1
|
Louvrou V, Solianik R, Brazaitis M, Erhardt S. Exploring the effect of prolonged fasting on kynurenine pathway metabolites and stress markers in healthy male individuals. Eur J Clin Nutr 2024; 78:677-683. [PMID: 38789718 PMCID: PMC11300305 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-024-01451-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Prolonged fasting triggers a stress response within the human body. Our objective was to investigate the impact of prolonged fasting, in conjunction with stress, on kynurenine pathway metabolites. SUBJECTS/METHODS Healthy males were divided into fasting group (zero-calorie-restriction) for 6 days (FAST, n = 14), and control group (CON, n = 10). Blood and saliva samples were collected at baseline, Day 2, Day 4, Day 6 during fasting period, and 1 week after resuming regular diet. Plasma levels of kynurenine pathway metabolites were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Plasma and salivary samples were analyzed for stress markers. RESULTS A pronounced activation of the kynurenine pathway in individuals on FAST trial was revealed. Concentrations of picolinic acid (PIC), kynurenic acid (KYNA) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) were significantly increased, with peak levels observed on Day 6 (P < 0.0001). Conversely, concentrations of tryptophan (TRP) and quinolinic acid (QUIN) decreased (P < 0.0001), while kynurenine (KYN) and nicotinamide (NAM) levels remained stable. Cortisol and noradrenaline concentrations remained unchanged. However, adrenaline levels significantly increased on Day 4 within FAST compared to CON (P = 0.005). Notably, all deviations in kynurenine pathway metabolite levels returned to baseline values upon resuming regular diet following the 6-day fasting regimen, even when weight and BMI parameters were not restored. CONCLUSIONS Extended fasting over 6 days induces the kynurenine pathway and has minimal effects on stress markers. Restoration of metabolite concentrations upon regular feeding implies rapid adaptation of the kynurenine pathway synthetic enzymes to maintain homeostasis when faced with perturbations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Louvrou
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rima Solianik
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Marius Brazaitis
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Young JR, Evans MK, Hwang J, Kritzer MD, Kellner CH, Weiner RD. Electroconvulsive Therapy Changes Immunological Markers in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Scoping Review. J ECT 2024:00124509-990000000-00170. [PMID: 38924480 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000001021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition. As such, understanding the causes of and treatment options for MDD is critical. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the gold standard depression treatment, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie its effects are still largely unknown. One such explanation hinges on the immuno-inflammatory correlates of ECT treatment, given mounting evidence supporting the inflammatory hypothesis of depression. This review aims to provide an overview of the suggested immunomodulatory effects of ECT and the predictive value of immune biomarkers in relation to treatment outcomes and side effects. We conducted a preregistered, systematic literature search utilizing MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), and PsycINFO (EBSCO) databases. We employed keywords related to MDD, ECT, gut microbiome, and the immune system. We only included human subjects research published between 1985 and January 13, 2021. Twenty-six unique studies were included in our analyses. Findings indicate a proinflammatory profile associated with MDD, with immune biomarkers exhibiting acute and chronic changes following ECT. Consistently, lower baseline interleukin 6 levels and higher C-reactive protein levels are correlated with a greater reduction in depressive symptoms following ECT. Furthermore, included studies emphasize the predictive value of peripheral immune changes, specifically interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α, on cognitive outcomes following ECT. Given these results, further exploration of the potential roles of immunomodulatory effects on ECT treatment outcomes, as well as adverse cognitive side effects, is indicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard D Weiner
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Y, Wang H, Liu L, Mo X, He D, Chen X, Xiao R, Cheng Q, Fatima M, Du Y, Xie P. Maternal separation regulates sensitivity of stress-induced depression in mice by affecting hippocampal metabolism. Physiol Behav 2024; 279:114530. [PMID: 38552706 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a serious mental illness. Previous studies found that early life stress (ELS) plays a vital role in the onset and progression of depression. However, relevant studies have not yet been able to explain the specific effects of early stress on stress-induced depression sensitivity and individual behavior during growth. Therefore, we constructed a maternal separation (MS) model and administered chronic social frustration stress at different stages of their growth while conducting metabolomics analysis on the hippocampus of mice. Our results showed that the immobility time of mice in the forced swimming test was significantly reduced at the end of MS. Meanwhile, mice with MS experience significantly decreased total movement distance in the open field test and sucrose preference ratio in the sucrose preference test when subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) during adolescence. In adulthood, the results were the opposite. In addition, we found that level changes in metabolites such as Beta-alanine, l-aspartic acid, 2-aminoadipic acid, and Glycine are closely related to behavioral changes. These metabolites are mainly enriched in Pantothenate, CoA biosynthesis, and Beta Alanine metabolism pathways. Our experiment revealed that the effects of ELS vary across different age groups. It will increase an individual's sensitivity to depression when facing CSDS in adolescence, but it will reduce their sensitivity to depression when facing CSDS in adulthood. This may be achieved by regulating the hippocampus's Pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis and Beta Alanine metabolism pathways represented by Beta-alanine, l-Aspartic acid, 2-aminoadipic acid, and Glycine metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangdong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Haiyang Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lanxiang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Neurology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 402160, China
| | - Xiaolong Mo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Dian He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xueyi Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Faculty of Basic Medicine, Department of Pathology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Rui Xiao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Faculty of Basic Medicine, Department of Pathology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qisheng Cheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Madiha Fatima
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yamei Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Peng Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Neurology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 402160, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Orhan F, Schwieler L, Engberg G, Samuelsson M. Kynurenine Metabolites in CSF and Plasma in Healthy Males. Int J Tryptophan Res 2024; 17:11786469241245323. [PMID: 38665132 PMCID: PMC11044574 DOI: 10.1177/11786469241245323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, kynurenine metabolites generated by tryptophan catabolism have gained increasing attention in the context of brain diseases. The question of importance is whether there is a relationship between peripheral and central levels of these metabolites. Some of these compounds do not cross the blood-brain barrier; in particular, kynurenic acid, and most analyses of kynurenines from psychiatric patients have been performed using plasma samples. In the present study, we recruited 30 healthy volunteers with no history of psychiatric or neurological diagnosis, to analyze tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid levels in CSF and plasma. In addition, kynurenic acid was analyzed in urine. The most important finding of this study is that CSF kynurenic acid levels do not correlate with those in plasma or urine. However, we found a correlation between plasma kynurenine and CSF kynurenic acid. Further, plasma kynurenine and plasma quinolinic acid were correlated. Our findings clarify the distribution of tryptophan and its metabolites in various body compartments and may serve as a guide for the analysis of these metabolites in humans. The most significant finding of the present study is that a prediction of brain kynurenic acid by of the analysis of the compound in plasma cannot be made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Funda Orhan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Göran Engberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Samuelsson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brown SJ, Christofides K, Weissleder C, Huang XF, Shannon Weickert C, Lim CK, Newell KA. Sex- and suicide-specific alterations in the kynurenine pathway in the anterior cingulate cortex in major depression. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:584-592. [PMID: 37735504 PMCID: PMC10789861 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01736-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious psychiatric disorder that in extreme cases can lead to suicide. Evidence suggests that alterations in the kynurenine pathway (KP) contribute to the pathology of MDD. Activation of the KP leads to the formation of neuroactive metabolites, including kynurenic acid (KYNA) and quinolinic acid (QUIN). To test for changes in the KP, postmortem anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was obtained from the National Institute of Health NeuroBioBank. Gene expression of KP enzymes and relevant neuroinflammatory markers were investigated via RT-qPCR (Fluidigm) and KP metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in tissue from individuals with MDD (n = 44) and matched nonpsychiatric controls (n = 36). We report increased IL6 and IL1B mRNA in MDD. Subgroup analysis found that female MDD subjects had significantly decreased KYNA and a trend decrease in the KYNA/QUIN ratio compared to female controls. In addition, MDD subjects that died by suicide had significantly decreased KYNA in comparison to controls and MDD subjects that did not die by suicide, while subjects that did not die by suicide had increased KYAT2 mRNA, which we hypothesise may protect against a decrease in KYNA. Overall, we found sex- and suicide-specific alterations in the KP in the ACC in MDD. This is the first molecular evidence in the brain of subgroup specific changes in the KP in MDD, which not only suggests that treatments aimed at upregulation of the KYNA arm in the brain may be favourable for female MDD sufferers but also might assist managing suicidal behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samara J Brown
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | | | - Christin Weissleder
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Mechanism and Therapy of Genetic Brain Diseases, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chai K Lim
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelly A Newell
