saccadic response. The extent of the reductions in blood flow and task performance in hypotension did not differ between antisaccade and prosaccade conditions. The smaller MCA flow increase may reflect reduced activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal and inferior parietal cortices during proactive inhibition and preparatory attention in hypotension. Given that group differences in blood flow and performance arose independent of task complexity and executive function load, hypotension may be characterized by basic attentional impairments rather than particular executive function deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Duschek
- UMIT-University of Health Sciences Medical Informatics and Technology, Institute of Psychology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Alexandra Hoffmann
- UMIT-University of Health Sciences Medical Informatics and Technology, Institute of Psychology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Casandra I Montoro
- UMIT-University of Health Sciences Medical Informatics and Technology, Institute of Psychology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Angela Bair
- UMIT-University of Health Sciences Medical Informatics and Technology, Institute of Psychology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
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Translating Benzodiazepine Utilization Data into Meaningful Population Exposure: Integration of Two Metrics for Improved Reporting. Clin Drug Investig 2018; 38:565-572. [PMID: 29619753 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-018-0648-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Drug utilization research on benzodiazepines remains important for measuring trends in consumption within and across borders over time for the sake of monitoring prescribing patterns and identifying potential population safety concerns. The defined daily dose (DDD) system by the World Health Organization (WHO) remains the internationally accepted standard for measuring drug consumption; however, beyond consumption, DDD-based results are difficult to interpret when individual agents are compared with one another or are pooled into a total class-based estimate. The diazepam milligram equivalent (DME) system provides approximate conversions between benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (i.e. zopiclone, zolpidem, zaleplon) based on their pharmacologic potency. Despite this, conversion of total dispensed benzodiazepine quantities into DME values retains diazepam milligrams as the total unit of measurement, which is also impractical for population-level interpretation. In this paper, we propose the use of an integrated DME-DDD metric to obviate the limitations encountered when the component metrics are used in isolation. Through a case example, we demonstrate significant change in results between the DDD and DME-DDD method. Unlike the DDD method, the integrated DME-DDD metric offers estimation of population pharmacologic exposure, and enables superior interpretation of drug utilization results, especially for drug class summary reporting.
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Bach DR, Korn CW, Vunder J, Bantel A. Effect of valproate and pregabalin on human anxiety-like behaviour in a randomised controlled trial. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:157. [PMID: 30115911 PMCID: PMC6095858 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0206-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproate is an anticonvulsant drug with strong preclinical evidence for reducing anxiety behaviour in rodents but no clear clinical evidence. To motivate clinical trials, we here investigate the use of valproate in a translational human model of anxiety behaviour. In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, n = 118 healthy participants played a previously validated approach/avoidance conflict computer game to measure anxiety-like behaviour, while under 400 mg valproate, under 200 mg of the established anxiolytic/anticonvulsant pregabalin, or under placebo. Saccadic peak velocity and subjective ratings were assessed to control for drug-induced sedation. Compared to placebo, valproate and pregabaline were anxiolytic in the primary outcome, and several secondary outcomes. Bayesian model comparison decisively demonstrated no differences between the two drugs. Subjective and objective sedation was significantly more pronounced under pregabalin than valproate, but did not explain anxiolytic effects. We demonstrate acute anxiolytic properties of valproate in healthy humans. Both drugs have similar anxiolytic properties at the doses used. Valproate is less sedative than pregabalin. Our results suggest clinical trials on the use of valproate in anxiolytic treatment. More generally, we propose a strategy of screening drugs in human preclinical models that can directly be compared across species, such as the approach/avoidance conflict computer game used here. This approach could thus facilitate translational anxiety research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik R. Bach
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Clinical Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland ,0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland ,0000000121901201grid.83440.3bWellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging and Max Planck-UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, University College London, London, WC1 3BG UK
| | - Christoph W. Korn
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Clinical Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland ,0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland ,0000 0001 2180 3484grid.13648.38Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Vunder
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Clinical Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland ,0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonia Bantel
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Clinical Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland ,0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Niemeyer-van der Kolk T, van der Wall HEC, Balmforth C, Van Doorn MBA, Rissmann R. A systematic literature review of the human skin microbiome as biomarker for dermatological drug development. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 84:2178-2193. [PMID: 29877593 PMCID: PMC6138488 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To explore the potential of the skin microbiome as biomarker in six dermatological conditions: atopic dermatitis (AD), acne vulgaris (AV), psoriasis vulgaris (PV), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), seborrhoeic dermatitis/pityriasis capitis (SD/PC) and ulcus cruris (UC). METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Two investigators independently reviewed the included studies and ranked the suitability microbiome implementation for early phase clinical studies in an adapted GRADE method. RESULTS In total, 841 papers were identified and after screening of titles and abstracts for eligibility we identified 42 manuscripts that could be included in the review. Eleven studies were included for AD, five for AV, 10 for PV, two for HS, four for SD and 10 for UC. For AD and AV, multiple studies report the relationship between the skin microbiome, disease severity and clinical response to treatment. This is currently lacking for the remaining conditions. CONCLUSION For two indications - AD and AV - there is preliminary evidence to support implementation of the skin microbiome as biomarkers in early phase clinical trials. For PV, UC, SD and HS there is insufficient evidence from the literature. More microbiome-directed prospective studies studying the effect of current treatments on the microbiome with special attention for patient meta-data, sampling methods and analysis methods are needed to draw more substantial conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Niemeyer-van der Kolk
