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Huerta-Ramos E, Labad J, Cobo J, Núñez C, Creus M, García-Parés G, Cuadras D, Franco J, Miquel E, Reyes JC, Marcó-García S, Usall J. Effects of raloxifene on cognition in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia: a 24-week double-blind, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 270:729-737. [PMID: 31728631 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-019-01079-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the utility of raloxifene (60 mg/day) as an adjuvant treatment for cognitive symptoms in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia in a 24-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients were recruited from the inpatient and outpatient services of Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, and Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí. Seventy eight postmenopausal women with schizophrenia were randomized to either adjunctive raloxifene or placebo. Sixty-eight began the clinical trial (37 women on raloxifene adjunct) and 31 on placebo adjunct. The outcome measures were: memory, attention and executive function. Assessment was conducted at baseline and at week 24. Between groups homogeneity was tested with the Student's t test for continuous variables and/or the Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal variables and the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. The differences between the two groups in neuropsychological test scores were compared using the Student's t test. The sample was homogenous with respect to age, formal education, illness duration and previous pharmacological treatment. The addition of raloxifene to antipsychotic treatment as usual showed no differences in cognitive function. The daily use of 60 mg raloxifene as an adjuvant treatment in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia has no appreciable effect.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01573637.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Huerta-Ramos
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain. .,Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain. .,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain. .,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Javier Labad
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesus Cobo
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Núñez
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain.,Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Daniel Cuadras
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain.,Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Eva Miquel
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Silvia Marcó-García
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain.,Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Judith Usall
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain.,Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Lascurain MB, Camuñas-Palacín A, Thomas N, Breadon C, Gavrilidis E, Hudaib AR, Gurvich C, Kulkarni J. Improvement in depression with oestrogen treatment in women with schizophrenia. Arch Womens Ment Health 2020; 23:149-154. [PMID: 30903287 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-019-00959-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Women with schizophrenia are often noted to suffer with comorbid depression. Many studies have shown associations between fluctuating oestrogen levels in the brain and mental illness. This study investigates the effect of oestradiol treatment on comorbid depressive symptoms in women with schizophrenia. This study is an 8-week, three-arm, double-blind, randomised-controlled trial. The 180 female participants were aged between 18 and 45, with schizophrenia and ongoing symptoms of psychosis Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score > 60 despite a stable dose of antipsychotic medication. Depressive symptoms were assessed using Montgomery Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS) with a mean score of 73.77 at baseline. Participants received transdermal oestradiol 200 μg or transdermal oestradiol 100 μg or an identical placebo patch. The a priori outcome measure was the change in PANSS score measured at baseline and days 7, 14, 28 and 56, but in this study, we focused on the change in MADRS score at the same time points. Data were analysed by using Quade's rank analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (Huitema 1980) with baseline MADRS score as a covariate. We found a fluctuating but overall trend towards improvement of comorbid depressive symptoms in women with schizophrenia taking transdermal oestrogen 200 mcg compared with oestrogen 100 mcg or placebo. The stronger 'antidepressant' effect of 200 mcg transdermal oestradiol was found at day 28 (p = 0.03). Our study suggests that adjunctive oestradiol treatment for depression may be a promising treatment for women with comorbid depression and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Camuñas-Palacín
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan De Deu (PSSJD), Sant Boi De Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Thomas
- The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - C Breadon
- The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - E Gavrilidis
- The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - A R Hudaib
- The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - C Gurvich
- The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Kulkarni
- The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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3
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Schroeder A, Nakamura JP, Hudson M, Jones NC, Du X, Sundram S, Hill RA. Raloxifene recovers effects of prenatal immune activation on cognitive task-induced gamma power. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 110:104448. [PMID: 31546114 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no treatment available for the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, but evidence suggests that selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) may provide relief. Our recent animal model data showed that a lack of female sex hormones in mice impairs the ability of hippocampal neurons to synchronise and generate oscillations within the frequency range of 30-80 Hz (gamma power) leading to cognitive impairment, while both estradiol and the SERM, raloxifene, recovered this. Given that cognitive impairment is accompanied by abnormal gamma power in schizophrenia, this study aimed to determine the effects of raloxifene on gamma power during spatial memory tasks in the prenatal immune challenged (poly-I:C) mouse model with relevance to schizophrenia. Pregnant dams received the viral mimetic poly-I:C (20 mg/kg, i.p.) at gestational day 17. Male and female offspring were treated with placebo or raloxifene implants at adulthood. Local field potentials from the CA1 hippocampus were simultaneously recorded during the Y-maze test of short term spatial memory and the cheeseboard maze test of long-term spatial learning and memory and cognitive flexibility. In female but not male mice, poly I:C exposure reduced gamma power during decision making and prolonged the time spent in the centre (decision making phase) during the Y-maze task. Female poly-I:C exposed mice also showed increased gamma power during acquisition of the cheeseboard long term memory task and perseverative behaviour. Treatment with raloxifene recovered gamma power and decision making deficits in the Y-maze and restored gamma power changes during the cheeseboard maze task as well as perseverative behaviour. Male mice showed no electrophysiological or behavioural effects of poly-I:C or raloxifene treatment. In summary, poly-I:C exposure induced female specific cognitive impairments accompanied by altered neural oscillations in the gamma frequency and raloxifene recovered these abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schroeder
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Jay P Nakamura
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Matthew Hudson
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Nigel C Jones
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Xin Du
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel A Hill
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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Gurvich C, Hudaib A, Gavrilidis E, Worsley R, Thomas N, Kulkarni J. Raloxifene as a treatment for cognition in women with schizophrenia: the influence of menopause status. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 100:113-119. [PMID: 30299258 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairments cause significant functional issues for people with schizophrenia, often emerging before the onset of hallucinations, delusions and other psychosis symptoms. Current pharmacological treatments do not target cognitive dysfunction. Several lines of evidence support the beneficial effects of estrogens on cognition. Raloxifene hydrochloride, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has been associated with cognitive improvements in healthy postmenopausal women and in schizophrenia, although findings are inconsistent. Using pooled data from two clinical trials, the aim of the current study was to compare the efficacy of 120 mg/day adjunctive raloxifene to placebo for 12 weeks on cognitive performance in women with schizophrenia who were stratified by menopause status (pre-menopausal; peri-menopausal or post-menopausal). A total of sixty-nine participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were included. Cognition was assessed at baseline and study end using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Results indicated that after stratifying for menopause status (strata) and adjusting for endogenous hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone), semantic fluency, picture naming and list recognition change from baseline scores for the raloxifene group differed significantly from the placebo group. The findings from the current study highlight the importance of considering menopause status when interpreting the effects of hormonal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - A Hudaib
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
| | - E Gavrilidis
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R Worsley
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
| | - N Thomas
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Kulkarni
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
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Soria V, González-Rodríguez A, Huerta-Ramos E, Usall J, Cobo J, Bioque M, Barbero JD, García-Rizo C, Tost M, Monreal JA, Labad J. Targeting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones and sex steroids for improving cognition in major mood disorders and schizophrenia: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 93:8-19. [PMID: 29680774 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are a core feature of serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and are a common cause of functional disability. There is limited efficacy of pharmacological interventions for improving the cognitive deficits in these disorders. As pro-cognitive pharmacological treatments are lacking, hormones or drugs that target the endocrine system may become potential candidates for 'repurposing' trials aiming to improve cognition. We aimed to study whether treatment with drugs targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sex steroids can improve cognition in patients with schizophrenia, MDD or BD. A systematic search was performed using PubMed (Medline), PsychInfo and clinicaltrials.gov, and a narrative synthesis was included. The systematic review identified 12 studies dealing with HPA-related drugs (mifepristone [n = 3], cortisol synthesis inhibitors [ketoconazole, n = 2], dehydroepiandrosterone [n = 5], fludrocortisone [n = 2]) and 14 studies dealing with sex steroids (oestradiol [n = 2], selective oestrogen receptor modulators [raloxifene, n = 7], pregnenolone [n = 5]). Positive trials were found for BD (mifepristone), MDD (dehydroepiandrosterone and fludrocortisone) and schizophrenia (dehydroepiandrosterone, raloxifene and pregnenolone). A replication of positive findings by at least two clinical trials was found for mifepristone in BD and raloxifene and pregnenolone in schizophrenia. The use of drugs targeting hormones related to the HPA axis and sex steroids is a promising field of research that might help to improve the cognitive outcome of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Soria
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Universitat de Barcelona, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain
| | - Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Elena Huerta-Ramos
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Usall
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Cobo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Miquel Bioque
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan David Barbero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Clemente García-Rizo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Tost
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - José Antonio Monreal
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | | | - Javier Labad
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain.