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mancuso E, Sampogna G, Boiano A, Della Rocca B, Di Vincenzo M, Lapadula MV, Martinelli F, Lucci F, Luciano M. Biological correlates of treatment resistant depression: a review of peripheral biomarkers. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1291176. [PMID: 37941970 PMCID: PMC10628469 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1291176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many patients fail to respond to multiple antidepressant interventions, being defined as "treatment-resistant depression" (TRD) patients. TRD is usually associated with increased severity and chronicity of symptoms, increased risk of comorbidity, and higher suicide rates, which make the clinical management challenging. Efforts to distinguish between TRD patients and those who will respond to treatment have been unfruitful so far. Several studies have tried to identify the biological, psychopathological, and psychosocial correlates of depression, with particular attention to the inflammatory system. In this paper we aim to review available studies assessing the full range of biomarkers in TRD patients in order to reshape TRD definition and improve its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Methods We searched the most relevant medical databases and included studies reporting original data on possible biomarkers of TRD. The keywords "treatment resistant depression" or "TRD" matched with "biomarker," "inflammation," "hormone," "cytokine" or "biological marker" were entered in PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and SCOPUS databases. Articles were included if they included a comparison with healthy controls (HC). Results Of the 1878 papers identified, 35 were included in the present study. Higher plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected in TRD patients compared to HC. While only a few studies on cortisol have been found, four papers showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein among these patients and four articles focused on immunological cells. Altered kynurenine metabolism in TRD patients was reported in two studies, while contrasting results were found with regard to BDNF. Conclusion Only a few biological alterations correlate with TRD. TNF-α seems to be the most relevant biomarker to discriminate TRD patients from both HC and treatment-responsive MDD patients. Moreover, several discrepancies among studies have been found, due to methodological differences and the lack of a standardized diagnostic definition of TRD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Luciano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ou W, Chen Y, Ju Y, Ma M, Qin Y, Bi Y, Liao M, Liu B, Liu J, Zhang Y, Li L. The kynurenine pathway in major depressive disorder under different disease states: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 339:624-632. [PMID: 37467793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A disruption of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway may exist in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the changing pattern of the KYN pathway across the different disease states in MDD is unclear. Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to examine the differences in KYN metabolites between patients in the current episode of MDD (cMDD) and patients in remission (rMDD), as well as the changes after treatments. METHODS Literature was systematically searched from electronic databases, from inception up to September 2022. Random-effect models were used to quantify the differences in KYN metabolites between patients with MDD across acute depressive episode and remission phases, as well as the changes after treatments. RESULTS Fifty-one studies involving 7056 participants were included. Tryptophan (TRP), KYN, kynurenic acid (KYNA), KYNA/quinolinic acid (QA), KYNA/3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), and KYNA/KYN were significantly lower, while KYN/TRP was significantly higher in patients with cMDD. Moreover, these effect sizes were generally larger in medication-free patients. No significant differences were found between patients with rMDD and HCs. Additionally, KYNA was found negatively correlated with depression severity and significantly increased after treatments, while the alteration was not found in QA. LIMITATIONS The number of included studies of patients with rMDD and longitudinal studies investigating the change of the KYN metabolites after treatment with antidepressants was limited. In addition, the heterogeneity across included studies was relatively high. CONCLUSIONS These findings showed a comprehensive image of the unique dysfunction pattern of the KYN pathway across different MDD states and highlighted KYNA as a potentially sensitive biomarker of MDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Ou
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yumeng Ju
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Mohan Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqi Qin
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Bi
- Xiangya Medical School, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mei Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Bangshan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Lingjiang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Göteson A, Clements CC, Juréus A, Joas E, Holmén Larsson J, Karlsson R, Nordenskjöld A, Pålsson E, Landén M. Alterations in the Serum Proteome Following Electroconvulsive Therapy for a Major Depressive Episode: A Longitudinal Multicenter Study. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:884-892. [PMID: 37881534 PMCID: PMC10593865 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for severe depression, but the biological changes induced by ECT remain poorly understood. Methods This study investigated alterations in blood serum proteins in 309 patients receiving ECT for a major depressive episode. We analyzed 201 proteins in samples collected at 3 time points (T): just before the first ECT treatment session (T0), within 30 minutes after the first ECT session (T1), and just before the sixth ECT session (T2). Results Using statistical models to account for repeated sampling, we identified 152 and 70 significantly (<5% false discovery rate) altered proteins at T1 and T2, respectively. The most pronounced alterations at T1 were transiently increased levels of prolactin, myoglobin, and kallikrein-6. However, most proteins had decreased levels at T1, with the largest effects observed for pro-epidermal growth factor, proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 14, sulfotransferase 1A1, early activation antigen CD69, and CD40 ligand. The change of several acutely altered proteins correlated with electric current and pulse frequency in a dose-response-like manner. Over a 5-session course of ECT, some acutely altered levels were sustained while others increased, e.g., serine protease 8 and chitinase-3-like protein 1. None of the studied protein biomarkers were associated with clinical response to ECT. Conclusions We report experimental data on alterations in the circulating proteome triggered by ECT in a clinical setting. The findings implicate hormonal signaling, immune response, apoptotic processes, and more. None of the findings were associated with clinical response to ECT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Göteson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caitlin C. Clements
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anders Juréus
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Joas
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jessica Holmén Larsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert Karlsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Erik Pålsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikael Landén
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Uchida T, Sugiura Y, Sugiyama E, Maeda R, Tanaka KF, Suematsu M, Mimura M, Uchida H. Metabolites for monitoring symptoms and predicting remission in patients with depression who received electroconvulsive therapy: a pilot study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13218. [PMID: 37580528 PMCID: PMC10425446 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40498-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of biomarkers to monitor and predict the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has hindered its optimal use. To establish metabolomic markers for monitoring and predicting the treatment efficacy of ECT, we comprehensively evaluated metabolite levels in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) by performing targeted and non-targeted metabolomic analyses using plasma samples before and after the first, third, and final ECT sessions, and 3-7 days after the final session. We compared the plasma metabolomes of age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Thirteen hospitalized patients with MDD and their corresponding HCs were included in this study. We observed that patients with MDD exhibited lower levels of amino acids, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and metabolites involved in tryptophan metabolism and the kynurenine pathway, and higher levels of cortisol at baseline. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between metabolite levels and depression severity across seven measurement timepoints along with one correlation analysis and found that amino acids, including GABA and tryptophan catabolites, were significantly correlated with the severity of depression. Despite the exploratory nature of this study due to the limited sample size necessitating further validation, our findings suggest that the blood metabolic profile has potential as a biomarker for ECT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Uchida
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yuki Sugiura
- Department of Biochemistry and Integrative Medical Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Multiomics Platform, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eiji Sugiyama
- Department of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Rae Maeda
- Multiomics Platform, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Division of Brain Sciences, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Suematsu
- Department of Biochemistry and Integrative Medical Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Uchida
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xue D, Guo X, Li Y, Sheng Z, Wang L, Liu L, Cao J, Liu Y, Lou J, Li H, Hao X, Zhou Z, Fu Q. Risk Factor Analysis and a Predictive Model of Postoperative Depressive Symptoms in Elderly Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040646. [PMID: 37190611 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the elderly, depression is one of the most common mental disorders, which seriously affects their physical and mental health and quality of life, and their suicide rate is particularly high. Depression in the elderly is strongly associated with surgery. In this study, we aimed to explore the risk factors and establish a predictive model of depressive symptoms 1 month after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in elderly patients. The study participants included 272 elderly patients (age > 65 years) undergoing VATS from April 2020 to May 2021 at 1 of 18 medical centers in China. The patients were divided into a depression group and a nondepression group according to the Chinese version of the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The patients' pre- and postoperative characteristics and questionnaires were collected and compared. Then, binary logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors that affect postoperative depressive symptoms, and the predictive model was constructed. The prediction efficiency of the model was evaluated by drawing the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the value of the predictive model. Among all of the included patients, 16.54% (45/272) suffered from depressive symptoms after VATS. The results of the univariate analysis showed that body mass index (BMI), chronic pain, leukocyte count, fibrinogen levels, prothrombin time, ASA physical status, infusion volume, anxiety, sleep quality, and postoperative pain were related to postoperative depressive symptoms (all p < 0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a high fibrinogen level (OR = 2.42), postoperative anxiety (OR = 12.05), poor sleep quality (OR = 0.61), and pain (OR = 2.85) were risk factors of postoperative depressive symptoms. A predictive model was constructed according to the regression coefficient of each variable, the ROC curve was drawn, and the AUC value was calculated to be 0.889. The prediction model may help medical personnel identify older patients at risk of developing depressive disorders associated with VATS and may be useful for clinical purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dinghao Xue
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xu Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yanxiang Li
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhuoqi Sheng
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Luyu Liu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jiangbei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jingsheng Lou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xinyu Hao
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhikang Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Aarsland TIM, Haavik J, Ulvik A, Ueland PM, Dols A, Kessler U. The effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on serum kynurenine pathway metabolites in late-life depression. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
|
12
|
Linking nervous and immune systems in psychiatric illness: A meta-analysis of the kynurenine pathway. Brain Res 2023; 1800:148190. [PMID: 36463958 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid absorbed by the gut depending on a homoeostatic microbiome. Up to 95% of unbound tryptophan is converted into tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) through the kynurenine system. Recent studies identified conflicting associations between altered levels of TRYCATs and genetic polymorphisms in major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and bipolar disorder (BD). This meta-analysis aimed to understand how tryptophan catabolic pathways are altered in MDD, SCZ, and BD. When compared to healthy controls, participants with MDD had moderately lower levels of tryptophan associated with a moderate increase of kynurenine/tryptophan ratios and no differences in kynurenine. While significant differences were found in SCZ for any of the TRYCATs, studies on kynurenic acid found opposing directions of effect sizes depending on the sample source. Unique changes in levels of TRYCATs were also observed in BD. Dynamic changes in levels of cytokines and other immune/inflammatory elements modulate the transcription and activity of kynurenine system enzymes, which lastly seems to be impacting glutamatergic neurotransmission via N-methyl-D-aspartate and α-7 nicotine receptors.