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Dermatology Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - C Balmforth
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M B A Van Doorn
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Dermatology Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R Rissmann
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
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24
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Ettinger U, Meyhöfer I, Mehta MA, Kumari V, Corr PJ, Williams SC, Perkins AM. Effects of lorazepam on saccadic eye movements: the role of sex, task characteristics and baseline traits. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 32:678-690. [PMID: 29783905 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118772450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saccadic eye movements are controlled by a network of parietal, frontal, striatal, cerebellar and brainstem regions. The saccadic peak velocity is an established biomarker of benzodiazepine effects, with benzodiazepines reliably reducing the peak velocity. AIMS In this study, we aimed to replicate the effects of benzodiazepines on peak velocity and we investigated effects on previously less studied measures of saccades. We also explored the roles of sex, task characteristics and the baseline variables age, intelligence and trait anxiety in these effects. METHOD Healthy adults ( N = 34) performed a horizontal step prosaccade task under 1 mg lorazepam, 2 mg lorazepam and placebo in a double-blind, within-subjects design. RESULTS We replicated the dose-dependent reduction in peak velocity with lorazepam and showed that this effect is stronger for saccades to targets at smaller eccentricities. We also demonstrated that this effect is independent of sex and other baseline variables. Lorazepam effects were widespread, however, occurring on mean and variability measures of most saccadic variables. Additionally, there were sex-dependent lorazepam effects on spatial consistency of saccades, indicating more adverse effects in females. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that saccadic peak velocity is a sensitive and robust biomarker of benzodiazepine effects. However, lorazepam has pronounced effects also on other parameters of horizontal saccades. Sex-dependent drug effects on spatial consistency may reflect cerebellar mechanisms, given the role of the cerebellum in saccadic spatial accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inga Meyhöfer
- 1 Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Mitul A Mehta
- 2 Department of Neuroimaging, King's College London, UK
| | - Veena Kumari
- 3 Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Philip J Corr
- 4 Department of Psychology, City University of London, UK
| | | | - Adam M Perkins
- 5 Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, UK
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25
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Bixo M, Johansson M, Timby E, Michalski L, Bäckström T. Effects of GABA active steroids in the female brain with a focus on the premenstrual dysphoric disorder. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 29072794 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) afflicts 3%-5% of women of childbearing age, and is characterised by recurrent negative mood symptoms (eg, irritability, depression, anxiety and emotional lability) during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The aetiology of PMDD is unknown, although a temporal association with circulating ovarian steroids, in particular progesterone and its metabolite allopregnanolone, has been established during the luteal phase. Allopregnanolone is a positive modulator of the GABAA receptor: it is sedative in high concentrations but may precipitate paradoxical adverse effects on mood at levels corresponding to luteal phase concentrations in susceptible women. Saccadic eye velocity (SEV) is a measure of GABAA receptor sensitivity; in experimental studies of healthy women, i.v. allopregnanolone decreases SEV. Women with PMDD display an altered sensitivity to an i.v. injection of allopregnanolone compared to healthy controls in this model. In functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, women with PMDD react differently to emotional stimuli in contrast to controls. A consistent finding in PMDD patients is increased amygdala reactivity during the luteal phase. Post-mortem studies in humans have revealed that allopregnanolone concentrations vary across different brain regions, although mean levels in the brain also reflect variations in peripheral serum concentrations. The amygdala processes emotions such as anxiety and aggression. This is interesting because allopregnanolone is detected at high concentrations within the region into which marked increases in blood flow are measured with fMRI following progesterone/allopregnanolone administration. Allopregnanolone effects are antagonised by its isomer isoallopregnanolone (UC1010), which significantly reduces negative mood symptoms in women with PMDD when administered s.c. in the premenstrual phase. This was shown in a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which the primary outcome was change in symptom scoring on the Daily Rating of Severity of Problems (DRSP): the treatment reduced negative mood scores (P < .005), as well as total DRSP scores (P < .01), compared to placebo in women with PMDD. In conclusion, the underlying studies of this review provide evidence that allopregnanolone is the provoking factor behind the negative mood symptoms in PMDD and that isoallopregnanolone could ameliorate the symptoms as a result of its ability to antagonise the allopregnanolone effect on the GABAA receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bixo
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Johansson
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - E Timby
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - L Michalski
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - T Bäckström
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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26
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Nickolls SA, Gurrell R, van Amerongen G, Kammonen J, Cao L, Brown AR, Stead C, Mead A, Watson C, Hsu C, Owen RM, Pike A, Fish RL, Chen L, Qiu R, Morris ED, Feng G, Whitlock M, Gorman D, van Gerven J, Reynolds DS, Dua P, Butt RP. Pharmacology in translation: the preclinical and early clinical profile of the novel α2/3 functionally selective GABA A receptor positive allosteric modulator PF-06372865. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:708-725. [PMID: 29214652 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Benzodiazepines, non-selective positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors, have significant side effects that limit their clinical utility. As many of these side effects are mediated by the α1 subunit, there has been a concerted effort to develop α2/3 subtype-selective PAMs. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In vitro screening assays were used to identify molecules with functional selectivity for receptors containing α2/3 subunits over those containing α1 subunits. In vivo receptor occupancy (RO) was conducted, prior to confirmation of in vivo α2/3 and α1 pharmacology through quantitative EEG (qEEG) beta frequency and zolpidem drug discrimination in rats respectively. PF-06372865 was then progressed to Phase 1 clinical trials. KEY RESULTS PF-06372865 exhibited functional selectivity for those receptors containing α2/3/5 subunits, with significant positive allosteric modulation (90-140%) but negligible activity (≤20%) at GABAA receptors containing α1 subunits. PF-06372865 exhibited concentration-dependent occupancy of GABAA receptors in preclinical species. There was an occupancy-dependent increase in qEEG beta frequency and no generalization to a GABAA α1 cue in the drug-discrimination assay, clearly demonstrating the lack of modulation at the GABAA receptors containing an α1 subtype. In a Phase 1 single ascending dose study in healthy volunteers, evaluation of the pharmacodynamics of PF-06372865 demonstrated a robust increase in saccadic peak velocity (a marker of α2/3 pharmacology), increases in beta frequency qEEG and a slight saturating increase in body sway. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS PF-06372865 has a unique clinical pharmacology profile and a highly predictive translational data package from preclinical species to the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Nickolls
- Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, UK.,GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andy Mead
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA.,Drug Safety & Metabolism, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christine Watson
- Department of Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Sandwich Laboratories, Sandwich, Kent, UK
| | - Cathleen Hsu
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Laigao Chen
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Ruolun Qiu
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Evan D Morris
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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27
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Puri S, Shaikh AG. Basic and translational neuro-ophthalmology of visually guided saccades: disorders of velocity. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2017; 12:457-473. [PMID: 30774705 PMCID: PMC6377082 DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2017.1395695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Saccades are rapid, yoked eye movements in an effort to direct a target over fovea. The complex circuitry of saccadic eye movements has been exhaustively described. As a result clinicians can elegantly localize the pathology if it falls on the neuraxis responsible for saccades. Traditionally saccades are studied with their quantitative characteristics such as amplitude, velocity, duration, direction, latency and accuracy. AREAS COVERED Amongst all subtypes, the physiology of the visually guided saccades is most extensively studied. Here we will review the basic and pertinent neuro-anatomy and physiology of visually guided saccade and then discuss common or classic disorders affecting the velocity of visually guided saccades. We will then discuss the basic mechanism for saccade slowing in these disorders. EXPERT COMMENTARY Prompt appreciation of disorders of saccade velocity is critical to reach appropriate diagnosis. Disorders of midbrain, cerebellum, or basal ganglia can lead to prolonged transition time during gaze shift and decreased saccade velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushant Puri
- Dept. of Neurology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Aasef G. Shaikh
- Dept. of Neurology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Daroff-DelOsso Ocular Motility Laboratory, Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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28
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van der Kolk T, Rissmann R. Reply to correspondence 'Topical ionic contra-viral therapy comprised of digoxin and furosemide as a potential novel treatment approach for common warts '. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2017; 32:e156. [PMID: 29057503 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - R Rissmann
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
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29
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Baakman AC, Alvarez‐Jimenez R, Rissmann R, Klaassen ES, Stevens J, Goulooze SC, den Burger JCG, Swart EL, van Gerven JMA, Groeneveld GJ. An anti-nicotinic cognitive challenge model using mecamylamine in comparison with the anti-muscarinic cognitive challenge using scopolamine. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:1676-1687. [PMID: 28217868 PMCID: PMC5510063 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist scopolamine is often used for proof-of-pharmacology studies with pro-cognitive compounds. From a pharmacological point of view, it would seem more rational to use a nicotinic rather than a muscarinic anticholinergic challenge to prove pharmacology of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. This study aims to characterize a nicotinic anticholinergic challenge model using mecamylamine and to compare it to the scopolamine model. METHODS In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-way cross-over trial, 12 healthy male subjects received oral mecamylamine 10 and 20 mg, intravenous scopolamine 0.5 mg and placebo. Pharmacokinetics were analysed using non-compartmental analysis. Pharmacodynamic effects were measured with a multidimensional test battery that includes neurophysiological, subjective, (visuo)motor and cognitive measurements. RESULTS All treatments were safe and well tolerated. Mecamylamine had a tmax of 2.5 h and a Cmax of 64.5 ng ml-1 for the 20 mg dose. Mecamylamine had a dose-dependent effect decreasing the adaptive tracking performance and VAS alertness, and increasing the finger tapping and visual verbal learning task performance time and errors. Scopolamine significantly affected almost all pharmacodynamic tests. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that mecamylamine causes nicotinic receptor specific temporary decline in cognitive functioning. Compared with the scopolamine model, pharmacodynamic effects were less pronounced at the dose levels tested; however, mecamylamine caused less sedation. The cognitive effects of scopolamine might at least partly be caused by sedation. Whether the mecamylamine model can be used for proof-of-pharmacology of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeroen C. G. den Burger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and PharmacyVU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Eleonora L. Swart
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and PharmacyVU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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30
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Frölich MA, Banks C, Ness TJ. The Effect of Sedation on Cortical Activation: A Randomized Study Comparing the Effects of Sedation With Midazolam, Propofol, and Dexmedetomidine on Auditory Processing. Anesth Analg 2017; 124:1603-1610. [PMID: 28333707 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000002021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Every day, millions of people undergo surgical procedures facilitated by anesthesia. Yet, there is no clinically accepted measure to predict the effects of sedation or anesthesia on the central nervous system. Auditory brain activation may provide an objective and quantifiable method to measure of the effects of sedation on neuronal processing. METHODS This is a randomized clinical trial. Forty-eight healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 sedative drugs (midazolam [n = 11], propofol [n = 12], or dexmedetomidine [n = 12]) at a concentration adjusted to achieve mild sedation by self-rating, or to a no-drug control group (n = 13). Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while listening to music in a 5-minute block design experiment. We tested the hypothesis that mild sedation changes the magnitude or extent of cortical activation of an auditory stimulus. RESULTS We observed a significant reduction in auditory activation in both the dexmedetomidine (P = .001) and midazolam (P = .029) but not the propofol group (P = .619) when compared with saline control. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that, compared with saline control, there is a significant reduction of brain activation in the auditory cortex in response to midazolam and dexmedetomidine but not propofol when given at mildly sedative doses. This method serves as a novel approach to quantify the effects of sedative agents in an objective fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Frölich