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de Boer J, Prikken M, Lei WU, Begemann M, Sommer I. The effect of raloxifene augmentation in men and women with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. NPJ SCHIZOPHRENIA 2018; 4:1. [PMID: 29321530 PMCID: PMC5762671 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-017-0043-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recognizing the robust sex differences in schizophrenia prevalence, the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) raloxifene is a likely candidate for augmentation therapy in this disorder. Therefore, a systematic search was performed using PubMed (Medline), Embase, PsychInfo, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of raloxifene in schizophrenia spectrum disorders were included in the quantitative analyses. Outcome measures were psychotic symptom severity, depression, and cognition. Meta-analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. A random-effects model was used to compute overall weighted effect sizes in Hedges’ g. Nine studies were included, investigating 561 patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Raloxifene was superior to placebo in improving total symptom severity (N = 482; Hedge’s g = .57, p = 0.009), as well as positive (N = 561; Hedge’s g = 0.32, p = 0.02), negative (N = 561; Hedge’s g = 0.40, p = 0.02), and general (N = 526; Hedge’s g = 0.46, p = 0.01) subscales, as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. No significant effects were found for comorbid depression and cognitive functioning. Altogether, these results confirm the potential of raloxifene augmentation in the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna de Boer
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Merel Prikken
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wan U Lei
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Begemann
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Iris Sommer
- Department of Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Estradiol and raloxifene modulate hippocampal gamma oscillations during a spatial memory task. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 78:85-92. [PMID: 28183030 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous work suggests that estradiol regulates the expression of hippocampal parvalbumin as well as hippocampus-dependent spatial memory in mice. Parvalbumin interneurons generate neuronal oscillatory activity in the gamma frequency range (30-80Hz) and gamma oscillations are closely linked with higher cognitive functions. Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, shows beneficial effects on human cognitive performance, and has few peripheral side effects unlike estradiol, but the biological mechanisms which underpin these benefits are not clear. This study aimed to investigate whether estradiol and raloxifene modulate hippocampal gamma-band oscillations during spatial memory performance. Prepubescent female mice were ovariectomized (OVX) and implanted with a subcutaneous pellet of either estradiol (E2), raloxifene or placebo. During adulthood, local field potentials were recorded from the dorsal hippocampus while mice were performing the Y-maze hippocampus-dependent spatial memory task. Ovariectomy caused deficits in spatial memory, accompanied by a significant reduction in hippocampal gamma oscillations, specifically during decision making. Estradiol as well as raloxifene rescued both behavioural and electrophysiological deficits. These data have significant implications for disorders of cognitive impairment where altered gamma oscillations are apparent, such as schizophrenia.
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Young JT, Shi Y, Niethammer M, Grauer M, Coe CL, Lubach GR, Davis B, Budin F, Knickmeyer RC, Alexander AL, Styner MA. The UNC-Wisconsin Rhesus Macaque Neurodevelopment Database: A Structural MRI and DTI Database of Early Postnatal Development. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:29. [PMID: 28210206 PMCID: PMC5288388 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhesus macaques are commonly used as a translational animal model in neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental research. In this report, we present longitudinal data from both structural and diffusion MRI images generated on a cohort of 34 typically developing monkeys from 2 weeks to 36 months of age. All images have been manually skull stripped and are being made freely available via an online repository for use by the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T. Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yundi Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marc Niethammer
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Christopher L. Coe
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, WI, USA
| | - Gabriele R. Lubach
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Rebecca C. Knickmeyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew L. Alexander
- Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, WI, USA
| | - Martin A. Styner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
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Gogos A, van den Buuse M. Comparing the effects of 17β-oestradiol and the selective oestrogen receptor modulators, raloxifene and tamoxifen, on prepulse inhibition in female rats. Schizophr Res 2015; 168:634-9. [PMID: 25979306 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that oestrogen plays a protective role against the development and severity of schizophrenia. However, while oestrogen may be beneficial as a treatment in schizophrenia, its chronic use is associated with side-effects. Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) may provide an alternative, however little is known about the mechanism underlying their effects in schizophrenia. METHODS We investigated the effect of raloxifene and tamoxifen on dopaminergic-induced disruptions of prepulse inhibition (PPI). PPI measures sensorimotor gating and PPI disruptions are considered an endophenotype for schizophrenia. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were either intact, ovariectomized (OVX), OVX and 17β-oestradiol-treated, OVX and raloxifene-treated (low or high dose), or OVX and tamoxifen-treated (low or high dose). RESULTS The dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonist, apomorphine (0, 0.1, 0.3 and 1mg/kg), caused the expected dose-dependent disruption in PPI in intact and OVX rats. This PPI disruption was prevented in OVX rats treated with 17β-oestradiol, a high dose of raloxifene or a high dose of tamoxifen. In untreated OVX rats, average PPI was 55% after saline and 34% after 1mg/kg apomorphine treatment, a reduction of 21%. However, oestradiol-treated and raloxifene-treated OVX rats showed only a 7% PPI reduction, and tamoxifen-treated OVX rats had a 4% PPI reduction caused by apomorphine treatment. Startle amplitude was not different between the groups. CONCLUSION The SERMs, raloxifene and tamoxifen, can prevent dopamine D1/D2 receptor-mediated disruptions of sensorimotor gating, similar to oestradiol. These data lend support for the use of SERMs as a treatment for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gogos
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
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Gogos A, Sbisa AM, Sun J, Gibbons A, Udawela M, Dean B. A Role for Estrogen in Schizophrenia: Clinical and Preclinical Findings. Int J Endocrinol 2015; 2015:615356. [PMID: 26491441 PMCID: PMC4600562 DOI: 10.1155/2015/615356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender differences in schizophrenia have been extensively researched and it is being increasingly accepted that gonadal steroids are strongly attributed to this phenomenon. Of the various hormones implicated, the estrogen hypothesis has been the most widely researched one and it postulates that estrogen exerts a protective effect by buffering females against the development and severity of the illness. In this review, we comprehensively analyse studies that have investigated the effects of estrogen, in particular 17β-estradiol, in clinical, animal, and molecular research with relevance to schizophrenia. Specifically, we discuss the current evidence on estrogen dysfunction in schizophrenia patients and review the clinical findings on the use of estradiol as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia patients. Preclinical research that has used animal models and molecular probes to investigate estradiol's underlying protective mechanisms is also substantially discussed, with particular focus on estradiol's impact on the major neurotransmitter systems implicated in schizophrenia, namely, the dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gogos
