[Multicenter observational program for evaluation of the effectiveness of the recognan (citicoline) in the correction of cognitive impairment in patients with chronic cerebrovascular pathology]

[Recognan (citicoline) efficacy and safety in cognitive impairment correction of various nosological forms]

Insufficiency of a choline derivative (acetylcholine) can lead to the development of cognitive impairment (CI). One of the most well-known and well-studied medical drugs (MD) containing choline and having neuroprotective properties is citicoline (Recognan). A number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Recognan in relation to mild CI, chronic cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), acute vascular disorders (including post-traumatic genesis). Recognan improves memory and other cognitive functions in healthy young people against the background of asthenia due to stress or increased cognitive and emotional stress or infection, and also has a preventive effect on fading cognitive functions in the process of age-related changes. The duration of neuroprotection can reach 6 months or more - up to 12 months, depending on the patient's condition. Therapy regimens include two-stage Recognan prescribing: with CVD intramuscularly (i/m) at 1000 mg /d for 30 days, in the acute period of ischemic stroke, i/m or intravenously (i/v) at 1000 mg every 12 hours from the first day after diagnosis, 3-5 days after the start of therapy, with preservation functions of swallowing, it is possible to switch to per oral (p/o) drug administration.

Effects of choline containing phospholipids on the neurovascular unit: A review

The roles of choline and of choline-containing phospholipids (CCPLs) on the maintenance and progress of neurovascular unit (NVU) integrity are analyzed. NVU is composed of neurons, glial and vascular cells ensuring the correct homeostasis of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and indirectly the function of the central nervous system. The CCPLs phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline), choline alphoscerate or α-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine (α-GPC) contribute to the modulation of the physiology of the NVU cells. A loss of CCPLs contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease. Our study has characterized the cellular components of the NVU and has reviewed the effect of lecithin, of CDP-choline and α-GPC documented in preclinical studies and in limited clinical trials on these compounds. The interesting results obtained with some CCPLs, in particular with α-GPC, probably would justify reconsideration of the most promising molecules in larger attentively controlled studies. This can also contribute to better define the role of the NVU in the pathophysiology of brain disorders characterized by vascular impairment.

Drug Synergism as the Basis of Rational Neuroprotection

Optimization of the choice of neuroprotective therapy regimens in patients with cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), taking into account the synergism of drug interactions, is a basic approach in clinical practice. Unfortunately, modern pharmacology has no unified way of establishing synergistic spectra of drug actions, which would allow systematic investigation of the effects of combinations of drugs. An approach based on studying detailed mechanisms of action suggested combinations of drugs with the greatest possible synergism (by summation and potentiation of effects) for various directions in the treatment of neurological diseases. Examples of rational neuroprotection are considered, using Cortexin, citicoline, and antioxidants.

[The effect of the use of the drug recognan (citicoline) on the state of higher mental functions in patients with mild cognitive impairment]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the observational program was to study the effect of the use of the drug recognan (citicoline) on the state of higher mental functions (memory, attention, visual-motor coordination, dynamic praxis,verbal thinking and imagination) in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A survey of 54 subjects (16 of them male and 38 female) aged 18-50 years (average age 28.5±10.5 years) was conducted with a diagnosis of «Mild cognitive impairment» («F06.7»). The group was randomized into 2 subgroups: the main subgroup (26 people) received oral therapy with the drug Recognan, for 30 days, with the daily dosage of the drug being 500 mg. In the control group (28 people), nootropic drug therapy was not performed. Standard psychometric techniques were used to study higher mental functions. All subjects were examined three times (initially, in the middle of the study - on day 15, at the end of the study - on day 30).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

After 2 weeks of treatment with recognan, there was an improvement in concentration in 81.9%, memory in 50% (p=0.008), verbal imagination productivity in 68.2% (p=0.015), counting functions in 60% (p=0.015), visual-motor coordination and dynamic praxis - in 86.4% (p=0.003), increased speed and efficiency of mental work (p=0.001). After a 30-day course of treatment with recognan, there was an improvement in memory in 58.3% of patients (p=0.007), an increase in concentration in 64%, an improvement in counting functions in 64.3% (p=0.011), verbal imagination productivity in 63.3%, visual-motor coordination and dynamic praxis in 86.4% (p=0.007), speed and efficiency of mental work (p=0.006), which indicates a complex positive effect of recognan on higher mental functions in patients with mild cognitive impairment cognitive impairment.

[Molecular and clinical aspects of the effect of cytidyndiphosphocholine on cognitive functions]

OBJECTIVE

Systematization of the array of publications on cytidyldiphosphocholine (CDP-choline).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic computer analysis of all currently available publications on CDP-choline (1750 publications in PUBMED) using the topological theory of big data analysis.