Collapse
|
13
|
Guo B, Zhang M, Hao W, Wang Y, Zhang T, Liu C. Neuroinflammation mechanisms of neuromodulation therapies for anxiety and depression. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:5. [PMID: 36624089 PMCID: PMC9829236 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02297-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mood disorders are associated with elevated inflammation, and the reduction of symptoms after multiple treatments is often accompanied by pro-inflammation restoration. A variety of neuromodulation techniques that regulate regional brain activities have been used to treat refractory mood disorders. However, their efficacy varies from person to person and lack reliable indicator. This review summarizes clinical and animal studies on inflammation in neural circuits related to anxiety and depression and the evidence that neuromodulation therapies regulate neuroinflammation in the treatment of neurological diseases. Neuromodulation therapies, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial electrical stimulation (TES), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), photobiomodulation (PBM), transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), all have been reported to attenuate neuroinflammation and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors, which may be one of the reasons for mood improvement. This review provides a better understanding of the effective mechanism of neuromodulation therapies and indicates that inflammatory biomarkers may serve as a reference for the assessment of pathological conditions and treatment options in anxiety and depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingqi Guo
- grid.413259.80000 0004 0632 3337Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053 China ,grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XBeijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Beijing, 100053 China
| | - Mengyao Zhang
- grid.413259.80000 0004 0632 3337Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053 China ,grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XBeijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Beijing, 100053 China
| | - Wensi Hao
- grid.413259.80000 0004 0632 3337Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053 China ,grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XBeijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Beijing, 100053 China
| | - Yuping Wang
- grid.413259.80000 0004 0632 3337Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053 China ,grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XBeijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Beijing, 100053 China ,grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XInstitute of sleep and consciousness disorders, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Beijing, 100053, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cheng D, Qin ZS, Zheng Y, Xie JY, Liang SS, Zhang JL, Feng YB, Zhang ZJ. Minocycline, a classic antibiotic, exerts psychotropic effects by normalizing microglial neuroinflammation-evoked tryptophan-kynurenine pathway dysregulation in chronically stressed male mice. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:305-318. [PMID: 36332817 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of tryptophan-kynurenine pathway (TKP) is extensively involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, depression, and neurodegenerative disorders. Minocycline, a classic antibiotic, may exert psychotropic effects associated with the modulation of TKP. In this study, we examined the effects of minocycline in improving behaviour and modulating TKP components in chronically stressed male mice. Following repeated treatment with 22.5 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg minocycline for 27 days, the stressed mice particularly with higher dose displayed significant improvement on cognitive impairment, depression- and anxiety-like behaviour. Minocycline suppressed stress-induced overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and restored anti-inflammatory cytokines. Chronic stress dramatically suppressed blood and prefrontal cortical levels of the primary substrate tryptophan (TRP), the neuroprotective metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA), and KYNA/KYN ratio, but increased the intermediate kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), KYN/TRP ratio, and the neurotoxic metabolite quinolinic acid (QUIN). Minocycline partially or completely reversed changes in these components. Minocycline also inhibited stress-induced overexpression of QUIN-related enzymes, indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1(iDO-1), kynureninase (KYNU), kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), 3-hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase (3-HAO), but rescued the decreased expression of kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) in brain regions. Behavioral improvements were correlated with multiple TKP metabolites and enzymes. These results suggest that the psychotropic effects of minocycline are mainly associated with the restoration of biodistribution of the primary substrate in the brain and normalization of neuroinflammation-evoked TKP dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zong-Shi Qin
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun-Ya Xie
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sui-Sha Liang
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia-Ling Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi-Bin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhang-Jin Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mingoti MED, Bertollo AG, de Oliveira T, Ignácio ZM. Stress and Kynurenine-Inflammation Pathway in Major Depressive Disorder. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1411:163-190. [PMID: 36949310 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7376-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent disorders and causes severe damage to people's quality of life. Lifelong stress is one of the major villains in triggering MDD. Studies have shown that both stress and MDD, especially the more severe conditions of the disorder, are associated with inflammation and neuroinflammation and the relationship to an imbalance in tryptophan metabolism towards the kynurenine pathway (KP) through the enzymes indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which is mainly stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) which is activated primarily by glucocorticoids. Considering that several pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD underlie or interact with biological processes from KP metabolites, this chapter addresses and discusses the function of these mechanisms. Activities triggered by stress and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and immune and inflammatory processes, in addition to epigenetic phenomena and the gut-brain axis (GBA), are addressed. Finally, studies on the function and mechanisms of physical exercise in the KP metabolism and MDD are pointed out and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maiqueli Eduarda Dama Mingoti
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Amanda Gollo Bertollo
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Tácio de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Zuleide Maria Ignácio
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Savitz J, Ford BN, Kuplicki R, Khalsa S, Teague TK, Paulus MP. Acute administration of ibuprofen increases serum concentration of the neuroprotective kynurenine pathway metabolite, kynurenic acid: a pilot randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3919-3927. [PMID: 36271950 PMCID: PMC10040216 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06263-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE At least six different types of antidepressant treatments have been shown to either increase the neuroprotective kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolite, kynurenic acid (KynA), or decrease the neurotoxic KP metabolite, quinolinic acid (QA). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen have shown some efficacy in the treatment of depression but their effects on the KP have not been studied in humans. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of ibuprofen on circulating KP metabolites. METHODS In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 20 healthy adults (10 women) received a single oral dose of 200-mg ibuprofen, 600-mg ibuprofen, or placebo in a counterbalanced order (NCT02507219). Serum samples were drawn in the mid-afternoon, 5 h after ibuprofen/placebo administration. KP metabolites were measured blind to visit by tandem mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed with linear mixed effect models. The primary outcome was KynA/QA and the secondary outcome was KynA. RESULTS After Bonferroni correction, there was a significant effect of treatment on KynA/QA. The effect was driven by an increase in KynA concentration after the 600-mg dose but not the 200-mg dose relative to placebo (Cohen's d = 1.71). In contrast, both the 200-mg (d = 1.03) and 600-mg (d = 2.05) doses of ibuprofen decreased tryptophan concentrations relative to placebo. CONCLUSIONS Given its KynA-elevating effects, ibuprofen could have neuroprotective effects in the context of depression as well as other neuroinflammatory disorders that are characterized by a reduction in KynA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA.
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA.
| | - Bart N Ford
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | - Sahib Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - T Kent Teague
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Martin P Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Almulla AF, Thipakorn Y, Vasupanrajit A, Abo Algon AA, Tunvirachaisakul C, Hashim Aljanabi AA, Oxenkrug G, Al-Hakeim HK, Maes M. The tryptophan catabolite or kynurenine pathway in major depressive and bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100537. [PMID: 36339964 PMCID: PMC9630622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is now evidence that affective disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are mediated by immune-inflammatory and nitro-oxidative pathways. Activation of these pathways may be associated with activation of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway by inducing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO, the rate-limiting enzyme) leading to depletion of tryptophan (TRP) and increases in tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs). Aims To systematically review and meta-analyze central and peripheral (free and total) TRP levels, its competing amino-acids (CAAs) and TRYCATs in MDD and BD. Methods This review searched PubMed, Google Scholar and SciFinder and included 121 full-text articles and 15470 individuals, including 8024 MDD/BD patients and 7446 healthy controls. Results TRP levels (either free and total) and the TRP/CAAs ratio were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in MDD/BD as compared with controls with a moderate effect size (standardized mean difference for TRP: SMD = -0.513, 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.611; -0.414; and TRP/CAAs: SMD = -0.558, CI: -0.758; -0.358). Kynurenine (KYN) levels were significantly decreased in patients as compared with controls with a small effect size (p < 0.0001, SMD = -0.213, 95%CI: -0.295; -0.131). These differences were significant in plasma (p < 0.0001, SMD = -0.304, 95%CI: -0.415, -0.194) but not in serum (p = 0.054) or the central nervous system (CNS, p = 0.771). The KYN/TRP ratio, frequently used as an index of IDO activity, and neurotoxicity indices based on downstream TRYCATs were unaltered or even lowered in MDD/BD. Conclusions Our findings suggest that MDD and BD are accompanied by TRP depletion without IDO and TRYCAT pathway activation. Lowered TRP availability is probably the consequence of lowered serum albumin during the inflammatory response in affective disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas F. Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Yanin Thipakorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Asara Vasupanrajit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Chavit Tunvirachaisakul
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Gregory Oxenkrug
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Psychiatry, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yilmaz NS, Sen B, Karadag RF, Aslan S, Ekmekci Ertek I, Bozkurt A, Cicek S, Bolu A, Ucar H, Kocak C, Cevik C, Bukan N. A kynurenine pathway enzyme aminocarboxymuconate-semialdehyde decarboxylase may be involved in treatment-resistant depression, and baseline inflammation status of patients predicts treatment response: a pilot study. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:1513-1526. [PMID: 36334154 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) and inflammation are substantial in depression pathogenesis. Although there is a crosstalk between the KP, inflammation, and neurotrophic factors, few studies examine these topics together. Novel medications may be developed by clarifying dysregulations related to inflammation, KP, and neurotrophic factors in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We aimed to evaluate the serum levels of KP metabolites, proinflammatory biomarkers, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in healthy controls (HC) and the patients with TRD whose followed up with three different treatments. Moreover, the effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on biomarkers was investigated. Study groups comprised a total of 30 unipolar TRD patients consisting of three separate patient groups (ECT = 8, rTMS = 10, pharmacotherapy = 12), and 9 HC. The decision to administer only pharmacotherapy or ECT/rTMS besides pharmacotherapy was given independently of this research by psychiatrists. Blood samples and symptom scores were obtained three times for patients. At baseline, quinolinic acid (QUIN) was higher in the patients with TRD compared to HC, whereas picolinic acid (PIC), PIC/QUIN, and PIC/3-hydroxykynurenine were lower. Baseline interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were higher in nonresponders and non-remitters. ECT had an acute effect on cytokines. In the rTMS group, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) decreased in time. PIC, QUIN, and aminocarboxymuconate-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD) enzyme may play a role in TRD pathogenesis, and have diagnostic potential. rTMS and ECT have modulatory effects on low-grade inflammation seen in TRD. Baseline inflammation severity is predictive in terms of response and remission in depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niyazi Samet Yilmaz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Bayram Sen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Selcuk Aslan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Irem Ekmekci Ertek
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aruz Bozkurt
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Saba Cicek
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Bolu
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences University Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Ucar
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences University Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cemal Kocak
- Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Public Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cemal Cevik