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Alyssa M. Sbisa
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Jeehae Sun
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Andrew Gibbons
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Madhara Udawela
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Brian Dean
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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Estradiol for treatment-resistant schizophrenia: a large-scale randomized-controlled trial in women of child-bearing age. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:695-702. [PMID: 24732671 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Many women with schizophrenia remain symptomatic despite optimal use of current therapies. While previous studies suggest that adjunctive oestrogen therapy might be effective, large-scale clinical trials are required before clinical applications are possible. This study is the first large-scale randomized-controlled trial in women with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. This Definitive Oestrogen Patch Trial was an 8-week, three-arm, double-blind, randomized-controlled trial conducted between 2006 and 2011. The 183 female participants were aged between 18 and 45 (mean = 35 years), with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and ongoing symptoms of psychosis (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, PANSS score>60) despite a stable dose of antipsychotic medication for at least 4 weeks. Mean duration of illness was more than 10 years. Participants received transdermal estradiol 200 μg, transdermal estradiol 100 μg or an identical placebo patch. For the 180 women who completed the study, the a priori outcome measure was the change in PANSS score measured at baseline and days 7, 14, 28 and 56. Cognition was assessed at baseline and day 56 using the Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Status. Data were analysed using latent growth curve modelling. Both estradiol groups had greater decreases in PANSS positive, general and total symptoms compared with the placebo group (P<0.01), with a greater effect seen for 200 μg than 100 μg estradiol. The largest effect size was for the positive subscale of PANSS in the estradiol 200 μg treatment group (effect size 0.44, P<0.01). This study shows estradiol is an effective and clinically significant adjunctive therapy for women with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, particularly for positive symptoms.
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Valvassori SS, Bavaresco DV, Budni J, Bobsin TS, Gonçalves CL, de Freitas KV, Streck EL, Quevedo J. Effects of tamoxifen on tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes in the brain of rats submitted to an animal model of mania induced by amphetamine. Psychiatry Res 2014; 215:483-7. [PMID: 24359811 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2013.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The neurobiological basis of bipolar disorder (BD) remains unknown; nevertheless, mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified in this disorder. Inactivation of any step in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle can impair mitochondrial ATP production. There is recent evidence indicating that PKC is an important therapeutic target for bipolar disorder. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of tamoxifen (TMX--a PKC inhibitor) on the activities of enzymes in the TCA cycle of rat brains subjected to an animal model of mania induced by amphetamine. In the reversal treatment, Wistar rats were first treated with d-AMPH or saliratsne (Sal) for 14 days. Thereafter, between days 8 and 14, the rats were administered TMX or Sal. The citrate synthase, succinate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase were evaluated in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. The d-AMPH administration inhibited TCA cycle enzymes activity in all analyzed structures, and TMX reversed d-AMPH-induced dysfunction. In addition, we observed a negative correlation between d-AMPH-induced hyperactivity and the activity of these enzymes in the rat's brain. These findings suggested that TCA cycle enzymes inhibition can be an important link for the mitochondrial dysfunction seen in BD, and TMX exert protective effects against the d-AMPH-induced TCA cycle enzymes dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira S Valvassori
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, 88806-000 Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Daniela V Bavaresco
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, 88806-000 Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Josiane Budni
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, 88806-000 Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Tamara S Bobsin
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, 88806-000 Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Cinara L Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics, National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Karolina V de Freitas
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics, National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Emilio L Streck
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics, National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - João Quevedo
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, 88806-000 Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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Effects of raloxifene on cognition in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:223-31. [PMID: 24342775 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Revised: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Studies of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women provide evidence of an effect of sex hormones on cognitive function. Estrogen has demonstrated some utility in the prevention of normal, age-related decline in cognitive functions, especially in memory. The potential therapeutic utility of estrogens in schizophrenia is increasingly being recognized. Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), appears to act similarly to conjugated estrogens on dopamine and serotonin brain systems, and may be a better option since it lacks the possible negative effects of estrogen on breast and uterine tissue. We assessed the utility of raloxifene as an adjuvant treatment for cognitive symptoms in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients were recruited from both the inpatient and outpatient departments. Thirty-three postmenopausal women with schizophrenia (DSM-IV) were randomized to receive either adjuvant raloxifene (16 women) or adjuvant placebo (17 women) for three months. The main outcome measures were: Memory, attention and executive functions. Assessment was conducted at baseline and week 12. The total sample is homogenous with respect to: age, years of schooling, illness duration, baseline symptomatology and pharmacological treatment. The addition of raloxifene (60 mg) to regular antipsychotic treatment showed: we found significant differences in some aspects of memory and executive function in patients treated with raloxifene. This improvement does not correlate with clinical improvement. The use of raloxifene as an adjuvant treatment in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia seems to be useful in improving cognitive symptoms.
