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Chakraborty P, Dey A, Gopalakrishnan AV, Swati K, Ojha S, Prakash A, Kumar D, Ambasta RK, Jha NK, Jha SK, Dewanjee S. Glutamatergic neurotransmission: A potential pharmacotherapeutic target for the treatment of cognitive disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 85:101838. [PMID: 36610558 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, glutamate is regarded to be the primary excitatory neurotransmitter due to its widespread distribution and wide range of metabolic functions. Glutamate plays key roles in regulating neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and neuron survival in the brain. Ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors, neurotransmitters, neurotensin, neurosteroids, and others co-ordinately formulate a complex glutamatergic network in the brain that maintains optimal excitatory neurotransmission. Cognitive activities are potentially synchronized by the glutamatergic activities in the brain via restoring synaptic plasticity. Dysfunctional glutamate receptors and other glutamatergic components are responsible for the aberrant glutamatergic activity in the brain that cause cognitive impairments, loss of synaptic plasticity, and neuronal damage. Thus, controlling the brain's glutamatergic transmission and modifying glutamate receptor function could be a potential therapeutic strategy for cognitive disorders. Certain drugs that regulate glutamate receptor activities have shown therapeutic promise in improving cognitive functions in preclinical and clinical studies. However, several issues regarding precise functional information of glutamatergic activity are yet to be comprehensively understood. The present article discusses the scope of developing glutamatergic systems as prospective pharmacotherapeutic targets to treat cognitive disorders. Special attention has been given to recent developments, challenges, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Chakraborty
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Kumari Swati
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anand Prakash
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- School of Health Sciences & Technology, UPES University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, UP, India; School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India.
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, UP, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India.
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
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Chandler J, Georgieva M, Desai U, Kirson N, Lane H, Cheung HC, Westermeyer B, Biglan K. Disease Progression and Longitudinal Clinical Outcomes of Lewy Body Dementia in the NACC Database. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:177-195. [PMID: 36378462 PMCID: PMC9837351 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-022-00417-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As the identification of Lewy body dementia (LBD) is often confirmed postmortem, there is a paucity of evidence on the progression of disease antemortem. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the course of LBD over time across cognitive, functional, and neuropsychiatric outcomes using real-world data. METHODS Adults with at least one visit to an Alzheimer's Disease Center with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment/dementia (index date), indication of LBD, and at least one follow-up visit were identified in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database (September 2005-June 2020). Participant characteristics, medication use, comorbidities, and changes in outcomes were assessed over a 5-year follow-up period and stratified by disease severity based on the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR®) Dementia Staging Instrument-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) score at index. RESULTS A total of 2052 participants with LBD (mean age at index 73.4 years) were included (mild, 219; moderate, 988; severe, 845). Mean annualized increase over 5 years was 0.9 points for CDR-Global Score, 5.6 points for CDR-SB, 10.4 points for the Functional Activities Questionnaire, and 2.0 points for the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire. Disease progression was greater among participants with moderate and severe LBD at index compared with those with mild LBD. CONCLUSION Participants with LBD experienced decline across all outcomes over time, and impairment increased with disease severity. Findings highlight the substantial clinical burden associated with LBD and the importance of earlier diagnosis and effective treatment. Further research is needed to understand the predictors of cognitive and functional decline in LBD which may help inform clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mihaela Georgieva
- Analysis Group, Inc, 111 Huntington Avenue, Floor 14, Boston, MA, 02199, USA
| | - Urvi Desai
- Analysis Group, Inc, 111 Huntington Avenue, Floor 14, Boston, MA, 02199, USA.