RESULTS

CDP-choline is essential for acetylcholine biosynthesis, phospholipid metabolism, and DNA methylation. The article describes the effects of CDP-choline on acetylcholinergic and other types of neurotransmission, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects of CDP-choline. Also, the paper presents the effects of the molecule on lipid metabolism and gene expression within the post-genomic paradigm (in particular, an increase in the expression of nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors). The results of fundamental and clinical studies of CDP-choline in the treatment of cognitive impairments associated with cerebral ischemia and neurodegeneration are presented.

CONCLUSION

The pharmacological effects of CDP-choline are mediated through multiple molecular mechanisms that contribute to the nootropic action of this molecule.

Citicoline Improves Human Vigilance and Visual Working Memory: The Role of Neuronal Activation and Oxidative Stress

Introduction:

Psychomotor performance task is used to assess the arousal and cognitive functions of the central nervous system. Alternatively, human visual working memory reflects the capability of the individual’s short-term memory. Psycho-mental stimuli are linked to the stimulation of Malondialdehyde (MDA) formations. Citicoline is a nootropic nucleotide agent with a favorable effect on the augmentation of human memory and cognitive function. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of citicoline on human vigilance, visual working memory, and oxidative stress using healthy volunteers.

Methods:

40 healthy volunteers were enrolled and divided into two groups: group A: 20 volunteers received 500mg/day starch capsule for two weeks and group B: 20 volunteers received 500mg/day citicoline capsule for two weeks. Human vigilance, visual working memory, and oxidative stress markers of each volunteer were assessed before and after citicoline and placebo intake. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS regarding P<0.05 as statistically significant.

Results:

Placebo had no significant effect on human vigilance and visual working memory after two weeks of therapy (P>0.05), whereas citicoline improved most variables of psychomotor performances and working memory (P<0.01). Placebo significantly increased serum MDA levels from 19.44±2.11 to 29.66±3.28 nmol/mL (P=0.0001), while citicoline significantly decreased MDA serum levels from 19.11±2.66 to 15.63±1.33 nmol/mL (P=0.0001).

Conclusion:

Citicoline improves human psychomotor vigilance, arousal, and visual working memory with significant amelioration of oxidative stress compared with placebo.

[The influence of the drug recognan (citicoline) on neurodynamic characteristics of mental activity in patients with mild cognitive impairment]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to study the effect of the drug recognan (citicoline) on the neurodynamic characteristics of mental activity in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A survey of 58 subjects (17 of them male and 41 female) aged 18-45 years (average age 27.2±12.5 years) was conducted. Clinical diagnosis according to ICD-10 «Mild cognitive impairment» (F06.7). The main subgroup included29 people received oral recognan therapy (in solution, 100 mg in 1 ml) for 30 days, with a daily dosage of 500 mg (5 ml of solution). In the control group (29 people) drug therapy was not performed. Tests were used: «Graphic sample», the sample on the reciprocal coordination of the hands (Ozeretsky test), test for the compression of fingers, the test «number series». The follow-up period was 30 days. All subjects were examined three times (initially, in the middle of the study - on day 15, at the end of the study - on day 30).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The results obtained showed that the use of the drug recognan (citicoline) has a positive effect on the indicators of visual-motor coordination and spatial representations, neurodynamic characteristics of movement, and cognitive functions. After a 2-week treatment with recognan improved graphical sample, 84% of patients, with reliable improvement according to the Wilcoxon (p=0.0002), the sample in the compression of the fingers 60%, as well as coordination 60%, the accounting functions in 44%. After a month (30 day) treatment course recomanem there was an increase in indices of samples for the compression of fingers in 71.4% of patients, with significant improvement (p=0.0499) and run the graphical samples of 71.4%, coordination at 46.4%, counting functions - 48% patients.

Experience with citicoline in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment

Objective: to investigate the efficacy and safety of citicoline (Ceresil® Canon) in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment.

Patients and methods. Examinations were made in 33 patients aged 45 years and older who had experienced primary ischemic hemispheric stroke with complaints of a decline in memory or other cognitive functions. The cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The presence of anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders was determined on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All the patients received citicoline (Ceresil® Canon) oral solution at a dose of 1000 mg/day for 3 months.

Results and discussion. Citicoline administration showed a statistically significant reduction in the severity of cognitive impairment (p<0.001). The time course of positive changes in the cognitive status of patients was reflected by an increase in the median score on the MMSE from 26 [25; 27.5] to 28 [26.5; 29] and on MoCA from 23 [21; 25] to 25 [22; 26]. There was a decline in the number of patients with anxiety-depressive disorders. No adverse events or side effects were found in the patients.