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Almey A, Hafez NM, Hantson A, Brake WG. Deficits in latent inhibition induced by estradiol replacement are ameliorated by haloperidol treatment. Front Behav Neurosci 2013; 7:136. [PMID: 24101897 PMCID: PMC3787244 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2013.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
There are sex differences in the symptomatology of schizophrenia, and in the response to antipsychotic treatments. One hallmark symptom of schizophrenia is a deficit in selective attention. Selective attention can be measured using a latent inhibition (LI) paradigm in humans; LI can be measured in rodents, and is used as an animal model of the selective attention deficits observed in schizophrenia. In the current experiments LI was used to clarify whether selective attention differs between male rats and ovariectomized (OVX) female rats receiving different estradiol (E2) replacement regimens. An additional aim was to determine whether haloperidol’s (HAL) facilitation of LI is enhanced by E2. Males and OVX female rats were trained in a conditioned emotional response LI paradigm. Females received no E2 replacement, a chronic low dose of E2 via silastic capsule, or a high phasic dose of E2 via silastic capsule accompanied by E2 (10 µg/kg subcutaneous (SC)) injections every 4th day. Actual plasma levels of E2 were determined using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Rats were also administered a vehicle treatment, a 0.05 mg/kg, or a 0.1 mg/kg IP injection of HAL. Males and OVX females that did not receive E2 replacement both exhibited LI, but LI was not observed in the low and high E2 replacement groups. HAL restored LI at a lower dose in the females receiving high E2 replacement compared to females receiving low E2 replacement, indicating that E2 replacement facilitates HAL in restoring LI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Almey
- Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology (CSBN), Department of Psychology, Concordia University Montreal, QC, Canada
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Dhillon R, Bastiampillai T, Mohan T, Khor L. Can oestrogen use prevent the onset of psychosis? Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2013; 47:682-3. [PMID: 23439316 DOI: 10.1177/0004867413476760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Dhillon
- Cramond Clinic, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Australia and Department of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Tarun Bastiampillai
- Southern Adelaide Mental Health Services and Department of Pyschiatry, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Titus Mohan
- Cramond Clinic, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lynn Khor
- Cramond Clinic, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
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Roseman AS, McGregor C, Thornton JE. Estradiol attenuates the cognitive deficits in the novel object recognition task induced by sub-chronic phencyclidine in ovariectomized rats. Behav Brain Res 2012; 233:105-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Revised: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand premenstrual exacerbations of schizophrenia in women and weigh treatment options. METHOD A PubMed literature search was conducted, using the search terms 'schizophrenia', 'psychosis', 'menstrual exacerbation', 'hormones' and assessing relevance to premenstrual exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms. RESULTS Exacerbations are usually distinguishable from periodic or menstrual psychosis, a relatively rare condition. Controversy continues about whether low estrogen periods of the month lead to an increase in schizophrenia symptoms among women of reproductive age or whether some women suffer from both schizophrenia and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). No treatment trials of specific interventions have been conducted so that physicians must decide on a case-by-case basis whether to raise antipsychotic doses premenstrually, try estrogens or estrogen/progesterone combinations or selective estrogen receptor modulators, or target PMDD symptoms. CONCLUSION Clinicians need to be aware of premenstrual symptom aggravation in a large minority of women with schizophrenia. Treatment strategies will depend on the nature of the symptoms that are exacerbated. Optimal treatment needs to be adjusted to the individual woman.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, ON, Canada.
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Arad M, Weiner I. Abnormally rapid reversal learning and reduced response to antipsychotic drugs following ovariectomy in female rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:200-12. [PMID: 21723667 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and clinical life cycle studies indicate that favorable illness course and better response to antipsychotic drugs (APDs) in women with schizophrenia are positively correlated with estrogen levels. Accordingly, the estrogen hypothesis of schizophrenia proposes a neuroprotective role of estrogen in women vulnerable to schizophrenia. Previously we demonstrated in the rat that low levels of estrogen induced by ovariectomy led to disruption of latent inhibition (LI) reflecting impairment of selective attention, a core deficit of schizophrenia. LI disruption was reversed by 17β-estradiol and the atypical APD clozapine, whereas the typical APD haloperidol was ineffective unless co-administered with 17β-estradiol. Here we aimed to extend these findings by testing ovariectomized rats in another selective attention task, discrimination reversal. Ovariectomy led to a loss of selective attention as manifested in abnormally rapid reversal. The latter was normalized by high dose of 17β-estradiol (150 μg/kg) and clozapine (2.5mg/kg), but not by haloperidol (0.1mg/kg) or lower doses of 17β-estradiol (10 and 50 μg/kg). However, co-administration of haloperidol with 17β-estradiol (50 μg/kg) was effective. In sham rats low 17β-estradiol (10 μg/kg) produced rapid reversal, while high 17β-estradiol (150 μg/kg), haloperidol alone, or haloperidol-17β-estradiol combination reduced reversal speed. Clozapine did not affect reversal speed in sham rats. These results strengthen our previous results in suggesting that schizophrenia-like attentional abnormalities as well as reduced response to APDs in female rats are associated with low level of gonadal hormones. In addition, they support the possibility that estrogen may have an antipsychotic-like action in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Arad