- From the *Department of Anesthesiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama; and †Emory Health Care System, Atlanta, Georgia
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31
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Bixo M, Ekberg K, Poromaa IS, Hirschberg AL, Jonasson AF, Andréen L, Timby E, Wulff M, Ehrenborg A, Bäckström T. Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder with the GABA A receptor modulating steroid antagonist Sepranolone (UC1010)-A randomized controlled trial. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 80:46-55. [PMID: 28319848 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Allopregnanolone is a metabolite from progesterone and a positive modulator of the GABAA receptor. This endogenous steroid may induce negative mood in sensitive women when present in serum levels comparable to the premenstrual phase. Its endogenous isomer, isoallopregnanolone, has been shown to antagonize allopregnanolone effects in experimental animal and human models. OBJECTIVE The objective was to test whether inhibition of allopregnanolone by treatment with the GABAA modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA) Sepranolone (UC1010) during the premenstrual phase could reduce symptoms of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The pharmacokinetic parameters of UC1010 when given as a subcutaneous injection were measured in healthy women prior to the study in women with PMDD. DESIGN This was an explorative randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. SETTING Swedish multicentre study with 10 centers. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 26 healthy women in a pharmacokinetic phase I study part, and 126 women with PMDD in a phase II study part. Diagnosis followed the criteria for PMDD in DSM-5 using Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) and Endicott's algorithm. INTERVENTION Subjects were randomized to treatment with UC1010 (10 or 16mg) subcutaneously every second day during the luteal phase or placebo during one menstrual cycle. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was the sum of all 21 items in DRSP (Total DRSP score). Secondary outcomes were Negative mood score i.e. the ratings of the 4 key symptoms in PMDD (anger/irritability, depression, anxiety and lability) and impairment (impact on daily life). RESULTS 26 healthy women completed the pharmacokinetic phase I study and the dosing in the following trial was adjusted according to the results. 106 of the 126 women completed the phase II study. Within this group, a significant treatment effect with UC1010 compared to placebo was obtained for the Total DRSP score (p=0.041) and borderline significance (p=0.051) for the sum of Negative mood score. Nineteen participants however showed symptoms during the follicular phase that might be signs of an underlying other conditions, and 27 participants had not received the medication as intended during the symptomatic phase. Hence, to secure that the significant result described above was not due to chance, a post hoc sub-group analysis was performed, including only women with pure PMDD who completed the trial as intended (n=60). In this group UC1010 reduced Total DRSP scores by 75% compared with 47% following placebo; the effect size 0.7 (p=0.006), and for sum of Negative mood score (p=0.003) and impairment (p=0.010) with the effect size 0.6. No severe adverse events were reported during the treatment and safety parameters (vital signs and blood chemistry) remained normal during the study. CONCLUSIONS This explorative study indicates promising results for UC1010 as a potential treatment for PMDD. The effect size was comparable to that of SSRIs and drospirenone containing oral contraceptives. UC1010 was well tolerated and deemed safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bixo
- Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Karin Ekberg
- Asarina Pharma AB, Fogdevreten 2, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aino Fianu Jonasson
- Kvinnoforskningsenheten, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 46 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lotta Andréen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sundsvall Hospital, SE-851 86 Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Erika Timby
- Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marianne Wulff
- Slottsstadens Läkarhus Malmö, Fågelbacksgatan 11, SE-217 44 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Agneta Ehrenborg
- Specialistläkarna Kungsbacka (Qvinnolivet), Södra Torggatan 18, SE-434 30 Kungsbacka, Sweden
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32
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Chen X, Broeyer F, de Kam M, Baas J, Cohen A, van Gerven J. Pharmacodynamic response profiles of anxiolytic and sedative drugs. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:1028-1038. [PMID: 27922194 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Centrally-acting acutely anxiolytic drugs, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates and gabapentinoids, affect various central nervous system (CNS) functions, which reflects not only their anxiolytic effects but also neuropsychological side-effects. To validate the pharmacodynamic biomarkers for GABA-ergic anxiolytics, this study determined the pharmacodynamics of two anxiolytics and a nonanxiolytic control, and linked them to their anxiolytic and sedative effects, during an anxiety-challenge study day. METHODS Twenty healthy volunteers were randomized in this placebo-controlled, double-blind, four-way cross-over study with single-dose alprazolam (1 mg), diphenhydramine (50 mg), pregabalin (200 mg) or placebo. The Neurocart was used between repeated fear-potentiated startle assessments. Thus, the potential influence of anxiety on CNS pharmacodynamic markers could be examined. RESULTS Compared to placebo, VAScalmness increased with alprazolam (2.0 mm) and pregabalin (2.5 mm) but not with diphenhydramine. Saccadic peak velocity (SPV) declined after alprazolam (-57 ° s-1 ) and pregabalin (-28 ° s-1 ), more than with diphenhydramine (-14 ° s-1 ); so did smooth pursuit. The average responses of SPV and smooth pursuit were significantly correlated with the drug-induced increases in VAScalmness . The SPV-relative responses of VASalertness , body-sway and adaptive-tracking also differed among alprazolam, pregabalin and diphenhydramine. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the antihistaminergic sedative diphenhydramine, alprazolam and pregabalin caused larger SPV reduction, which was correlated with simultaneous improvement of subjective calmness, during a study day in which anxiety was stimulated repeatedly. The different effect profiles of the three drugs are in line with their pharmacological distinctions. These findings corroborate the profiling of CNS effects to demonstrate pharmacological selectivity, and further support SPV as biomarker for anxiolysis involving GABA-ergic neurons. The study also supports the use of prolonged mild threat to demonstrate anxiolytic effects in healthy volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Chen
- Phase I Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100032, China.,Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Joke Baas
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Adam Cohen
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
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33
