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Sarzi-Puttini P, Giorgi V, Di Lascio S, Fornasari D. Acetyl-L-carnitine in chronic pain: A narrative review. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105874. [PMID: 34500063 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is an endogenous molecule that not only plays a role in energy metabolism, but also has antioxidant properties, protects from oxidative stress, modulates brain neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, serotonin and dopamine, and acts on neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors by means of epigenetic mechanisms. Importantly, it induces mGlu2 expression at nerve terminals, thus giving rise to analgesia and preventing spinal sensitisation. It has also been found to have even long-term neurotrophic and analgesic activity in experimental models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The aim of this narrative review is to summarise the current evidence regarding the use of ALC in patients with chronic pain, and cognitive and mood disorders, and investigate the rationale underlying its use in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, which is characterised by nociplastic changes that increase the sensitivity of the nervous system to pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Giorgi
- Rheumatology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| | - Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Fornasari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Li J, Song M, Wen H, Zhang Y, Li Y, Lyu L, Wang X, Qi X. Gonadal lipidomics profile of an ovoviviparity teleost, black rockfish, during gonadal development. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2021; 47:811-828. [PMID: 33694040 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-00936-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the variation of gonad lipidomics during reproductive cycle, black rockfish was employed as the research model in the present study. Using histology, lipidomics, and qPCR, the profile of gonad lipidomics and the expression levels of related genes during different developmental stages were detected and analyzed to show the potential regulatory network of lipid metabolism. Based on Ultra High-Performance Liquid Tandem Chromatography Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOFMS), four significant differential glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways including phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidic acid (PA) were enriched by KEGG. Pathway-related enzyme-coding genes, including phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (pisd), phosphatidylserine synthase (ptdss1, ptdss2), and phospholipase D (pld1, pld2) were identified from the whole genome data and confirmed by cloning. The expression profiles of these genes were tested by qPCR in the tissues and gonads in developmental stages, and we found that pisd, pld, and ptdss genes were all downregulated through the developmental process in the brain of male, and the latter two genes were upregulated in the liver and testis at stage IV, which were the opposite trend observed in the female. Thus, our findings would be helpful in further understanding the substance metabolism and regulation during gonad development in ovoviviparity teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianshuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Song
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China
| | - Haishen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Likang Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, People's Republic of China.
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Marazziti D, Avella MT, Ivaldi T, Palermo S, Massa L, Vecchia AD, Basile L, Mucci F. Neuroenhancement: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2021; 18:137-169. [PMID: 34909030 PMCID: PMC8629054 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20210303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological neuroenhancement refers to the non-medical use of prescription drugs, alcohol, illegal drugs, or the so-called soft enhancers for the purpose of improving cognition, mood, pro-social behavior, or work and academic performance. This phenomenon is undoubtedly more frequent than previously supposed especially amongst university students. The aim of the present paper was to carefully review and comment on the available literature on neuroenhancement, according to Prisma guidelines. The results showed a great use of all prescribed drugs (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, nootropic compounds, and especially stimulants) as neuroenhancers amongst healthy subjects, although probably the real prevalence is underestimated. The use of illicit drugs and soft enhancers is similarly quite common. Data on the improvement of cognition by other compounds, such as oxytocin and pheromones, or non-pharmacological techniques, specifically deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, are still limited. In any case, if it is true that human beings are embedded by the desire to overcome the limits of their intrinsic nature, neuroenhancement practices put into question the concept of authenticity. Therefore, the problem appears quite complex and requires to be deepened and analyzed with no prejudice, although within an ethical conceptual frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
- Unicamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Avella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Tea Ivaldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Massa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Basile
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Italy