- Department of Psychology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Sex-dependent antipsychotic capacity of 17β-estradiol in the latent inhibition model: a typical antipsychotic drug in both sexes, atypical antipsychotic drug in males. Neuropsychopharmacology 2010; 35:2179-92. [PMID: 20613719 PMCID: PMC3055319 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2010.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The estrogen hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that estrogen is a natural neuroprotector in women and that exogenous estrogen may have antipsychotic potential, but results of clinical studies have been inconsistent. We have recently shown using the latent inhibition (LI) model of schizophrenia that 17β-estradiol exerts antipsychotic activity in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The present study sought to extend the characterization of the antipsychotic action of 17β-estradiol (10, 50 and 150 μg/kg) by testing its capacity to reverse amphetamine- and MK-801-induced LI aberrations in gonadally intact female and male rats. No-drug controls of both sexes showed LI, ie, reduced efficacy of a previously non-reinforced stimulus to gain behavioral control when paired with reinforcement, if conditioned with two but not five tone-shock pairings. In both sexes, amphetamine (1 mg/kg) and MK-801 (50 μg/kg) produced disruption (under weak conditioning) and persistence (under strong conditioning) of LI, modeling positive and negative/cognitive symptoms, respectively. 17β-estradiol at 50 and 150 μg/kg potentiated LI under strong conditioning and reversed amphetamine-induced LI disruption in both males and females, mimicking the action of typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) in the LI model. 17β-estradiol also reversed MK-induced persistent LI, an effect mimicking atypical APDs and NMDA receptor enhancers, but this effect was observed in males and OVX females but not in intact females. These findings indicate that in the LI model, 17β-estradiol exerts a clear-cut antipsychotic activity in both sexes and, remarkably, is more efficacious in males and OVX females where it also exerts activity considered predictive of anti-negative/cognitive symptoms.
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Abstract
The management of long-term mental illness in women requires a number of specialized approaches in order to optimize their quality of life and health outcomes. This selective review addresses the latest key issues related to hospitalization, life cycle, hormonal and other reproductive issues that impact on the treatment of women with mental illness. A particular focus is given to the management of women with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. Novel treatment approaches such as oestrogen augmentation and gender-specific medication prescription are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashri Kulkarni
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Alfred Hospital and School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Kulkarni J, Gurvich C, Lee SJ, Gilbert H, Gavrilidis E, de Castella A, Berk M, Dodd S, Fitzgerald PB, Davis SR. Piloting the effective therapeutic dose of adjunctive selective estrogen receptor modulator treatment in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2010; 35:1142-7. [PMID: 20171784 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen treatment may enhance the recovery of schizophrenia in women. However, adverse effects on uterine and breast tissue and other physical side effects may limit the long-term therapeutic use of estrogen. Raloxifene hydrochloride is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that acts as an estrogen antagonist in breast tissue and may have agonistic actions in the brain, potentially offering mental health benefits with few estrogenic side effects. To provide an indication of the potential therapeutic dose for raloxifene hydrochloride in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia, this study pools data from an ongoing randomized controlled trial of adjunctive 120 mg/day oral raloxifene hydrochloride (n=13) versus oral placebo (n=13), with data from a previous pilot study administering 60 mg/day raloxifene hydrochloride (n=9). Analysis of variance found significant interaction effects for total (p=.01) and general (p=.02) Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) symptomatology. Participants randomized to receive 120 mg/day raloxifene hydrochloride experienced a significantly more rapid recovery of total and general psychotic symptoms compared to both 60 mg/day raloxifene hydrochloride and placebo. The demonstrated benefit of adjunctive treatment with 120 mg/day raloxifene hydrochloride offers support for the potential role of this selective estrogen receptor modulator in treating postmenopausal women with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashri Kulkarni
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Melbourne, Australia.
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Contrasting effects of increased and decreased dopamine transmission on latent inhibition in ovariectomized rats and their modulation by 17beta-estradiol: an animal model of menopausal psychosis? Neuropsychopharmacology 2010; 35:1570-82. [PMID: 20237462 PMCID: PMC3055453 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2010.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Women with schizophrenia have later onset and better response to antipsychotic drugs (APDs) than men during reproductive years, but the menopausal period is associated with increased symptom severity and reduced treatment response. Estrogen replacement therapy has been suggested as beneficial but clinical data are inconsistent. Latent inhibition (LI), the capacity to ignore irrelevant stimuli, is a measure of selective attention that is disrupted in acute schizophrenia patients and in rats and humans treated with the psychosis-inducing drug amphetamine and can be reversed by typical and atypical APDs. Here we used amphetamine (1 mg/kg)-induced disrupted LI in ovariectomized rats to model low levels of estrogen along with hyperfunction of the dopaminergic system that may be occurring in menopausal psychosis, and tested the efficacy of APDs and estrogen in reversing disrupted LI. 17beta-Estradiol (50, 150 microg/kg), clozapine (atypical APD; 5, 10 mg/kg), and haloperidol (typical APD; 0.1, 0.3 mg/kg) effectively reversed amphetamine-induced LI disruption in sham rats, but were much less effective in ovariectomized rats; 17beta-estradiol and clozapine were effective only at high doses (150 microg/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively), whereas haloperidol failed at both doses. Haloperidol and clozapine regained efficacy if coadministered with 17beta-estradiol (50 microg/kg, an ineffective dose). Reduced sensitivity to dopamine (DA) blockade coupled with spared/potentiated sensitivity to DA stimulation after ovariectomy may provide a novel model recapitulating the combination of increased vulnerability to psychosis with reduced response to APD treatment in female patients during menopause. In addition, our data show that 17beta-estradiol exerts antipsychotic activity.