| | - Noam Kirson
- Analysis Group, Inc, 111 Huntington Avenue, Floor 14, Boston, MA, 02199, USA
| | - Henry Lane
- Analysis Group, Inc, 111 Huntington Avenue, Floor 14, Boston, MA, 02199, USA
| | - Hoi Ching Cheung
- Analysis Group, Inc, 111 Huntington Avenue, Floor 14, Boston, MA, 02199, USA
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Sabbagh MN, Taylor A, Galasko D, Galvin JE, Goldman JG, Leverenz JB, Poston KL, Boeve BF, Irwin DJ, Quinn JF. Listening session with the US Food and Drug Administration, Lewy Body Dementia Association, and an expert panel. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2023; 9:e12375. [PMID: 36873923 PMCID: PMC9983146 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The regulatory path for drug approval is increasingly well defined. Drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD) need to show statistically significant benefit over placebo with respect to cognitive and functional measures, with the Clinical Dementia Rating scale and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale being among the most often used instruments in AD clinical trials. In contrast, there are no validated instruments for use in clinical trials of drugs for the treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies. This poses challenges for drug development because the regulatory pathway to drug approval requires demonstrable efficacy measures. In December 2021, the Lewy Body Dementia Association advisory group met with representatives from the US Food and Drug Administration to discuss the lack of approved drugs and treatments, discernment of efficacy measures, and identification of biomarkers. Highlights The Lewy Body with Dementia Association convened a listening session with the US Food and Drug Administration on dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and clinical trial design.Gaps include DLB-specific measures, alpha synuclein biomarkers, and coexisting pathologies.DLB clinical trial design should focus on clinical value and disease specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan N. Sabbagh
- Department of NeurologyAlzheimer's and Memory Disorders DivisionBarrow Neurological InstituteSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical CenterPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | | | - Douglas Galasko
- University of California San Diego Shiley‐Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - James E. Galvin
- Comprehensive Center for Brain HealthDepartment of NeurologyUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Jennifer G. Goldman
- Parkinson's and Movement DisordersShirley Ryan Ability Lab and Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and NeurologyNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - James B. Leverenz
- Cleveland Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Cleveland Clinic Center for Brain HealthClevelandOhioUSA
| | | | - Bradley F. Boeve
- Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Department of NeurologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - David J. Irwin
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Joseph F. Quinn
- Department of NeurologyOregon Health Sciences UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
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Pharmacological management of dementia with Lewy bodies with a focus on zonisamide for treating parkinsonism. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 22:325-337. [PMID: 33021110 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1828350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) has no approved symptomatic or disease-modifying treatments in the US and Europe, despite being the second most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors briefly review the DLB drug development pipeline, providing a summary of the current pharmacological intervention studies. They then focus on the anticonvulsant zonisamide, a benzisoxazole derivative with a sulfonamide group and look at its value for treating parkinsonism in DLB. EXPERT OPINION Several new compounds are being tested in DLB, the most innovative being those aimed at decreasing brain accumulation of α-synuclein. Unfortunately, new drug testing is challenging in terms of consistent diagnostic criteria and lack of reliable biomarkers. Few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are well-designed, with enough power to detect significant drug effects. Levodopa monotherapy can treat the parkinsonism in DLB, but it can cause agitation or visual hallucination worsening. Two Phase II/III RCTs of DLB patients recently reported a statistically significant improvement in motor function in those receiving zonisamide as an adjunctive treatment to levodopa. New biomarker strategies and validated outcome measures for DLB or prodromal DLB may enhance clinical trial design for the development of specific disease-modifying treatments.