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Alvarez-Jimenez R, Baakman AC, Stevens J, Goulooze SC, Hart EP, Rissmann R, van Gerven JM, Groeneveld GJ. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral mecamylamine - development of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist cognitive challenge test using modelling and simulation. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:192-203. [PMID: 27927703 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116681417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A pharmacologic challenge model with a nicotinic antagonist could be an important tool not only to understand the complex role of the nicotinic cholinergic system in cognition, but also to develop novel compounds acting on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The objective was to develop a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model using nonlinear mixed effects (NLME) methods to quantitate the pharmacokinetics of three oral mecamylamine doses (10, 20 and 30 mg) and correlate the plasma concentrations to the pharmacodynamic effects on a cognitive and neurophysiologic battery of tests in healthy subjects. A one-compartment linear kinetic model best described the plasma concentrations of mecamylamine. Mecamylamine's estimated clearance was 0.28 ± 0.015 L min-1. The peripheral volume of distribution (291 ± 5.15 L) was directly related to total body weight. Mecamylamine impaired the accuracy and increased the reaction time in tests evaluating short term working memory with a steep increase in the concentration-effect relationship at plasma concentrations below 100 μg L-1. On the other hand, mecamylamine induced a decrease in performance of tests evaluating visual and fine motor coordination at higher plasma concentrations (EC50 97 μg L-1). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased exponentially after a plasma mecamylamine concentration of 80 μg L-1, a known effect previously poorly studied in healthy subjects. The developed mecamylamine PKPD model was used to quantify the effects of nicotinic blockade in a set of neurophysiological tests in humans with the goal to provide insight into the physiology and pharmacology of the nicotinic system in humans and the possibility to optimize future trials that use mecamylamine as a pharmacological challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jasper Stevens
- 1 Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan C Goulooze
- 1 Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,2 Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen P Hart
- 1 Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joop Ma van Gerven
- 1 Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,3 Neurology Department, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- 1 Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands.,4 Neurology Department, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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34
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Schrier L, Zuiker R, Merkus FWHM, Klaassen ES, Guan Z, Tuk B, van Gerven JMA, van der Geest R, Groeneveld GJ. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a new highly concentrated intranasal midazolam formulation for conscious sedation. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2016; 83:721-731. [PMID: 27780297 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, nasal tolerance and effects on sedation of a highly concentrated aqueous intranasal midazolam formulation (Nazolam) and to compare these to intravenous midazolam. METHODS In this four-way crossover, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 16 subjects received 2.5 mg Nazolam, 5.0 mg Nazolam, 2.5 mg intravenous midazolam or placebo on different occasions. Pharmacokinetics of midazolam and α-hydroxy-midazolam were characterized and related to outcome variables for sedation (saccadic peak velocity, the Bond and Lader visual analogue scale for sedation, the simple reaction time task and the observer's assessment of alertness/sedation). Nasal tolerance was evaluated through subject reporting, and ear, nose and throat examination. RESULTS Nazolam bioavailability was 75%. Maximal plasma concentrations of 31 ng ml-1 (CV, 42.3%) were reached after 11 min (2.5 mg Nazolam), and of 66 ng ml-1 (coefficient of variability, 31.5%) after 14 min (5.0 mg Nazolam). Nazolam displayed a significant effect on OAA/S scores. Sedation onset (based on SPV change) occurred 1 ± 0.7 min after administration of 2.5 mg intravenous midazolam, 7 ± 4.4 min after 2.5 mg Nazolam, and 4 ± 1.8 min after 5 mg Nazolam. Sedation duration was 118 ± 95.6 min for 2.5 mg intravenous midazolam, 76 ± 80.4 min for 2.5 mg Nazolam, and 145 ± 104.9 min for 5.0 mg Nazolam. Nazolam did not lead to nasal mucosa damage. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the nasal tolerance, safety and efficacy of Nazolam. When considering the preparation time needed for obtaining venous access, conscious sedation can be achieved in the same time span as needed for intravenous midazolam. Nazolam may offer important advantages in conscious sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenneke Schrier
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Zuiker
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Zheng Guan
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bert Tuk
- TCIM B.V., Willemstad, The Netherlands
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Johansson M, Strömberg J, Ragagnin G, Doverskog M, Bäckström T. GABAA receptor modulating steroid antagonists (GAMSA) are functional in vivo. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:98-105. [PMID: 26523675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
GABAA receptor modulating steroid antagonists (GAMSA) selectively inhibit neurosteroid-mediated enhancement of GABA-evoked currents at the GABAA receptor. 3α-hydroxy-neurosteroids, notably allopregnanolone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC), potentiate GABAA receptor-mediated currents. On the contrary, various 3β-hydroxy-steroids antagonize this positive neurosteroid-mediated modulation. Importantly, GAMSAs are specific antagonists of the positive neurosteroid-modulation of the receptor and do not inhibit GABA-evoked currents. Allopregnanolone and THDOC have both negative and positive actions. Allopregnanolone can impair encoding/consolidation and retrieval of memories. Chronic administration of a physiological allopregnanolone concentration reduces cognition in mice models of Alzheimer's disease. In humans an allopregnanolone challenge impairs episodic memory and in hepatic encephalopathy cognitive deficits are accompanied by increased brain ammonia and allopregnanolone. Hippocampal slices react in vitro to ammonia by allopregnanolone synthesis in CA1 neurons, which blocks long-term potentiation (LTP). Thus, allopregnanolone may impair learning and memory by interfering with hippocampal LTP. Contrary, pharmacological treatment with allopregnanolone can promote neurogenesis and positively influence learning and memory of trace eye-blink conditioning in mice. In rat the GAMSA UC1011 inhibits an allopregnanolone-induced learning impairment and the GAMSA GR3027 restores learning and motor coordination in rats with hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, the GAMSA isoallopregnanolone antagonizes allopregnanolone-induced anesthesia in rats, and in humans it antagonizes allopregnanolone-induced sedation and reductions in saccadic eye velocity. 17PA is also an effective GAMSA in vivo, as it antagonizes allopregnanolone-induced anesthesia and spinal analgesia in rats. In vitro the allopregnanolone/THDOC-increased GABA-mediated GABAA receptor activity is antagonized by isoallopregnanolone, UC1011, GR3027 and 17PA, while the effect of GABA itself is not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Johansson
- Umeå Neurosteroid research center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Building 6M, 4th floor at NUS, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden; Umecrine Cognition AB, Sweden.