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Shen CC, Bai YM, Su TP. Comment to Dr. Yatham regarding tamoxifen listed as a third-line recommendation for the pharmacological treatment of acute mania. Bipolar Disord 2009; 11:773-5; author reply 775. [PMID: 19840002 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00747.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Arad M, Weiner I. Disruption of latent inhibition induced by ovariectomy can be reversed by estradiol and clozapine as well as by co-administration of haloperidol with estradiol but not by haloperidol alone. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 206:731-40. [PMID: 19169876 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-009-1464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2008] [Accepted: 01/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidemiological and clinical life cycle studies have indicated that the more favorable illness course and the better response to antipsychotic drugs (APDs) in women with schizophrenia correlate with high levels of estrogen, whereas increased vulnerability to exacerbation and relapse and reduced sensitivity to treatment are associated with low estrogen levels. Accordingly, the estrogen hypothesis of schizophrenia proposes that estrogen has a neuroprotective effect in women vulnerable to schizophrenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Latent inhibition (LI), the capacity to ignore stimuli that received nonreinforced preexposure prior to conditioning, is disrupted in acute schizophrenia patients and in rats and humans treated with the psychosis inducing drug amphetamine. Disruption of LI is reversible by typical and atypical APDs. The present study tested whether low levels of estrogen induced by ovariectomy (OVX) would lead to disruption of LI in female rats and whether such disruption would be normalized by estrogen replacement treatment and/or APDs. RESULTS Results showed that OVX led to LI disruption, which was reversed by 17beta-estradiol (150 microg/kg) and the atypical APD clozapine (5 mg/kg), but not by the typical APD haloperidol (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mg/kg). Haloperidol regained efficacy when administered with 17beta-estradiol (50 microg/kg). DISCUSSION These results provide the first demonstration in rats that low levels of hormones can induce a pro-psychotic state that is resistant to at least typical antipsychotic treatment. This constellation may mimic states seen in schizophrenic women during periods associated with low levels of hormones such as the menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Arad
- Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Knickmeyer RC, Styner M, Short SJ, Lubach GR, Kang C, Hamer R, Coe CL, Gilmore JH. Maturational trajectories of cortical brain development through the pubertal transition: unique species and sex differences in the monkey revealed through structural magnetic resonance imaging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 20:1053-63. [PMID: 19703936 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhp166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing normal brain development in the rhesus macaque is a necessary prerequisite for establishing better nonhuman primate models of neuropathology. Structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained on 37 rhesus monkeys (20 Male, 17 Female) between 10 and 64 months of age. Effects of age and sex were analyzed with a cross-sectional design. Gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes were determined for total brain and major cortical regions using an automatic segmentation and parcellation pipeline. Volumes of major subcortical structures were evaluated. Unlike neural maturation in humans, GM volumes did not show a postpubertal decline in most cortical regions, with the notable exception of the prefrontal cortex. Similar to humans, WM volumes increased through puberty with less change thereafter. Caudate, putamen, amygdala, and hippocampus increased linearly as did the corpus callosum. Males and females showed similar maturational patterns, although males had significantly larger brain volumes. Females had a proportionately larger caudate, putamen, and hippocampus, whereas males had both an absolute and relatively larger corpus callosum. The authors discuss the possible implications of these findings for research using the rhesus macaque as a model for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Knickmeyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to examine aspects of mental health and mental health care through a gender lens. CONCLUSION Gender differences have an impact on mental health and the experience and course of women's mental illness. Comprehensive gender-sensitive mental health care requires the planning, delivery, monitoring and quality improvement initiatives of mental health care to be informed by a knowledge and understanding of gender differences in women and men and their inter-relationship with respect to childhood and adult life experiences (e.g. violence and abuse); day-to-day social, cultural, and family realities; expression and experience of mental ill health and treatment needs and responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Judd
- Centre for Women's Mental Health, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Polymeropoulos MH, Licamele L, Volpi S, Mack K, Mitkus SN, Carstea ED, Getoor L, Thompson A, Lavedan C. Common effect of antipsychotics on the biosynthesis and regulation of fatty acids and cholesterol supports a key role of lipid homeostasis in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2009; 108:134-42. [PMID: 19150222 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2008.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2008] [Revised: 11/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
For decades, the dopamine hypothesis has gained the most attention in an attempt to explain the origin and the symptoms of schizophrenia. While this hypothesis offers an explanation for the relationship between psychotic symptoms and dopamine kinetics, it does not provide a direct explanation of the etiology of schizophrenia which remains poorly understood. Consequently, current antipsychotics that target neurotransmitter receptors, have limited and inconsistent efficacy. To gain insights into the mechanism of action of these drugs, we studied the expression profile of 12,490 human genes in a cell line treated with 18 antipsychotics, and compared it to that of a library of 448 other compounds used in a variety of disorders. Analysis reveals a common effect of antipsychotics on the biosynthesis and regulation of fatty acids and cholesterol, which is discussed in the context of a lipid hypothesis where alterations in lipid homeostasis might underlie the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. This finding may help research aimed at the development of novel treatments for this devastating disease.