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Bukan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Aarsland TIM, Instanes JT, Posserud MBR, Ulvik A, Kessler U, Haavik J. Changes in Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolism in Patients with Depression Undergoing ECT-A Systematic Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1439. [PMID: 36422569 PMCID: PMC9694349 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism generates multiple biologically active metabolites (kynurenines) that have been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. It has been suggested that modulation of kynurenine metabolism could be involved in the therapeutic effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We performed a systematic review with aims of summarizing changes in Trp and/or kynurenines after ECT and assessing methodological issues. The inclusion criterium was measures of Trp and/or kynurenines before and after ECT. Animal studies and studies using Trp administration or Trp depletion were excluded. Embase, MEDLINE, PsycInfo and PubMed were searched, most recently in July 2022. Outcomes were levels of Trp, kynurenines and ratios before and after ECT. Data on factors affecting Trp metabolism and ECT were collected for interpretation and discussion of the reported changes. We included 17 studies with repeated measures for a total of 386 patients and 27 controls. Synthesis using vote counting based on the direction of effect found no evidence of effect of ECT on any outcome variable. There were considerable variations in design, patient characteristics and reported items. We suggest that future studies should include larger samples, assess important covariates and determine between- and within-subject variability. PROSPERO (CRD42020187003).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maj-Britt Rocio Posserud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Arve Ulvik
- Bevital A/S, Laboratoriebygget, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ute Kessler
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Haavik
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Savitz J, Ford BN, Yeh HW, Akeman E, Cosgrove K, Clausen AN, Martell C, Kirlic N, Santiago J, Teague TK, Irwin MR, Paulus MP, Aupperle RL. Behavioral activation therapy for depression is associated with a reduction in the concentration of circulating quinolinic acid. Psychol Med 2022; 52:2500-2509. [PMID: 33234171 PMCID: PMC8144244 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720004389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An inflammation-induced imbalance in the kynurenine pathway (KP) has been reported in major depressive disorder but the utility of these metabolites as predictive or therapeutic biomarkers of behavioral activation (BA) therapy is unknown. METHODS Serum samples were provided by 56 depressed individuals before BA therapy and 29 of these individuals also provided samples after 10 weeks of therapy to measure cytokines and KP metabolites. The PROMIS Depression Scale (PROMIS-D) and the Sheehan Disability Scale were administered weekly and the Beck depression inventory was administered pre- and post-therapy. Data were analyzed with linear mixed-effect, general linear, and logistic regression models. The primary outcome for the biomarker analyses was the ratio of kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid (KynA/QA). RESULTS BA decreased depression and disability scores (p's < 0.001, Cohen's d's > 0.5). KynA/QA significantly increased at post-therapy relative to baseline (p < 0.001, d = 2.2), an effect driven by a decrease in QA post-therapy (p < 0.001, uncorrected, d = 3.39). A trend towards a decrease in the ratio of kynurenine to tryptophan (KYN/TRP) was also observed (p = 0.054, uncorrected, d = 0.78). Neither the change in KynA/QA, nor baseline KynA/QA were associated with response to BA therapy. CONCLUSION The current findings together with previous research show that electronconvulsive therapy, escitalopram, and ketamine decrease concentrations of the neurotoxin, QA, raise the possibility that a common therapeutic mechanism underlies diverse forms of anti-depressant treatment but future controlled studies are needed to test this hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa OK
| | - Bart N. Ford
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
| | | | | | - Kelly Cosgrove
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa OK
| | - Ashley N. Clausen
- Kansas City VA Healthcare System, Kansas City, MO
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO
| | - Christopher Martell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst
| | - Namik Kirlic
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
| | | | - T. Kent Teague
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Tulsa, OK
| | - Michael R. Irwin
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology at UCLA, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Martin P. Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa OK
| | - Robin L. Aupperle
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa OK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zheng H, Teague TK, Yeh FC, Burrows K, Figueroa-Hall LK, Aupperle RL, Khalsa SS, Paulus MP, Savitz J. C-Reactive protein and the kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid ratio are independently associated with white matter integrity in major depressive disorder. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 105:180-189. [PMID: 35853557 PMCID: PMC9983279 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KynA) and quinolinic acid (QA) are neuroactive kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites that have neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties, respectively. At least partly as a result of immune activation, the ratio of KynA to QA in the blood is reduced in major depressive disorder (MDD) and has been reported to be positively correlated with gray matter volume in depression. This study examined whether the inflammatory mediator, C-reactive protein (CRP) and the putative neuroprotective index, KynA/QA, were associated with white matter integrity in MDD, and secondly, whether any such associations were independent of each other or whether the effect of CRP was mediated by KynA/QA. One hundred and sixty-six participants in the Tulsa 1000 study with a DSM-V diagnosis of MDD completed diffusion tensor imaging and provided a serum sample for the quantification of CRP, KynA, and QA. Correlational tractography was performed using DSI Studio to map the specific white matter pathways that correlated with CRP and KynA/QA. CRP was negatively related to KynA/QA (standardized beta coefficient, SBC = -0.35 with standard error, Std.E = 0.13, p < 0.01) after controlling for nine possible confounders, i.e., age, sex, body mass index (BMI), medication status, lifetime alcohol use, severity of depression, severity of anxiety, length of illness, and smoking status. Higher concentrations of CRP were associated with decreased white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy, FA) of the bilateral cingulum and fornix after controlling for the nine potential confounders (SBC = -0.43, Std.E = 0.13, p = 0.002). Greater serum KynA/QA was associated with increased white matter integrity of the bilateral fornix, bilateral superior thalamic radiations, corpus callosum, and bilateral cingulum bundles after controlling for the same possible confounders (SBC = 0.26, Std.E = 0.09, p = 0.005). The relationship between CRP and FA was not mediated by KynA/QA. Exploratory analyses also showed that KynA/QA but not CRP was associated with self-reported positive affect, attentiveness, and fatigue measured with the PANASX (SBCs = 0.17-0.23). Taken together, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that within a subgroup of MDD patients, a higher level of systemic inflammation alters the balance of KP metabolism but also raise the possibility that CRP and neuroactive KP metabolites represent independent molecular mechanisms underlying white matter alterations in MDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zheng
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA
| | - T Kent Teague
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA
| | - Fang-Cheng Yeh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | | | | | - Robin L Aupperle
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA
| | - Sahib S Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA
| | - Martin P Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA
| | - Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA; Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74119, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Giron CG, Lin TTZ, Kan RLD, Zhang BBB, Yau SY, Kranz GS. Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Effects on Biomarkers of Tryptophan Metabolism: A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179692. [PMID: 36077088 PMCID: PMC9456364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal activation of the kynurenine and serotonin pathways of tryptophan metabolism is linked to a host of neuropsychiatric disorders. Concurrently, noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques demonstrate high therapeutic efficacy across neuropsychiatric disorders, with indications for modulated neuroplasticity underlying such effects. We therefore conducted a scoping review with meta-analysis of eligible studies, conforming with the PRISMA statement, by searching the PubMed and Web of Science databases for clinical and preclinical studies that report the effects of NIBS on biomarkers of tryptophan metabolism. NIBS techniques reviewed were electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Of the 564 search results, 65 studies were included with publications dating back to 1971 until 2022. The Robust Bayesian Meta-Analysis on clinical studies and qualitative analysis identified general null effects by NIBS on biomarkers of tryptophan metabolism, but moderate evidence for TMS effects on elevating serum serotonin levels. We cannot interpret this as evidence for or against the effects of NIBS on these biomarkers, as there exists several confounding methodological differences in this literature. Future controlled studies are needed to elucidate the effects of NIBS on biomarkers of tryptophan metabolism, an under-investigated question with substantial implications to clinical research and practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian G. Giron
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tim T. Z. Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rebecca L. D. Kan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bella B. B. Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Suk Yu Yau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Mental Health Research Center (MHRC), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Georg S. Kranz
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Mental Health Research Center (MHRC), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Solianik R, Schwieler L, Trepci A, Erhardt S, Brazaitis M. Two-day fasting affects kynurenine pathway with additional modulation of short-term whole-body cooling: a quasi-randomised crossover trial. Br J Nutr 2022; 129:1-8. [PMID: 35791050 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522002069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Metabolites of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway of tryptophan (TRP) degradation have attracted interest as potential pathophysiological mediators and future diagnostic biomarkers. A greater knowledge of the pathological implications of the metabolites is associated with a need for a better understanding of how the normal behaviour and physiological activities impact their concentrations. This study aimed to investigate whether fasting (FAST) and whole-body cold-water immersion (CWI) affect KYN pathway metabolites. Thirteen young women were randomly assigned to receive the 2-d FAST with two 10-min CWI on separate days (FAST-CWI), 2-d FAST without CWI (FAST-CON), 2-d two CWI on separate days without FAST (CON-CWI) or the 2-d usual diet without CWI (CON-CON) in a randomised crossover fashion. Changes in plasma concentrations of TRP, kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxy-kynurenine (3-HK), picolinic acid (PIC), quinolinic acid (QUIN) and nicotinamide (NAA) were determined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer. FAST-CWI and FAST-CON lowered TRP concentration (P < 0·05, ηp2 = 0·24), and increased concentrations of KYNA, 3-HK and PIC (P < 0·05, ηp2 = 0·21-0·71) with no additional effects of CWI. The ratio of PIC/QUIN increased after FAST-CWI and FAST-CON trials (P < 0·05) but with a blunted effect in the FAST-CWI trial (P < 0·05) compared with the FAST-CON trials (ηp2 = 0·67). Concentrations of QUIN and NAA were unaltered. This study demonstrated that fasting for 2 d considerably impacts the concentration of several metabolites in the KYN pathway. This should be considered when discussing the potential of KYN pathway metabolites as biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rima Solianik
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ada Trepci
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marius Brazaitis
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ma ML, He LP. Electroconvulsive therapy plays an irreplaceable role in treatment of major depressive disorder. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:5515-5517. [PMID: 35812666 PMCID: PMC9210908 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i16.5515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a serious and common neuropsychiatric disorder that affects more than 350 million people worldwide. Electroconvulsive therapy is the oldest and most effective treatment available for the treatment of severe major depressive disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy modifies structural network changes in patients with major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. And it can also affect neuroinflammatory responses and may have neuroprotective effects. Electroconvulsive therapy plays an irreplaceable role in the treatment of major depressive disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Lin Ma
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lian-Ping He
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
The Peripheral Kynurenine Pathway and Psychosomatic Comorbidity in Subjects with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Bariatric Surgery. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12052648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: The Kynurenine pathway (KP) is involved in various disorders, but little is known about the KP and psychosomatic complaints. The aim was to study the peripheral KP and psychosomatic comorbidity in subjects with morbid obesity. Methods: Psychosomatic comorbidity (perceived general health, muscle-skeletal pain, well-being, mood disorders, fatigue, self-esteem, sleepiness, and sense of humour) was registered, and serum samples were collected six months before and after bariatric surgery. Results: A total of 141 subjects (men/women, 116/25) with a mean age of 43.0 (SD 8.7) years and BMI of 42.1 (SD 3.8) kg/m2 were included. No significant associations were seen between the psychosomatic disorders and the KP. There was a significant downregulation of all KP metabolites after surgery, a reduction in CRP, and strong associations between CRP and the KP, particularly with the ratios of Kynurenine/Tryptophan and Quinolinic acid (QA)/Xanthurenic acid (XA). The QA/XA ratio was negatively associated with diabetes. Conclusions: The peripheral KP seemed to be of minor importance for the psychosomatic comorbidity in subjects with morbid obesity. The downregulation of all KP metabolites after bariatric surgery indicated reduced inflammation. The QA/XA ratio seemed to be a marker of insulin sensitivity and favourable glucose control.