| | - Jessica Strömberg
- Umeå Neurosteroid research center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Building 6M, 4th floor at NUS, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gianna Ragagnin
- Umeå Neurosteroid research center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Building 6M, 4th floor at NUS, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Umeå Neurosteroid research center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Building 6M, 4th floor at NUS, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
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Groeneveld GJ, Hay JL, Van Gerven JM. Measuring blood-brain barrier penetration using the NeuroCart, a CNS test battery. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2016; 20:27-34. [PMID: 27986220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To systematically study the pharmacodynamics of a CNS drug early in the development process, we developed and validated a battery of drug-sensitive CNS tests, which we call NeuroCart. Using this test battery, data-intensive phase 1 studies in healthy subjects can be performed to demonstrate the specific, time- and dose-dependent, neurophysiological and/or neuropsychological effects of a compound, thereby confirming whether the test compound reaches its intended target in the CNS - or does not reach its intended target. We use this test battery to demonstrate that a compound passes the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin Luke Hay
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333CL Leiden, The Netherlands
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Zuiker RGJA, Chen X, Østerberg O, Mirza NR, Muglia P, de Kam M, Klaassen ES, van Gerven JMA. NS11821, a partial subtype-selective GABAA agonist, elicits selective effects on the central nervous system in randomized controlled trial with healthy subjects. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:253-62. [PMID: 26655084 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115620435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
NS11821 is a partial GABAA agonist with relatively dominant α2,3 and α5 subtype efficacy but negligible α1 agonism. This first-in-human study was performed in healthy male subjects using a single-dose, parallel, double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, dose-escalation study design. In total six cohorts (N=48) were enrolled. The eight subjects of each cohort received NS11821 (10 mg, 30 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg or 600 mg) or placebo in a 6:2 ratio. At low dose levels, NS11821 had a relatively low exposure and a more-than-proportional increase of the area under the curve and maximum plasma concentrations, probably due to poor solubility. Saccadic peak velocity decreased in a dose-related manner while limited impairments were seen on body sway and the visual analogue scale for alertness. The most common adverse events were somnolence and dizziness, which were more prominent with the higher doses. Although no positive control was used in this study, the results were compared post hoc with a Centre for Human Drug Research dataset for lorazepam 2 mg. The maximum saccadic peak velocity effects seemed comparable to the typical effects of lorazepam, whereas the other central nervous system effects were smaller. These results support the pharmacological selectivity of NS11821 and show that pharmacodynamic effective doses of NS11821 were safe and well tolerated in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xia Chen
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, the Netherlands Clinical Pharmacological Research Centre (CPRC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | | | | | | | - Marieke de Kam
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, the Netherlands
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Baakman AC, 't Hart E, Kay DG, Stevens J, Klaassen ES, Maelicke A, Groeneveld GJ. First in human study with a prodrug of galantamine: Improved benefit-risk ratio? ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2016; 2:13-22. [PMID: 29067291 PMCID: PMC5644278 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gln-1062 (Memogain) is a pharmacologically inactive prodrug of galantamine. Owing to its lipophilic nature, it preferentially enters the brain, where it is cleaved into active galantamine. Gln-1062 is expected to have fewer peripheral side effects than other cholinesterase inhibitors, with improved effectiveness. METHODS This was a double-blind, comparator and placebo-controlled, sequential cohort, single ascending dose study in 58 healthy subjects with Gln-1062 in doses of 5.5, 11, 22, 33, and 44 mg, compared with oral galantamine 16 mg and donepezil 10 mg. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics were assessed. RESULTS Gln-1062 doses up to 33 mg were well tolerated and induced a dose-dependent increase in the plasma concentrations of Gln-1062 and galantamine. Gln-1062 had a dose-dependent positive effect on verbal memory and attention, mainly in the first hours after drug administration. DISCUSSION Gln-1062 was better tolerated than galantamine in doses with the same molarity and led to improved effects in cognitive tests. This is most likely caused by the more favorable distribution ratio between peripheral and central cholinesterase inhibition. These results give reason for further exploration of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen 't Hart
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Denis G. Kay
- Neurodyn Life Sciences, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | | | | | - Alfred Maelicke
- Neurodyn Life Sciences, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Galantos Pharma, Nieder-Olm, Germany
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Fuhl A, Müller-Dahlhaus F, Lücke C, Toennes SW, Ziemann U. Low Doses of Ethanol Enhance LTD-like Plasticity in Human Motor Cortex. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2969-80. [PMID: 26038159 PMCID: PMC4864632 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Humans liberally use ethanol for its facilitating effects on social interactions but its effects on central nervous system function remain underexplored. We have recently described that very low doses of ethanol abolish long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity in human cortex, most likely through enhancement of tonic inhibition [Lücke et al, 2014, Neuropsychopharmacology 39:1508-18]. Here, we studied the effects of low-dose ethanol on long-term depression (LTD)-like plasticity. LTD-like plasticity was induced in human motor cortex by paired associative transcranial magnetic stimulation (PASLTD), and measured as decreases of motor evoked potential input-output curve (IO-curve). In addition, sedation was measured by decreases in saccade peak velocity (SPV). Ethanol in two low doses (EtOH<10mM, EtOH<20mM) was compared to single oral doses of alprazolam (APZ, 1mg) a classical benzodiazepine, and zolpidem (ZLP, 10 mg), a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, in a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled crossover design in ten healthy human subjects. EtOH<10mM and EtOH<20mM but not APZ or ZLP enhanced the PASLTD-induced LTD-like plasticity, while APZ and ZLP but not EtOH<10mM or EtOH<20mM decreased SPV. Non-sedating low doses of ethanol, easily reached during social drinking, enhance LTD-like plasticity in human cortex. This effect is most likely explained by the activation of extrasynaptic α4-subunit containing gamma-aminobutyric type A receptors by low-dose EtOH, resulting in increased tonic inhibition. Findings may stimulate cellular research on the role of tonic inhibition in regulating excitability and plasticity of cortical neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fuhl
- Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Florian Müller-Dahlhaus
- Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Department of Neurology & Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Caroline Lücke
- Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan W Toennes
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Department of Neurology & Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany,Department of Neurology & Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, Tübingen, D-72076, Germany, Tel: +49 7071 2982049, Fax: +49 7071 295260, E-mail:
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Chen X, Jacobs G, de Kam M, Jaeger J, Lappalainen J, Maruff P, Smith MA, Cross AJ, Cohen A, van Gerven J. The central nervous system effects of the partial GABA-Aα2,3 -selective receptor modulator AZD7325 in comparison with lorazepam in healthy males. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 78:1298-314. [PMID: 24802722 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS AZD7325 is a novel α2,3 -subtype-selective partial GABA-A-receptor modulator. This study investigated the pharmacodynamics of single oral doses of AZD7325 2 mg and 10 mg on the central nervous system (CNS) compared with placebo and lorazepam 2 mg. METHODS This double-blind, randomized, four way crossover study enrolled 16 healthy males and administered two validated CNS test batteries to measure drug effects on cognitive, neurophysiologic and psychomotor function and subjective feelings. The pharmacological selectivity of AZD7325 was compared with lorazepam by plotting saccadic peak velocity change from baseline (ΔSPV) against body sway (ΔSway) and visual analogue scale for alertness(ΔVASalertness ). This analysis has previously been used to identify α2,3 -subtype-selectivity. RESULTS In contrast with the robust impairment caused by lorazepam (all P < 0.05 vs. placebo), neither dose of AZD7325 induced statistically significant effects on any pharmacodynamic measurements. Lorazepam-induced SPV-reduction was linearly related to changes in other neurophysiologic biomarkers. In contrast, the slopes of the regression lines were flatter for AZD7325, particularly for the Δlog(Sway) -ΔSPV relation (estimate slope, AZD7325 10 mg vs. lorazepam, difference [95% confidence interval], P value -0.00036 vs. -0.00206, 0.001704 [0.000639, 0.002768], P = 0.0018) and the ΔVASalertness -ΔSPV relationship (0.01855 vs. 0.08216, -0.06360 [-0.1046, -0.02257], P = 0.0024). AZD7325 10 mg and lorazepam induced different response patterns on VAS 'feeling high' and electro-encephalography. CONCLUSION The characteristic ΔSPV-relative effect profiles of AZD7325 vs. lorazepam suggest anxio-selectivity related to α2,3 -selective GABAA agonism. However, exploration of higher doses may be warranted. The paucity of effects on most CNS-PD parameters also indicates a mitigated side effect pattern, with potentially lower cognitive and neurophysiological side effect burden than non-selective benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Chen
- Phase I Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Research Center (CPRC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China; Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Model-based meta-analysis of the effects of non-selective and α1-selective GABAA receptor agonists in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 71:1209-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-015-1918-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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AZD6280, a novel partial γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor modulator, demonstrates a pharmacodynamically selective effect profile in healthy male volunteers. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2015; 35:22-33. [PMID: 25493397 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AZD6280 is a novel γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor modulator with higher in vitro efficacy at the α2,3 subtypes as compared to the α1 and α5 subtypes. This study compared the pharmacodynamic effects of single oral dose AZD6280 10 mg and 40 mg on the central nervous system with 2 mg of lorazepam. METHODS Sixteen healthy males were enrolled into the double-blind, randomized, 4-way crossover study. Two validated central nervous system test batteries, Neurocart and CogState, were administered to measure drug effects on cognition, neurophysiologic function, and psychomotor and subjective feelings. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed model analysis of variance, with fixed factors of treatment, period, time and treatment by time, and random factors of subject, subject by treatment and subject by time, and the average prevalue as covariate. RESULTS Most pharmacodynamic parameters were affected by lorazepam. AZD6280 induced dose-dependent smaller-than-lorazepam effects on saccadic peak velocity (SPV) (AZD6280, 10 mg vs. AZD6280, 40 mg vs. lorazepam [deg/s]: -22.6 vs. -50.0 vs. -62.9, P < 0.001), whereas the impacts on adaptive-tracking, body-sway, smooth-pursuit, and the one-card-learning tests were significant but much smaller than lorazepam. Thus, the slopes of regression lines for the ΔLog(Sway)-ΔSPV, ΔTracking-ΔSPV, and ΔSmooth-ΔSPV relations were flatter with AZD6280 than with lorazepam. AZD6280 caused a distinct electroencephalography signature from that of lorazepam. CONCLUSIONS The SPV responses to AZD6280 suggest potential concentration-related anxiolytic effects, whereas the smaller SPV-normalized effects of AZD6280 on various non-SPV pharmacodynamic parameters suggest a more favorable side effect profile compared to lorazepam. Overall, the pharmacodynamic profile of AZD6280 matches the pharmacological specificity and selectivity of this compound at the α2,3 γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor subtypes.
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Isoallopregnanolone antagonize allopregnanolone-induced effects on saccadic eye velocity and self-reported sedation in humans. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 52:22-31. [PMID: 25459890 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (AP) is an endogenous neurosteroid. It modulates the effect of γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) on the GABA type A (GABAA) receptor, which leads to increased receptor activity. Since the GABA-system is mainly inhibitory, increased AP activity leads to modulation of neuronal activity. In vitro studies of GABAA receptor activity and in vivo animal studies of sedation have shown that AP-induced effects can be inhibited by another endogenous steroid, namely isoallopregnanolone (ISO). In this study we investigated if ISO can antagonize AP-induced effects in healthy female volunteers, via measurements of saccadic eye velocity (SEV) and self-rated sedation. With a single-blind cross-over design, 12 women were studied on three separate occasions; given AP alone or AP in combination with one of two ISO doses. Congruent with previous reports, AP administration decreased SEV and induced sedation and these effects were diminished by simultaneous ISO administration. Also, the ISO effect modulation was seemingly stronger for SEV than for sedation. These effects were observed already at an ISO dose exposure that was approximately half of that of AP. In conclusion, ISO antagonized AP-induced decrease in SEV and self-reported sedation, probably in a non-competitive manner.