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Taylor PJ, Bragado-Jimenez MD. Women, psychosis and violence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2009; 32:56-64. [PMID: 19064288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2008.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Psychosis confers a disproportionate risk of violence on women compared with men, but such women barely affect national crime statistics anywhere. Much research in the field does not include women at all. In our literature review, we found that information about women, psychosis and violence generally had to be extracted from studies including women but focussing on men; not uncommonly analyses 'controlled for gender' rather than treating it as interesting in itself. A tendency for women to be older than men at onset of psychosis may not apply to those who become violent, but women with psychosis do seem to start offending later and desist sooner. Rates of seriously adverse childhood experiences are similar between women and men with psychosis, except for sexual abuse-more frequently reported by the women. Some evidence of special patterns for women in the nature of psychosis and violence relationships requires more exploration, as do treatment questions. With so few women in any one service, multi-centre co-operation in research with them will be essential.
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Sabioni P, Baretta IP, Ninomiya EM, Gustafson L, Rodrigues ALS, Andreatini R. The antimanic-like effect of tamoxifen: Behavioural comparison with other PKC-inhibiting and antiestrogenic drugs. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:1927-31. [PMID: 18930105 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2008] [Revised: 09/15/2008] [Accepted: 09/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) is an important cellular target for mood stabilizers such as lithium and valproate, and tamoxifen, an antiestrogenic drug with PKC inhibition activity, also demonstrates an antimanic effect. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the antimanic effect of tamoxifen is mediated through the PKC inhibitory and/or the antiestrogenic action(s) of the drug. In the present study, the effects of tamoxifen, chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor) and medroxyprogesterone (an antiestrogenic drug) were investigated in amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion of mice, an animal model of a manic state. Lithium carbonate (100 and 150 mg/kg, i.p.), tamoxifen (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and chelerythrine (1 microg/site, i.c.v.) completely blocked the amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion. However, while the intermediate medroxyprogesterone dose (3.0 mg/kg, i.p.) partially reduced the amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, lower (1.0 mg/g) and higher (6.0 mg/kg) doses produced no effect. Our results indicate a major role for PKC inhibition in the antimanic-like effect of tamoxifen, although its antiestrogenic action may also contribute to this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Sabioni
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Centro Politécnico C.P. 19031, 81540-990 Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Arad M, Weiner I. Fluctuation of latent inhibition along the estrous cycle in the rat: modeling the cyclicity of symptoms in schizophrenic women? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2008; 33:1401-10. [PMID: 18819755 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2008] [Revised: 08/03/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Latent inhibition (LI) is a cross-species selective attention phenomenon manifested as poorer conditioning of stimuli that had been experienced as irrelevant prior to conditioning. Disruption of LI by pro-psychotic agents such as amphetamine and its restoration by antipsychotic drugs (APDs) is a well-established model of psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. There is evidence that in schizophrenic women symptom severity and treatment response fluctuate along the menstrual cycle. Here we tested whether hormonal fluctuation along the estrous cycle in female rats (as determined indirectly via the cellular composition of the vaginal smears) would modulate the expression of LI and its response to APDs. The results showed that LI was seen if rats were in estrus during pre-exposure stage and in metestrus during the conditioning stage of the LI procedure (estrus-metestrus) but not along the remaining sequential phases of the cycle (metestrus-diestrus, diestrus-proestrus and proestrus-estrus). Additionally, the efficacy of typical and atypical APDs, haloperidol and clozapine, respectively, in restoring LI depended on estrous condition. Only LI disruption in proestrus-estrus exhibited sensitivity to both APDs, whereas LI disruption in the other two phases was alleviated by clozapine but not haloperidol. Our results show for the first time that both the expression of LI and its sensitivity to APDs are modulated along the estrous cycle, consistent with fluctuations in psychotic symptoms and response to APDs seen along women's menstrual cycle. Importantly, the results indicate that although both low and high levels of hormones may give rise to psychotic-like behavior as manifested in LI loss, the pro-psychotic state associated with low hormonal level is more severe due to reduced sensitivity to typical APDs. The latter constellation may mimic states of increased vulnerability to psychosis coupled with reduced treatment response documented in schizophrenic women during periods associated with low levels of hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Arad
- Department of Psychology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.
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