Collapse
|
26
|
Meier TB, Savitz J. The Kynurenine Pathway in Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Psychiatric Outcomes. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:449-458. [PMID: 34266671 PMCID: PMC8630076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an established risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, especially depression and anxiety. However, the mechanistic pathways underlying this risk remain unclear, limiting treatment options and hindering the identification of clinically useful biomarkers. One salient pathophysiological process implicated in both primary psychiatric disorders and TBI is inflammation. An important consequence of inflammation is the increased breakdown of tryptophan to kynurenine and, subsequently, the metabolism of kynurenine into several neuroactive metabolites, including the neurotoxic NMDA receptor agonist quinolinic acid and the neuroprotective NMDA receptor antagonist kynurenic acid. Here, we review studies of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in TBI and examine their potential clinical implications. The weight of the literature suggests that there is increased production of neurotoxic kynurenines such as quinolinic acid in TBI of all severities and that elevated quinolinic acid concentrations in both the cerebrospinal fluid and blood are a negative prognostic indicator, being associated with death, magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, increased depressive and anxiety symptoms, and prolonged recovery. We hypothesize that an imbalance in KP metabolism is also one molecular pathway through which the TBI-induced neurometabolic cascade may predispose to the development of psychiatric sequelae. If this model is correct, KP metabolites could serve to predict who is likely to develop psychiatric illness while drugs that target the KP could help to prevent or treat depression and anxiety arising in the context of TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy B. Meier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Corresponding author: Timothy Meier, PhD, 414-955-7310, , Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma,Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tateishi H, Mizoguchi Y, Monji A. Is the Therapeutic Mechanism of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Cognitive Dysfunctions of Depression Related to the Neuroinflammatory Processes in Depression? Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:834425. [PMID: 35280153 PMCID: PMC8907472 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.834425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The lifetime prevalence of depression is reported to be >10%, and it is an important illness that causes various disabilities over a long period of life. Neuroinflammation process is often reported to be closely linked to the pathophysiology of depression. Approximately one-third of depression is known to be treatment-resistant depression (TRD), in which the symptoms are refractory to adequate treatment. Cognitive dysfunction is one of the most important symptoms of depression that impedes the rehabilitation of patients with depression. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for TRD and is also known to be effective in cognitive dysfunction in depression. Since the details of the therapeutic mechanism of rTMS are still unknown, we have been conducting studies to clarify the therapeutic mechanism of rTMS, especially focusing on cognitive dysfunction in depression. In the present review, we present our latest results and discuss them from the standpoint of the neuroinflammation hypothesis of depression, while citing relevant literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Tateishi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Yoshito Mizoguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Akira Monji
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ramos-da-Silva L, Carlson PT, Silva-Costa LC, Martins-de-Souza D, de Almeida V. Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Antidepressant Treatment on Major Depression. Complex Psychiatry 2021; 7:49-59. [PMID: 35813936 PMCID: PMC8739385 DOI: 10.1159/000518098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex and multifactorial psychiatric disorder that causes serious health, social, and economic concerns worldwide. The main treatment of the symptoms is through antidepressant (AD) drugs. However, not all patients respond properly to these drugs. Omic sciences are widely used to analyze not only biomarkers for the AD response but also their molecular mechanism. In this review, we aimed to focus on omics data to better understand the molecular mechanisms involving AD effects on MDD. We consistently found, from preclinical to clinical data, that glutamatergic transmission, immune/inflammatory processes, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism were associated with traditional and potential new ADs. Despite efforts of studies investigating biomarkers of response to ADs, which could contribute to personalized treatment, there is no biomarker panel available for clinical application. From clinical genomic studies, we found that the main findings contribute to the development of pharmacogenomic tests for AD efficacy for each patient. Several studies pointed at DRD2, PXDNL, CACNA1E, and CACNA2D1 genes as potential targets for MDD treatment and the efficacy and rapid-antidepressant effect of ketamine. Finally, more in-depth studies of the molecular targets pointed here are needed to determine the clinical relevance and provide further evidence for precision MDD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Ramos-da-Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Pamela T. Carlson
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Licia C. Silva-Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC), University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valéria de Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bou Khalil R, El Khoury R. δ EPCD: the electrophysiologic coefficient of depressiveness. Biomarkers 2021; 26:752-759. [PMID: 34664533 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2021.1995497] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite research advances, recently identified biological markers for depression are either non-specific or impractical in daily clinical practice. Hence, we aim to identify a novel biomarker: δEPCD, the electrophysiologic coefficient of depressiveness. δEPCD must be sensitive and specific to the vulnerability towards depression. It should also detect the presence of a depressive clinical state and be able to quantify its severity. Moreover, it should be easily accessible and cost-effective. Accordingly, combining high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), which reflects a reduction in vagal tone, and tryptophan metabolism, which influences serotonin synthesis pathway, may have a good diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in depression. δEPCD is the multiplication of the intrinsic difference between state 0 (rest) and state 1 (exposure to stress) of HF-HRV and the plasma concentration ratio between quinolinic acid and kynurenine. δEPCD theoretically fluctuates between -1000 and 0 where being closer to 0 signifies no vulnerability to depression. Individuals with a score between -16.7 and -167 have a high vulnerability to depression. Finally, individuals with a δEPCD closer to -1000 have the most severe forms of depression. δEPCD is theoretically conceived to be easy to assess and monitor which makes it a candidate for further evaluation of reliability and validity.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEDepression is currently diagnosed based on emotional and behavioural symptoms; however there is currently a rising interest in the field of neurobiological markers that could improve diagnostic accuracy.Many current biological approaches are primarily based on single neurobiological markers that are either non-specific or impractical in daily clinical practice.Among other neurological effects, depression may modify the parasympathetic nervous system tone and disturb the tryptophan metabolism.The electrophysiological coefficient of depressiveness δEPCD combines heart rate variability (HRV) and tryptophan metabolism to reflect the intrinsic individual vulnerability towards depression and the inherent severity of an index depressive disorder.δEPCD is the intrinsic difference between state 0 (without stress) and state 1 (exposed to a stressful task) of the high-frequency heart rate variability multiplied by the intrinsic difference between both states, e.g. state 0 and 1, of the plasma concentration ratio of quinolinic acid over kynurenine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rami Bou Khalil
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Psychiatry, Hotel Dieu de France hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rhéa El Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Psychiatry, Hotel Dieu de France hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Anderson EW, Fishbein J, Hong J, Roeser J, Furie RA, Aranow C, Volpe BT, Diamond B, Mackay M. Quinolinic acid, a kynurenine/tryptophan pathway metabolite, associates with impaired cognitive test performance in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus Sci Med 2021; 8:e000559. [PMID: 34686589 PMCID: PMC8543639 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Interferon-alpha, an important contributor to SLE pathogenesis, induces the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in the kynurenine/tryptophan (KYN/TRP) pathway. This leads to a potentially neurotoxic imbalance in the KYN/TRP pathway metabolites, quinolinic acid (QA), an N-methyl D-aspartate glutamatergic receptor (NMDAR) agonist, and kynurenic acid (KA), an NMDAR antagonist. We determined whether QA/KA ratios associate with cognitive dysfunction (CD) and depression in SLE. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 74 subjects with SLE and 74 healthy control (HC) subjects; all without history of neuropsychiatric disorders. Serum metabolite levels (KYN, TRP, QA, KA) were measured concurrently with assessments of cognition (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM), 2×2 array), mood and pain, and compared between SLE and HC. Multivariable modelling in SLE was used to evaluate associations of metabolites with cognitive performance and depression. RESULTS Serum KYN/TRP and QA/KA ratios were elevated in SLE versus HC (p<0.0001). SLE performed worse than HC on four of five ANAM tests (all p≤0.02) and the 2×2 array (p<0.01), and had higher depression scores (p<0.01). In SLE, elevated QA/KA ratios correlated with poor performance on Match to Sample (MTS), a working memory and visuospatial processing task (p<0.05). Subjects with SLE with elevated QA/KA ratios also had slightly higher odds of depression, but this did not reach significance (p=0.09). Multivariable modelling in SLE confirmed an association between QA/KA ratios and poor MTS performance when considering potentially confounding factors (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Elevated serum KYN/TRP and QA/KA ratios confirm KYN/TRP pathway activation in SLE. The novel association between increased QA/KA ratios and poor cognitive performance supports further study of this pathway as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target for SLE-mediated CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik W Anderson
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Joanna Fishbein
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Hong
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Julien Roeser
- Charles River Laboratories, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Richard A Furie
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Bruce T Volpe
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Betty Diamond
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Meggan Mackay
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yu C, Zhang T, Shi S, Wei T, Wang Q. Potential biomarkers: differentially expressed proteins of the extrinsic coagulation pathway in plasma samples from patients with depression. Bioengineered 2021; 12:6318-6331. [PMID: 34488523 PMCID: PMC8806736 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1971037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a severe disabling psychiatric illness and the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. In previous work, we found the changes in extrinsic coagulation (EC) pathway proteins in depressed patients compared with healthy subjects were significant. In this study, we screened differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the EC pathway, and explored the molecular mechanism by constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The DEPs of the EC pathwaywere initially screened by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) in plasma samples obtained from 20 depression patients and 20 healthy controls, and were then identified by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software was used to analyse pathway. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by analyzing the GSE98793 microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database using the Significance Analysis for Microarrays (SAM, version 4.1) statistical method. Cytoscape version 3.4.0 software was used to construct and visualize PPI networks. The results show that Fibrinogen alpha chain (FGA), Fibrinogen beta chain (FGB), Fibrinogen gamma chain (FGG) and Coagulation factor VII (FVII) were screened in the EC pathway from depression patient samples. FGA, FGB, and FGG were significantly up-regulated, and FVII was down-regulated. Thirteen DEGs related to depression and EC pathways were identified from the microarray database. Among them NF-κB Inhibitor Beta (NFKBIB) and Heat shock protein family B (small) member 1 (HSPB1) were highly correlated with EC pathway. We conclude that EC pathway is associated with depression, which provided clues for the biomarker development and the pathogenesis of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyue Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing, China
| | - Teli Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Daqing, Daqing, China
| | - Shanshan Shi
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing, China
| | - Taiming Wei
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Maffioletti E, Carvalho Silva R, Bortolomasi M, Baune BT, Gennarelli M, Minelli A. Molecular Biomarkers of Electroconvulsive Therapy Effects and Clinical Response: Understanding the Present to Shape the Future. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091120. [PMID: 34573142 PMCID: PMC8471796 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) represents an effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). One priority of this research field is the clarification of ECT response mechanisms and the identification of biomarkers predicting its outcomes. We propose an overview of the molecular studies on ECT, concerning its course and outcome prediction, including also animal studies on electroconvulsive seizures (ECS), an experimental analogue of ECT. Most of these investigations underlie biological systems related to major depressive disorder (MDD), such as the neurotrophic and inflammatory/immune ones, indicating effects of ECT on these processes. Studies about neurotrophins, like the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), have shown evidence concerning ECT neurotrophic effects. The inflammatory/immune system has also been studied, suggesting an acute stress reaction following an ECT session. However, at the end of the treatment, ECT produces a reduction in inflammatory-associated biomarkers such as cortisol, TNF-alpha and interleukin 6. Other biological systems, including the monoaminergic and the endocrine, have been sparsely investigated. Despite some promising results, limitations exist. Most of the studies are concentrated on one or few markers and many studies are relatively old, with small sample sizes and methodological biases. Expression studies on gene transcripts and microRNAs are rare and genetic studies are sparse. To date, no conclusive evidence regarding ECT molecular markers has been reached; however, the future may be just around the corner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Maffioletti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Rosana Carvalho Silva
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.S.); (M.G.)