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Fernández Hurst N, Bibolini MJ, Roth GA. Diazepam Inhibits Proliferation of Lymph Node Cells Isolated from Rats with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Neuroimmunomodulation 2015; 22:293-302. [PMID: 25721617 DOI: 10.1159/000369277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease with similarities to human multiple sclerosis involving peripheral activation of autoreactive T cells which infiltrate the central nervous system and react to self antigens leading to damage. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that treatment with diazepam decreases the incidence and histological signs associated with the disease and diminishes immunological responses. The aim of the present work was to evaluate direct effects of diazepam on isolated T cells involved in immune responses during the development of EAE. METHODS Animals were sensitized with whole myelin to induce EAE and sacrificed during the acute phase of the disease. In mononuclear cells isolated from popliteal lymph nodes, cell viability, apoptosis induction, proliferation and cytokine production were evaluated. RESULTS Diazepam did not have a toxic or proapoptotic effect on the cells, at least up to the concentration of 25 μM, but proliferation, CD8+ T-cell activation and proinflammatory cytokine production were dose-dependently decreased. CONCLUSIONS Diazepam has a direct inhibitory effect on the proliferation and activation of T lymphocytes isolated from the main lymphoid organ involved in disease onset and this could be one of the mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effect previously observed with diazepam in vivo during EAE development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Fernández Hurst
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, UNC-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Cohen AF, Burggraaf J, van Gerven JMA, Moerland M, Groeneveld GJ. The use of biomarkers in human pharmacology (Phase I) studies. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 55:55-74. [PMID: 25292425 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-011613-135918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The development of a new medicine is a risky and costly undertaking that requires careful planning. This planning is largely applied to the operational aspects of the development and less so to the scientific objectives and methodology. The drugs that will be developed in the future will increasingly affect pathophysiological pathways that have been largely unexplored. Such drug prototypes cannot be immediately introduced in large clinical trials. The effects of the drug on normal physiology, pathophysiology, and eventually the desired clinical effects will need to be evaluated in a structured approach, based on the definition of drug development as providing answers to important questions by appropriate clinical studies. This review describes the selection process for biomarkers that are fit-for-purpose for the stage of drug development in which they are used. This structured and practical approach is widely applicable and particularly useful for the early stages of innovative drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Cohen
- Centre for Human Drug Research, 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands;
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te Beek ET, Chen X, Jacobs GE, Nahon KJ, de Kam ML, Lappalainen J, Cross AJ, van Gerven JMA, Hay JL. The effects of the nonselective benzodiazepine lorazepam and the α2/α3subunit-selective GABAAreceptor modulators AZD7325 and AZD6280 on plasma prolactin levels. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2014; 4:149-54. [DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xia Chen
- Centre for Human Drug Research; Leiden the Netherlands
- Clinical Pharmacological Research Center (CPRC); Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Beijing China
| | - Gabriël E. Jacobs
- Centre for Human Drug Research; Leiden the Netherlands
- Department of General Hospital Psychiatry; Free University Medical Centre; Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Justin L. Hay
- Centre for Human Drug Research; Leiden the Netherlands
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Abstract
Combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG) constitutes a powerful tool to directly assess human cortical excitability and connectivity. TMS of the primary motor cortex elicits a sequence of TMS-evoked EEG potentials (TEPs). It is thought that inhibitory neurotransmission through GABA-A receptors (GABAAR) modulates early TEPs (<50 ms after TMS), whereas GABA-B receptors (GABABR) play a role for later TEPs (at ∼100 ms after TMS). However, the physiological underpinnings of TEPs have not been clearly elucidated yet. Here, we studied the role of GABAA/B-ergic neurotransmission for TEPs in healthy subjects using a pharmaco-TMS-EEG approach. In Experiment 1, we tested the effects of a single oral dose of alprazolam (a classical benzodiazepine acting as allosteric-positive modulator at α1, α2, α3, and α5 subunit-containing GABAARs) and zolpidem (a positive modulator mainly at the α1 GABAAR) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. In Experiment 2, we tested the influence of baclofen (a GABABR agonist) and diazepam (a classical benzodiazepine) versus placebo on TEPs. Alprazolam and diazepam increased the amplitude of the negative potential at 45 ms after stimulation (N45) and decreased the negative component at 100 ms (N100), whereas zolpidem increased the N45 only. In contrast, baclofen specifically increased the N100 amplitude. These results provide strong evidence that the N45 represents activity of α1-subunit-containing GABAARs, whereas the N100 represents activity of GABABRs. Findings open a novel window of opportunity to study alteration of GABAA-/GABAB-related inhibition in disorders, such as epilepsy or schizophrenia.
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Deleterious effects of a low amount of ethanol on LTP-like plasticity in human cortex. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:1508-18. [PMID: 24385131 PMCID: PMC3988555 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Revised: 12/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ingesting ethanol (EtOH) at low doses during social drinking is a common human behavior for its facilitating effects on social interactions. However, low-dose EtOH may have also detrimental effects that so far are underexplored. Here we sought to test the effects of low-dose EtOH on long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity in human motor cortex. Previous cellular experiments showed that low-dose EtOH potentiates extrasynaptic GABAAR and reduces NMDAR-mediated currents, processes that would limit the expression of LTP. Paired associative transcranial magnetic stimulation (PASLTP) was employed in nine healthy subjects for induction of LTP-like plasticity, indexed by a long-term increase in motor-evoked potential input-output curves. Synaptic α1-GABAAR function was measured by saccadic peak velocity (SPV). Very low doses of EtOH (resulting in blood concentrations of <5 mM) suppressed LTP-like plasticity but did not affect SPV when compared with a placebo condition. In contrast, 1 mg of alprazolam, a classical benzodiazepine, or 10 mg of zolpidem, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, decreased SPV but did not significantly affect LTP-like plasticity when compared with placebo. This double dissociation of low-dose EtOH vs alprazolam/zolpidem effects is best explained by the putatively high affinity of EtOH but not alprazolam/zolpidem to extrasynaptic GABAARs and to NMDARs. Findings suggest that enhancement of extrasynaptic GABAAR-mediated tonic inhibition and/or reduction of NMDAR-mediated neurotransmission by EtOH blocks LTP-like plasticity in human cortex at very low doses that are easily reached during social drinking. Therefore, low-dose EtOH may jeopardize LTP-dependent processes, such as learning and memory formation.
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Schlanger J, Fritúz G, Varga K. Therapeutic suggestion helps to cut back on drug intake for mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care unit. Interv Med Appl Sci 2013; 5:145-52. [PMID: 24381732 DOI: 10.1556/imas.5.2013.4.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Research was conducted on ventilated patients treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) under identical circumstances; patients were divided into two groups (subsequently proved statistically identical as to age and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II [SAPS II]). One group was treated with positive suggestions for 15-20 min a day based on a predetermined scheme, but tailored to the individual patient, while the control group received no auxiliary psychological treatment. Our goal was to test the effects of positive communication in this special clinical situation. In this section of the research, the subsequent data collection was aimed to reveal whether any change in drug need could be demonstrated upon the influence of suggestions as compared to the control group. Owing to the strict recruitment criteria, a relatively small sample (suggestion group n = 15, control group n = 10) was available during the approximately nine-month period of research. As an outcome of suggestions, there was a significant drop in benzodiazepine (p < 0.005), opioid (p < 0.001), and the α2-agonist (p < 0.05) intake. All this justifies the presence of therapeutic suggestions among the therapies used in ICUs. However, repeating the trial on a larger sample of patients would be recommended.
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