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Wilms W, Woźniak-Karczewska M, Corvini PFX, Chrzanowski Ł. Nootropic drugs: Methylphenidate, modafinil and piracetam - Population use trends, occurrence in the environment, ecotoxicity and removal methods - A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 233:771-785. [PMID: 31200137 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals which originally were designed to treat people with neurological and psychiatric conditions, e.g. Alzheimer's disease or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are nowadays often misused by students as a 'brain doping' substances. These substances are known as nootropic drugs, smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, as they increase memory, attention and concentration of healthy individuals. Since they are easily available illicitly, their consumption is observed to be growing. Currently, these pharmaceuticals started gaining researchers' attention, especially since they have been recently detected in wastewater, surface water and even drinking water. This review summarises the current state of knowledge on nootropic drugs in terms of their population use trends and ethics, occurrence in the environment and detection techniques, toxicity and removal methods, in example of methylphenidate, modafinil and piracetam - three most popular nootropics. It points out that the main sources of knowledge on cognitive enhancers illicit use are often inconsistent questionnaires, which are not supported by wastewater analysis to become more veracious. Simultaneously, the studies concerning toxicity and removal methods of nootropic drugs are still limited and in many cases environmentally irrelevant. Although the prescription rules has been subjected to more strict control in developed countries, regulatory frameworks with regard to their ecosystem occurrence are still lacking and should be introduced. Moreover, the use of environmentally relevant concentrations in toxicity studies should be a standard, leading to proper ecotoxicity risk assessment. Based on this review, it is recommended to routinely monitor nootropics and their metabolites in waste- and surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Wilms
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marta Woźniak-Karczewska
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965, Poznań, Poland
| | - Philippe F-X Corvini
- Institute for Ecopreneurship, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Gründenstrasse 40, 4132, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Łukasz Chrzanowski
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965, Poznań, Poland.
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Preparation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of vinpocetine elementary osmotic pump system. Adv Pharmacol Sci 2011; 2011:385469. [PMID: 21577257 PMCID: PMC3090614 DOI: 10.1155/2011/385469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Revised: 01/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of vinpocetine (VIN) elementary osmotic pump (EOP) formulations were investigated. A method for the preparation of VIN elementary osmotic pump tablet was obtained by adding organic acid additives to increase VIN solubility. VIN was used as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, lactose and mannitol as osmotic agent. Citric acid was used as increasing API solubility and without resulting in the API degradation. It is found that the VIN release rate was increasing with the citric acid amount at a constant range. Cellulose acetate 398-3 was employed as semipermeable membrane containing polyethylene glycol 6000 and diethyl-o-phthalate as pore-forming agent and plasticizer for controlling membrane permeability. In addition, a clear difference between the pharmacokinetic patterns of VIN immediate release and VIN elementary osmotic pump formulations was revealed. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve after oral administration of elementary osmotic pump formulations was equivalent to VIN immediate release formulation. Furthermore, significant differences found for mean residence time, elimination half-life, and elimination rate constant values corroborated prolonged release of VIN from elementary osmotic pump formulations. These results suggest that the VIN osmotic pump controlled release tablets have marked controlled release characters and the VIN osmotic pump controlled release tablets and the normal tablets were bioequivalent.
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Best T, Kemps E, Bryan J. Saccharide effects on cognition and well-being in middle-aged adults: a randomized controlled trial. Dev Neuropsychol 2010; 35:66-80. [PMID: 20390593 DOI: 10.1080/87565640903325709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The current study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to investigate the effects of saccharide supplementation on cognition and well-being in middle-aged adults. Participants (N = 109; 45-60 years) took a teaspoon of a combination of saccharides or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks (3.6 g per day). Before and after this supplementation period, participants completed alternate forms of standardized tests of cognition and self-report measures of well-being. Significant beneficial effects of saccharide supplementation were found for memory performance and indicators of well-being. The potential for these nutrients to optimize cognitive function and well-being in older adults warrants ongoing investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talitha Best
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
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Best T, Bryan J, Burns N. An investigation of the effects of saccharides on the memory performance of middle-aged adults. J Nutr Health Aging 2008; 12:657-62. [PMID: 18953465 DOI: 10.1007/bf03008278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of glucose, or a combination of saccharides, or a placebo on the memory performance of middle-aged adults. DESIGN A double-blind, placebo controlled design was used. A population-based sample of 45 men and women (aged 40-63 years) completed a series of memory tasks following administration of a single dose of either glucose, a combination of saccharides or placebo. Memory tasks included immediate and delayed recall, recognition, short-term memory, working memory, and a test of general cognitive ability. RESULTS There were no statistically significant effects of treatments on any of the outcome measures. CONCLUSION The pattern of means in the combination of saccharides group suggests potential enhancement effects of memory performance in middle-aged adults that deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Best
- University of Adelaide, Australia.