| | | | - Bernhard T. Baune
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
- Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Massimo Gennarelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.S.); (M.G.)
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Minelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.S.); (M.G.)
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-030-3717255; Fax: +39-030-3701157
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Marx W, McGuinness AJ, Rocks T, Ruusunen A, Cleminson J, Walker AJ, Gomes-da-Costa S, Lane M, Sanches M, Diaz AP, Tseng PT, Lin PY, Berk M, Clarke G, O'Neil A, Jacka F, Stubbs B, Carvalho AF, Quevedo J, Soares JC, Fernandes BS. The kynurenine pathway in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of 101 studies. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:4158-4178. [PMID: 33230205 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00951-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The importance of tryptophan as a precursor for neuroactive compounds has long been acknowledged. The metabolism of tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway and its involvement in mental disorders is an emerging area in psychiatry. We performed a meta-analysis to examine the differences in kynurenine metabolites in major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia (SZ). Electronic databases were searched for studies that assessed metabolites involved in the kynurenine pathway (tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and their associate ratios) in people with MDD, SZ, or BD, compared to controls. We computed the difference in metabolite concentrations between people with MDD, BD, or SZ, and controls, presented as Hedges' g with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 101 studies with 10,912 participants were included. Tryptophan and kynurenine are decreased across MDD, BD, and SZ; kynurenic acid and the kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid ratio are decreased in mood disorders (i.e., MDD and BD), whereas kynurenic acid is not altered in SZ; kynurenic acid to 3-hydroxykynurenine ratio is decreased in MDD but not SZ. Kynurenic acid to kynurenine ratio is decreased in MDD and SZ, and the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio is increased in MDD and SZ. Our results suggest that there is a shift in the tryptophan metabolism from serotonin to the kynurenine pathway, across these psychiatric disorders. In addition, a differential pattern exists between mood disorders and SZ, with a preferential metabolism of kynurenine to the potentially neurotoxic quinolinic acid instead of the neuroprotective kynurenic acid in mood disorders but not in SZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Marx
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Amelia J McGuinness
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Tetyana Rocks
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Anu Ruusunen
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.,Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jasmine Cleminson
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Adam J Walker
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Susana Gomes-da-Costa
- Bipolar and Depression Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Melissa Lane
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Marsal Sanches
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexandre P Diaz
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Adrienne O'Neil
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Felice Jacka
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - André F Carvalho
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - João Quevedo
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jair C Soares
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brisa S Fernandes
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA. .,Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kato D, Kamata T, Sumimoto M. Electrochemical Detection of Tryptophan Metabolites via Kynurenine Pathway by Using Nanocarbon Films. ELECTROANAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.202100241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dai Kato
- Health and Medical Institute National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) 1-1-1 Higashi Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-8566 Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kamata
- Health and Medical Institute National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) 1-1-1 Higashi Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-8566 Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mithaiwala MN, Santana-Coelho D, Porter GA, O’Connor JC. Neuroinflammation and the Kynurenine Pathway in CNS Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Cells 2021; 10:1548. [PMID: 34205235 PMCID: PMC8235708 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) remain a significant health, social and economic problem around the globe. The development of therapeutic strategies for CNS conditions has suffered due to a poor understanding of the underlying pathologies that manifest them. Understanding common etiological origins at the cellular and molecular level is essential to enhance the development of efficacious and targeted treatment options. Over the years, neuroinflammation has been posited as a common link between multiple neurological, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Processes that precipitate neuroinflammatory conditions including genetics, infections, physical injury and psychosocial factors, like stress and trauma, closely link dysregulation in kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan metabolism as a possible pathophysiological factor that 'fuel the fire' in CNS diseases. In this study, we aim to review emerging evidence that provide mechanistic insights between different CNS disorders, neuroinflammation and the KP. We provide a thorough overview of the different branches of the KP pertinent to CNS disease pathology that have therapeutic implications for the development of selected and efficacious treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa N. Mithaiwala
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.M.); (D.S.-C.); (G.A.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Mail Code 8864, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Danielle Santana-Coelho
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.M.); (D.S.-C.); (G.A.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Mail Code 8864, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Grace A. Porter
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.M.); (D.S.-C.); (G.A.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Mail Code 8864, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Jason C. O’Connor
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.M.); (D.S.-C.); (G.A.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Mail Code 8864, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Research, Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, South Texas Veterans Heath System, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
The changes in kynurenine metabolites induced by rTMS in treatment-resistant depression: A pilot study. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 138:194-199. [PMID: 33865168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that is considered a valuable and promising technique for improving depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, the exact mechanism by which rTMS ameliorates depressive symptoms remains to be clarified. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to analyzed the changes in metabolites of patients with TRD in the rTMS treatment, especially focusing on the kynurenine (KYN) pathway. METHODS Thirteen participants with TRD were enrolled in a high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS study. Cognitive function, depressive symptoms and the concentration of plasma tryptophan (TRP) metabolites were measured at baseline and at the endpoint of rTMS treatment. RESULTS rTMS treatment significantly improved depressive symptom scores and some subscales of cognitive dysfunction. The present study has demonstrated that rTMS treatment significantly increased plasma TRP levels and significantly decreased plasma serotonin levels, while plasma KYN and kynurenic acid level as well as KYN/TRP ratio remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS This is the first metabolomic study of patients with TRD undergoing rTMS treatment. To validate the present results, it is necessary to increase the number of cases including controls, use a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, and measure blood concentration over time in the course of rTMS treatment.
Collapse
|
37
|
Zádor F, Joca S, Nagy-Grócz G, Dvorácskó S, Szűcs E, Tömböly C, Benyhe S, Vécsei L. Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Potential Links between the Endocannabinoid System and the Kynurenine Pathway in Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115903. [PMID: 34072767 PMCID: PMC8199129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use/abuse is one of the main causes of depressive symptoms. Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids in particular gained significant popularity in the past years. There is an increasing amount of clinical data associating such compounds with the inflammatory component of depression, indicated by the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are also well-known to regulate the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway (KP), which is responsible for metabolizing tryptophan, a precursor in serotonin synthesis. Enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels may over-activate the KP, leading to tryptophan depletion and reduced serotonin levels, which can subsequently precipitate depressive symptoms. Therefore, such mechanism might represent a possible link between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the KP in depression, via the inflammatory and dysregulated serotonergic component of the disorder. This review will summarize the data regarding those natural and synthetic cannabinoids that increase pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the data on such cytokines associated with KP activation will be further reviewed accordingly. The interaction of the ECS and the KP has been postulated and demonstrated in some studies previously. This review will further contribute to this yet less explored connection and propose the KP to be the missing link between cannabinoid-induced inflammation and depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Zádor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Gábor Nagy-Grócz
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Edina Szűcs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
- Doctoral School of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-351
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
The kynurenine pathway in major depression: What we know and where to next. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:917-927. [PMID: 34029552 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Major depression is a serious psychiatric disorder, occurring in up to 20 % of the population. Despite its devastating burden, the neurobiological changes associated with depression are not fully understood. A growing body of evidence suggests the kynurenine pathway is implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. In this review, we bring together the literature examining elements of the kynurenine pathway in depression and explore the implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of depression, while highlighting the gaps in the current knowledge. Current research indicates an increased potential for neurotoxic activity of the kynurenine pathway in peripheral blood samples but an increased activation of the putative neuroprotective arm in some brain regions in depression. The disconnect between these findings requires further investigation, with a greater research effort on elucidating the central effects of the kynurenine pathway in driving depression symptomology. Research investigating the benefits of targeting the kynurenine pathway centred on human brain findings and the heterogenous subtypes of depression will help guide the identification of effective drug targets in depression.