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Jellinger KA. How can we best care for people with dementia with Lewy bodies pharmacologically? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:513-515. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1712359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Lee G, Cummings J, Decourt B, Leverenz JB, Sabbagh MN. Clinical drug development for dementia with Lewy bodies: past and present. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:951-965. [PMID: 31614096 PMCID: PMC6823159 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1681398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is an under-researched area despite being the second most common type of degenerative dementia after Alzheimer's disease. It is an area of unmet need with no approved symptomatic or disease-modifying therapies. The pharmacological management of DLB is complex and challenging because early trials of drugs for DLB have resulted in no demonstrable efficacy. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the DLB population have only recently been initiated. Understanding results from previous and current clinical trials in DLB can provide insights for future research and development.Areas covered: We provide an overview of the DLB drug development landscape and the current treatment strategies. We reviewed ClinicalTrials.gov to identify all clinical trials for the treatment of DLB.Expert opinion: DLB drug development has significantly improved in recent years with eight agents now in clinical trials. However, more rigorous RCTs are urgently needed. Diagnostic criteria must be optimized to accurately diagnose patients for clinical trials and care. New biomarker strategies are necessary to improve diagnostic capabilities and trial designs, and novel drug targets should be identified to develop DLB specific disease-modifying therapies. Evaluating the current drug development landscape can provide insight into how best to optimize development practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garam Lee
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jeffrey Cummings
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Science, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Boris Decourt
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - James B Leverenz
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Marwan N Sabbagh
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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Burgett RN, Farley TM, Beireis LA. Acute treatment of psychotic symptoms in a newly diagnosed Lewy body dementia patient with an accelerated titration schedule of rivastigmine and de-escalation of antipsychotics. BMJ Case Rep 2019; 12:12/9/e230193. [PMID: 31488443 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-230193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A 76-year-old man presented with complaints of increased confusion, visual hallucinations and decline in memory. He was admitted to the hospital and started on quetiapine 50 mg daily for symptom management. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and started on rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI), at 1.5 mg two times per day. The patient's symptoms continued to worsen and antipsychotics increased for aggressive behaviour. After he became physically aggressive, an extensive medication management review was conducted, prompting an alternative treatment strategy. The quetiapine dose was reduced from 150 mg daily to 12.5 mg daily, his rivastigmine was increased to 3 mg two times per day and all other antipsychotics were discontinued. The up-titration of his rivastigmine after 10 days of therapy was well tolerated with no adverse effects. He demonstrated a clear clinical response to optimised ChEI therapy and low dose quetiapine, showing improvements in alertness and functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Nicole Burgett
- Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Thomas Michael Farley
- Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Pharmacy, Mercy Hospital Iowa City, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Lori Ann Beireis
- Internal Medicine, Mercy Hospital Iowa City, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Abstract
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a complex disease that involves a variety of cognitive, behavioral and neurological symptoms, including progressive memory loss, visual hallucinations, parkinsonism, cognitive fluctuations and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD). These symptoms may appear in varying combinations and levels of severity in each patient who is seen in the clinic, making diagnosis and treatment a challenge. DLB is the third most common of all the neurodegenerative diseases behind both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The median age of onset for DLB (76.3 years) is younger than that seen in PD dementia (81.4 years). New pathological studies have shown that most DLB patients have variable amounts of Alzheimer’s changes in their brains, explaining the wide variability in this disease’s clinical presentation and clinical course. This review discusses the three cholinesterase inhibitors that have been shown to be effective in managing the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of DLB: rivastigmine, galantamine and donepezil. Memantine is able to improve clinical global impression of change in those with mild to moderate DLB. Levodopa can treat the parkinsonism of some DLB patients, but the dose is often limited due to the fact that it can cause agitation or worsening of visual hallucinations. A recent phase 2 clinical trial showed the benefit of zonisamide when it is added as an adjunct to levodopa for treating DLB parkinsonism. While atypical antipsychotic drugs may not always be helpful as monotherapy in managing the agitation associated with DLB, low doses of valproic acid can be effective when added as an adjunct to drugs like quetiapine. Pimavanserin may prove to be a useful treatment for psychosis in DLB patients, but like other antipsychotic drugs that are used in dementia patients, there is a small increased risk of mortality. RBD, which is a common core clinical feature of DLB, can be managed with either melatonin or clonazepam. Two agents targeting alpha-synuclein (NPT200-11 and ambroxol) currently hold promise as disease-modifying therapies for DLB, but they are yet to be tested in clinical trials. An agent (E2027) that offers hope of neuroprotection by increasing central cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels is currently being examined in clinical trials in DLB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Hershey
- Department of Neurology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 Stanton L Young Blvd, Suite 2040, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104-5036, USA.
| | - Rhonda Coleman-Jackson
- Department of Neurology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 Stanton L Young Blvd, Suite 2040, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104-5036, USA
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