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Craik FIM. Memory changes in normal and pathological aging. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2008; 53:343-5. [PMID: 18616853 DOI: 10.1177/070674370805300601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fergus IM Craik
- Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, Ontario
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Association between dietary saccharide intake and self-reported memory performance in middle-aged adults. Br J Nutr 2008; 101:93-9. [DOI: 10.1017/s0007114508984257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to assess dietary intake of saccharides in middle-aged adults, and to determine whether intakes of these sugar nutrients were related to self-reported memory performance. A population-based sample of 1183 men and women (aged 40–60 years) completed questionnaires assessing everyday memory function. Dietary intake status of saccharides was estimated using a self-completed, quantified FFQ. After controlling for demographic and health measures (for example, time spent exercising, smoking and alcohol consumption), saccharide intake was related to better self-reported memory functioning. Thus, longer-term intakes of saccharides through the usual diet may be positively related to perceived memory performance in mid-life.
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Ribeiro LSS, Falcão AC, Patrício JAB, Ferreira DC, Veiga FJB. Cyclodextrin Multicomponent Complexation and Controlled Release Delivery Strategies to Optimize the Oral Bioavailability of Vinpocetine. J Pharm Sci 2007; 96:2018-28. [PMID: 17530626 DOI: 10.1002/jps.20294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, to maintain a suitable blood level of vinpocetine (VP) for a long period of time, VP-cyclodextrin-tartaric acid multicomponent complexes were prepared and formulated in hydroxypropylmethylcellulose matrix tablets. In vitro and in vivo performances of these formulations were investigated over a VP immediate release dosage form. Solubility studies were performed to evaluate the drug pH solubilization profile and to assess the effect of multicomponent complexation on VP solubility. The drug release process was investigated using United States Pharmacopeia apparatus 3 and a comparative oral pharmacokinetic study was subsequently undertaken in rabbits. Solubility studies denoted the pH-solubility dependence of VP and solubility improvement attained by complexation. Dissolution results showed controlled and almost complete release behavior of VP over a 12-h period from complex hydroxypropylmethylcellulose-based formulations. A clear difference between the pharmacokinetic patterns of VP immediate release and VP complex-based formulations was revealed. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve after oral administration of complex-based formulations was 2.1-2.9 times higher than that for VP immediate release formulation. Furthermore, significant differences found for mean residence time, elimination half-life, and elimination rate constant values corroborated prolonged release of VP from complex-based formulations. These results suggest that the oral bioavailability of VP was significantly improved by both multicomponent complexation and controlled release delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S S Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Tecnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Rua do Norte, 3000-295 Coimbra, Portugal
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Simpson EEA, Maylor EA, Rae G, Meunier N, Andriollo-Sanchez M, Catasta G, McConville C, Ferry M, Polito A, Stewart-Knox BJ, Secker DL, Coudray C. Cognitive function in healthy older European adults: the ZENITH study. Eur J Clin Nutr 2006; 59 Suppl 2:S26-30. [PMID: 16254577 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Baseline data are reported from a study of the effects of zinc supplementation on cognitive function in older adults as assessed by the CANTAB computerised test battery. DESIGN This is a multicentre prospective intervention study employing a randomised double-blind design. SETTING European community-based study. PARTICIPANTS There are 387 healthy adults aged 55-87 y from centres in France, Italy and Northern Ireland. INTERVENTIONS Measures of visual memory, working memory and attention were obtained at baseline (prior to supplementation). RESULTS Younger adults (<70 y) performed significantly better than older adults (>70 y) on all tests, with minimal differences between centres. In addition, men outperformed women on tests of spatial span, pattern recognition memory and reaction times, although these gender differences varied somewhat between centres. CONCLUSIONS The results are generally consistent with previous age- and gender-related effects on cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- E E A Simpson
- School of Psychology/NICHE University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Meguid MM, Shenkin A. Introduction: nutritional supplements and the quest to improve human performance-the need for the strictest standards and rigor when reporting clinical trials. Nutrition 2004; 19:955-6. [PMID: 14624945 DOI: 10.1016/s0899-9007(03)00023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Meguid
- Department of Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA.
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