Collapse
|
39
|
Cathomas F, Guetter K, Seifritz E, Klaus F, Kaiser S. Quinolinic acid is associated with cognitive deficits in schizophrenia but not major depressive disorder. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9992. [PMID: 33976271 PMCID: PMC8113521 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89335-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan and its catabolites (TRYCATs) have been suggested to link peripheral immune system activation and central neurotransmitter abnormalities with relevance to the etio-pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The relationship to different psychopathological dimensions within these disorders however remains to be elucidated. We thus investigated potential group differences of tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxy kynurenine and quinolinic acid in the plasma of 19 healthy controls (HC), 45 patients with SZ and 43 patients with MDD and correlated plasma proteins with the "motivation and pleasure" dimension and cognition. After correcting for the covariates age, sex, body mass index, smoking and medication, patients with MDD showed lower kynurenine and 3-hydroxy kynurenine levels compared to HC. Quinolinic acid correlated negatively with composite cognitive score in patients with SZ, indicating that more severe cognitive impairments were associated with increased plasma levels of quinolinic acid. No correlations were found in patients with MDD. These results indicate that MDD and SZ are associated with dysregulation of the kynurenine pathway. Quinolinic acid might be specifically implicated in the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits in patients with SZ. Further studies are needed to determine whether TRYCATs are causally involved in the etiology of these neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flurin Cathomas
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.
| | - Karoline Guetter
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Federica Klaus
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Stefan Kaiser
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Chemin du Petit-Bel-Air, 1225, Chêne-Bourg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Gay F, Romeo B, Martelli C, Benyamina A, Hamdani N. Cytokines changes associated with electroconvulsive therapy in patients with treatment-resistant depression: a Meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2021; 297:113735. [PMID: 33497973 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
One third of depressive patients do not achieve remission after several steps of treatment and are considered as treatment resistant. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) improves symptoms in 70 to 90% of such cases. Resistant depression is associated with a dysregulation of the immune system with a dysbalance between the pro- and the anti-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we aimed to measure the kinetic of cytokines levels before, during and at the end of ECT. To test this hypothesis, we performed a meta-analysis assessing cytokines plasma levels before, during and after ECT in patients with major depressive disorders. After a systematic database search, means and standard deviations were extracted to calculate standardized mean differences. We found that IL-6 levels increased after 1 or 2 ECT session (p = 0.01) then decrease after 4 ECT sessions (p < 0.01) with no difference at the end of ECT (p = 0.94). A small number of studies were included and there was heterogeneity across them. The present meta-analysis reveals that ECT induces an initial increase of IL-6 levels and a potential decrease of TNF-α levels. No changes on IL-4 and IL-10 levels were found. Further work is necessary to clarify the impact of ECT on peripheral cytokines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Gay
- APHP, Paul Brousse Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - B Romeo
- APHP, Paul Brousse Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, F-94800 Villejuif, France; Unité de recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions - PSYCOMADD 4872 - Université Paris-Sud - AP-HP - Université Paris Saclay.
| | - C Martelli
- APHP, Paul Brousse Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, F-94800 Villejuif, France; Unité de recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions - PSYCOMADD 4872 - Université Paris-Sud - AP-HP - Université Paris Saclay; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1000, Research unit, NeuroImaging and Psychiatry, Paris Sud University, Paris Saclay University, Paris Descartes University, Digiteo Labs, Bâtiment 660, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - A Benyamina
- APHP, Paul Brousse Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, F-94800 Villejuif, France; Unité de recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions - PSYCOMADD 4872 - Université Paris-Sud - AP-HP - Université Paris Saclay
| | - N Hamdani
- Unité de recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions - PSYCOMADD 4872 - Université Paris-Sud - AP-HP - Université Paris Saclay; Cédiapsy, 1 avenue Jean Moulin 75014 Paris
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Trepci A, Sellgren CM, Pålsson E, Brundin L, Khanlarkhani N, Schwieler L, Landén M, Erhardt S. Central levels of tryptophan metabolites in subjects with bipolar disorder. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 43:52-62. [PMID: 33339712 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation produces several neuroactive metabolites such as kynurenic acid (KYNA), quinolinic acid (QUIN), and picolinic acid (PIC) thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of psychosis, major depression, and suicidal behavior. Here, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of tryptophan, kynurenine, KYNA, QUIN, and PIC utilizing ultra-performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry system (UPLC-MS/MS) in persons with bipolar disorder (n = 101) and healthy controls (n = 80) to investigate if the metabolites correlated with depressive symptoms or to the history of suicidal behavior. Furthermore, we analyzed if genetic variants of the enzyme amino-β-carboxymuconate-semialdehyde-decarboxylase (ACMSD) were associated with the CSF concentrations of PIC and QUIN. We found that CSF KYNA and PIC concentrations, as well as the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio were increased in bipolar disorder compared with controls. CSF PIC concentrations were lower in subjects with a history of suicidal behavior than those without, supporting the hypothesis that low CSF PIC is a marker of vulnerability for suicidality. Bipolar subjects taking antidepressants had higher CSF concentrations of kynurenine and KYNA than subjects not given these medications. A negative association was found between a genetic variant of ACMSD and the ratio of PIC/QUIN, indicating that a polymorphism in ACMSD is associated with excess of QUIN formation at the expense of PIC. The present results confirm that the kynurenine pathway is activated in bipolar disorder, and suggest that shifting the activity of the kynurenine pathway away from QUIN production towards a production of KYNA and PIC might be a beneficial therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ada Trepci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden
| | - Carl M Sellgren
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden; Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm County Council, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Pålsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Lena Brundin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden; Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Neda Khanlarkhani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden
| | - Mikael Landén
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE17177, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Tsuchiyagaito A, Smith JL, El-Sabbagh N, Zotev V, Misaki M, Al Zoubi O, Kent Teague T, Paulus MP, Bodurka J, Savitz J. Real-time fMRI neurofeedback amygdala training may influence kynurenine pathway metabolism in major depressive disorder. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2021; 29:102559. [PMID: 33516062 PMCID: PMC7847971 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
rtfMRI-nf LA emotional training reduces depressive symptoms. rtfMRI-nf LA training increases KynA/3-HK, a neuroprotective index. Baseline KynA/QA is associated with the ability to upregulate the LA. In partial responder group LA upregulation positively correlates with KynA/QA. In partial responder group LA upregulation inversely correlates with MADRS. Modulation of the KP may drive rtfMRI-nf-induced changes in neuroplasticity. Non-specific effects cannot be ruled out due to the lack of a sham control.
Real-time fMRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) left amygdala (LA) training is a promising intervention for major depressive disorder (MDD). We have previously proposed that rtfMRI-nf LA training may reverse depression-associated regional impairments in neuroplasticity and restore information flow within emotion-regulating neural circuits. Inflammatory cytokines as well as the neuroactive metabolites of an immunoregulatory pathway, i.e. the kynurenine pathway (KP), have previously been implicated in neuroplasticity. Therefore, in this proof-of-principle study, we investigated the association between rtfMRI-nf LA training and circulating inflammatory mediators and KP metabolites. Based on our previous work, the primary variable of interest was the ratio of the NMDA-receptor antagonist, kynurenic acid to the NMDA receptor agonist, quinolinic acid (KynA/QA), a putative neuroprotective index. We tested two main hypotheses. i. Whether rtfMRI-nf acutely modulates KynA/QA, and ii. whether baseline KynA/QA predicts response to rtfMRI-nf. Twenty-nine unmedicated participants who met DSM-5 criteria for MDD based on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and had current depressive symptoms (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score > 6) completed two rtfMRI-nf sessions to upregulate LA activity (Visit1 and 2), as well as a follow-up (Visit3) without rtfMRI-nf. All visits occurred at two-week intervals. At all three visits, the MADRS was administered to participants and serum samples for the quantification of inflammatory cytokines and KP metabolites were obtained. First, the longitudinal changes in the MADRS score and immune markers were tested by linear mixed effect model analysis. Further, utilizing a linear regression model, we investigated the relationship between rtfMRI-nf performance and immune markers. After two sessions of rtfMRI-nf, MADRS scores were significantly reduced (t[58] = −4.07, p = 0.009, d = 0.56). Thirteen participants showed a ≥ 25% reduction in the MADRS score (the partial responder group). There was a significant effect of visit (F[2,58] = 3.17, p = 0.05) for the neuroprotective index, KynA to 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), that was driven by a significant increase in KynA/3-HK between Visit1 and Visit3 (t[58] = 2.50, p = 0.03, d = 0.38). A higher baseline level of KynA/QA (β = 5.23, p = 0.06; rho = 0.49, p = 0.02) was associated with greater ability to upregulate the LA. Finally, for exploratory purposes correlation analyses were performed between the partial responder and the non-responder groups as well as in the whole sample including all KP metabolites and cytokines. In the partial responder group, greater ability to upregulate the LA was correlated with an increase in KynA/QA after rtfMRI-nf (rho = 0.75, p = 0.03). The results are consistent with the possibility that rtfMRI-nf decreases metabolism down the so-called neurotoxic branch of the KP. Nevertheless, non-specific effects cannot be ruled out due to the lack of a sham control. Future, controlled studies are needed to determine whether the increase in KynA/3HK and KynA/QA is specific to rtfMRI-nf or whether it is a non-specific correlate of the resolution of depressive symptoms. Similarly, replication studies are needed to determine whether KynA/QA has clinical utility as a treatment response biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aki Tsuchiyagaito
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA; Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jared L Smith
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | - Vadim Zotev
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Masaya Misaki
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | - T Kent Teague
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | - Jerzy Bodurka
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA; Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA.
| | - Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA; Department of Community Medicine, Oxley Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Trepci A, Imbeault S, Wyckelsma VL, Westerblad H, Hermansson S, Andersson DC, Piehl F, Venckunas T, Brazaitis M, Kamandulis S, Brundin L, Erhardt S, Schwieler L. Quantification of Plasma Kynurenine Metabolites Following One Bout of Sprint Interval Exercise. Int J Tryptophan Res 2020; 13:1178646920978241. [PMID: 33354112 PMCID: PMC7734489 DOI: 10.1177/1178646920978241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation produces several neuroactive metabolites suggested to be involved in a wide variety of diseases and disorders, however, technical challenges in reliably detecting these metabolites hampers cross-comparisons. The main objective of this study was to develop an accurate, robust and precise bioanalytical method for simultaneous quantification of ten plasma kynurenine metabolites. As a secondary aim, we applied this method on blood samples taken from healthy subjects conducting 1 session of sprint interval exercise (SIE). It is well accepted that physical exercise is associated with health benefits and reduces risks of psychiatric illness, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease, but also influences the peripheral and central concentrations of kynurenines. In line with this, we found that in healthy old adults (n = 10; mean age 64 years), levels of kynurenine increased 1 hour (P = .03) after SIE, while kynurenic acid (KYNA) concentrations were elevated after 24 hours (P = .02). In contrast, no significant changes after exercise were seen in young adults (n = 10; mean age 24 years). In conclusion, the described method performs well in reliably detecting all the analyzed metabolites in plasma samples. Furthermore, we also detected an age-dependent effect on the degree by which a single intense training session affects kynurenine metabolite levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ada Trepci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Sophie Imbeault
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Victoria L Wyckelsma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan Westerblad
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Daniel C Andersson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Cardiology Unit, Heart, Vascular and Neurology Theme; Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Venckunas
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Marius Brazaitis
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Sigitas Kamandulis
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Lena Brundin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Psychiatry, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Duriez P, Bou Khalil R, Chamoun Y, Maatoug R, Strumila R, Seneque M, Gorwood P, Courtet P, Guillaume S. Brain Stimulation in Eating Disorders: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2358. [PMID: 32717984 PMCID: PMC7465000 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of eating disorders (EDs) is still difficult and few treatments are effective. Recently, several studies have described the important contribution of non-invasive brain stimulation (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy) and invasive brain stimulation (deep brain stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation) for ED management. This review summarizes the available evidence supporting the use of brain stimulation in ED. All published studies on brain stimulation in ED as well as ongoing trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov were examined. Articles on neuromodulation research and perspective articles were also included. This analysis indicates that brain stimulation in EDs is still in its infancy. Literature data consist mainly of case reports, cases series, open studies, and only a few randomized controlled trials. Consequently, the evidence supporting the use of brain stimulation in EDs remains weak. Finally, this review discusses future directions in this research domain (e.g., sites of modulation, how to enhance neuromodulation efficacy, personalized protocols).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philibert Duriez
- GHU Paris Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Clinique des Maladies Mentales et de l’Encéphale (CMME), Sainte-Anne Hospital, 75014 Paris, France; (P.D.); (P.G.)
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris (IPNP), UMR_S1266, INSERM, Université de Paris, 102-108 rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Rami Bou Khalil
- Department of Psychiatry, Hotel Dieu de France- Saint Joseph University, 166830 Beirut, Lebanon; (R.B.K.); (Y.C.)
- Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, Université Montpellier, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Yara Chamoun
- Department of Psychiatry, Hotel Dieu de France- Saint Joseph University, 166830 Beirut, Lebanon; (R.B.K.); (Y.C.)
| | - Redwan Maatoug
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Service de Psychiatrie Adulte de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, 75013 Paris, France;
| | - Robertas Strumila
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Psychiatric Clinic, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Maude Seneque
- Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, Université Montpellier, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.S.); (P.C.)
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post-Acute Care, CHRU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Philip Gorwood
- GHU Paris Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Clinique des Maladies Mentales et de l’Encéphale (CMME), Sainte-Anne Hospital, 75014 Paris, France; (P.D.); (P.G.)
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris (IPNP), UMR_S1266, INSERM, Université de Paris, 102-108 rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Courtet
- Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, Université Montpellier, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.S.); (P.C.)
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post-Acute Care, CHRU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Sébastien Guillaume
- Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, Université Montpellier, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.S.); (P.C.)
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post-Acute Care, CHRU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
|
46
|
Ryan KM, Allers KA, McLoughlin DM, Harkin A. Tryptophan metabolite concentrations in depressed patients before and after electroconvulsive therapy. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 83:153-162. [PMID: 31606477 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan and kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites are implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. We aimed to investigate their plasma concentrations in medicated patients with depression (n = 94) compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 57), and in patients with depression after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a real-world clinical setting, taking account of co-variables including ECT modality and heterogenous psychopathology. Depression severity was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D24). Tryptophan (TRP) and kynurenine (KYN) metabolite concentrations [anthranilic acid (AA), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA), picolinic acid (PA), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and xanthurenic acid (XA)] and KYNA/KYN and KYNA/quinolinic acid (QUIN) ratios were lower in patients compared to controls. For the total group there was no significant change in KP metabolites post-ECT or correlations with mood ratings. However, improvements in mood score were correlated with increased KYN, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HK), 3HAA, QUIN, and KYN/TRP in a subgroup of unipolar depressed patients. Additionally, in remitters baseline KYN, 3HK, and QUIN were associated with baseline HAM-D24 scores, and changes in 3HK and 3HAA concentrations post-ECT correlated with improvement in mood. KYN, KYNA, AA, 3HK, XA, PA, and QUIN were increased in a smaller 3-month follow-up group (n = 19) compared to pre-ECT concentrations. Overall, the results indicate that ECT mobilizes the KP, where a moderate association between selected metabolites and treatment response in unipolar depressed patients is evident.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Ryan
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, St. Patrick's University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kelly A Allers
- Central Nervous System Disease Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH + Co. KG, Birkendorferstrabe 65, Biberach a.d. Riss, Germany
| | - Declan M McLoughlin
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, St. Patrick's University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Harkin
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) plays a critical role in generating cellular energy in the form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Because energy requirements are substantially increased during an immune response, the KP is a key regulator of the immune system. Perhaps more importantly in the context of psychiatry, many kynurenines are neuroactive, modulating neuroplasticity and/or exerting neurotoxic effects in part through their effects on NMDA receptor signaling and glutamatergic neurotransmission. As such, it is not surprising that the kynurenines have been implicated in psychiatric illness in the context of inflammation. However, because of their neuromodulatory properties, the kynurenines are not just additional members of a list of inflammatory mediators linked with psychiatric illness, but in preclinical studies have been shown to be necessary components of the behavioral analogs of depression and schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits. Further, as the title suggests, the KP is regulated by, and in turn regulates multiple other physiological systems that are commonly disrupted in psychiatric disorders, including endocrine, metabolic, and hormonal systems. This review provides a broad overview of the mechanistic pathways through which the kynurenines interact with these systems, thus impacting emotion, cognition, pain, metabolic function, and aging, and in so doing potentially increasing the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting the KP are discussed. Moreover, electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine, physical exercise, and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatories have been shown to alter kynurenine metabolism, raising the possibility that kynurenine metabolites may have utility as treatment response or therapeutic monitoring biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA.
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Baharikhoob P, Kolla NJ. Microglial Dysregulation and Suicidality: A Stress-Diathesis Perspective. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:781. [PMID: 32848946 PMCID: PMC7432264 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the stress-diathesis model of suicidal behavior, completed suicide depends on the interaction between psychosocial stressors and a trait-like susceptibility. While there are likely multiple biological processes at play in suicidal behavior, recent findings point to over-activation of microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, as implicated in stress-induced suicidal behavior. However, it remains unclear how microglial dysregulation can be integrated into a clinical model of suicidal behavior. Therefore, this narrative review aims to (1) examine the findings from human post-mortem and neuroimaging studies that report a relationship between microglial activation and suicidal behavior, and (2) update the clinical model of suicidal behavior to integrate the role of microglia. A systematic search of SCOPUS, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase databases revealed evidence of morphological alterations in microglia and increased translocator protein density in the brains of individuals with suicidality, pointing to a positive relationship between microglial dysregulation and suicidal behavior. The studies also suggested several pathological mechanisms leading to suicidal behavior that may involve microglial dysregulation, namely (1) enhanced metabolism of tryptophan to quinolinic acid through the kynurenine pathway and associated serotonin depletion; (2) increased quinolinic acid leading to excessive N-methyl-D-aspartate-signaling, resulting in potential disruption of the blood brain barrier; (3) increased quinolinic acid resulting in higher neurotoxicity, and; (4) elevated interleukin 6 contributing to loss of inhibition of glutamatergic neurons, causing heightened glutamate release and excitotoxicity. Based on these pathways, we reconceptualized the stress-diathesis theory of suicidal behavior to incorporate the role of microglial activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paria Baharikhoob
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan J Kolla
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Waypoint Research Institute, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ryan KM, Patterson I, McLoughlin DM. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1 alpha in depression and the response to electroconvulsive therapy. Psychol Med 2019; 49:1859-1868. [PMID: 30191781 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291718002556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC-1α), termed the 'master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis', has been implicated in stress and resilience to stress-induced depressive-like behaviours in animal models. However, there has been no study conducted to date to examine PGC-1α levels in patients with depression or in response to antidepressant treatment. Our aim was to assess PGC-1α mRNA levels in blood from healthy controls and patients with depression pre-/post-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and to examine the relationship between blood PGC-1α mRNA levels and clinical symptoms and outcomes with ECT. METHODS Whole blood PGC-1α mRNA levels were analysed in samples from 67 patients with a major depressive episode and 70 healthy controls, and in patient samples following a course of ECT using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Exploratory subgroup correlational analyses were carried out to determine the relationship between PGC-1α and mood scores. RESULTS PGC-1α levels were lower in patients with depression compared with healthy controls (p = 0.03). This lower level was predominantly accounted for by patients with psychotic unipolar depression (p = 0.004). ECT did not alter PGC-1α levels in the depressed group as a whole, though exploratory analyses revealed a significant increase in PGC-1α in patients with psychotic unipolar depression post-ECT (p = 0.045). We found no relationship between PGC-1α mRNA levels and depression severity or the clinical response to ECT. CONCLUSIONS PGC-1α may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of depression, and be a common link between various pathophysiological processes implicated in depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Ryan
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin,Dublin,Ireland
| | - Ian Patterson
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin,Dublin,Ireland
| | - Declan M McLoughlin
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin,Dublin,Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Physical Exercise and Neuroinflammation in Major Depressive Disorder. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:8323-8335. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01670-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|