Conclusion. The findings suggest that citicoline (Ceresil® Canon) produced as an oral solution is well tolerated and improves cognitive functions and affective sphere in patients in the recovery period of ischemic stroke.

[A personalized selection of choline precursors in evidence - based medicine]

The analysis of mechanisms of the neuroprotective effect of choline precursors reveals the primary effects of citicoline on the processes of repair of neuronal membranes, a decrease in the degeneration of free fatty acids, and choline alfoscerate, an increase in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Although citicoline has a lesser effect on choline secretion than choline alfoscerate, the combination of choline and cytidine in its composition is a universal tool to reduce symptoms of cerebral ischemia, to stabilize cognitive status, superior to the standard benefits of choline. Various mechanisms of the action of citicoline enable to recommend it as a drug effective both in the acute phase of the disease and in the delayed period, giving it the status of a universal nootropic compound.

[Mild cognitive impairment: what's next?]

The concept of mild cognitive impairment is one of the promising directions for studying the predementia stages of different diseases. The feasibility of studying this phenomenon is due not only to a high risk of dementia, but also the potential reversibility of cognitive decline in old age. Long-term follow-up of patients shows different trajectories of cognitive decline in aging. The study of risk factors for the progression of moderate cognitive impairment provided an opportunity to highlight new horizons of prevention of dementia of various etiologies. Despite the insufficient effectiveness of drug therapy in patients with moderate cognitive impairment, exploring the opportunities for possible treatment of their subtypes seems promising from the point of view of improving clinical symptoms and a possible reduction in the rate of disease progression.

[Current treatment options for autonomic, cognitive and emotional disorders in patients with asthenic syndrome treated with recognan (citicoline)]

AIM

To study the efficacy of recognan (citicoline) in the treatment of cognitive, emotional, autonomic, asthenic disorders in patients with asthenic syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-eight subjects (17 men and 41 women), mean age 27.75±12.05 years, with asthenic syndrome (ICD-10 F48.0 - Neurasthenia) were studied. The sample was randomized into 2 subgroups: the main group (n=20) received oral therapy with recognan (100 mg in 1 ml) for 30 days, while the daily dosage was 500 mg (5 ml). In the control group (n=18), no drug therapy was performed. Patient's state was assessed with a large battery of psychological tests and psychometric scales. The follow-up period was 30 days. All participants were examined three times (initially, in the middle of the study (day 15), in the end of the study (day 30)).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Asthenic syndrome was detected in 100% of the patients (total asthenia was noted in 70%, decreased activity in 70%, decreased motivation in 40%, physical asthenia in 45%, mental asthenia in 50%). Recognan (citicoline), used for 2 weeks or one month, has a positive effect on the compensation of autonomic, asthenic cognitive and emotional disorders and increases stress resilience of the patients.

[A multicenter observation study of the efficacy of cortexin and recognan (citicoline) in the treatment of cognitive impairments in chronic cerebrovascular pathology]

AIM

To make a critical assessment of the therapeutic effect of complex therapy with cortexin and recognan (citicoline) for cognitive impairments in patients with chronic cerebrovascular pathology.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Presented is an analysis of results of the multicenter observation program to assess the efficacy of cortexin and recognan (citicoline) in the treatment of cognitive impairments in patients with chronic cerebrovascular pathology. Three hundred and nine patients with chronic cerebrovascular pathology, including 134 (43.4%) men and 175 (56.6%) women, aged from 30 to 80, average age 63.4±9.4 years, with confirmed cognitive deficit were examined. The diagnosis was established on the basis of complaints, case reports, the results of CT/MRI studies, as well as assessments of the neurological status and cognitive functions. Cognitive impairments were confirmed by the number of points on the Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the Clock drawing test. The assessment of depression was made with the Mini Geriatric Depression Scale (MGDS). All patients received cortexin and recognan (citicoline) ('Geropharm', Russia) at doses 10 mg/day for 10 days and 1000 mg/day for 1 month, respectively.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Complex therapy with cortexin and recognan (citicoline) showed high efficacy in the treatment of vascular cognitive disorders. The results of the study allow us to recommend the complex administration of cortexin and recognan (citicoline) ('Geropharm', Russia) in doses of 10 mg/day for 10 days and 1000 mg/day for 1 month, respectively, for chronic cerebrovascular pathology.

[Cognitive and emotional disorders in university students and teachers: the possibility of treatment with recognan (citicoline)]

AIM

To study the efficacy of recognan (citicoline) in treatment of cognitive, emotional, autonomic, asthenic disorders in university students and teachers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-eight subjects (17 men and 41 women), mean age 27.75±12.05 years, including who 42 students and 16 teachers were studied. The sample was randomized into 2 groups (29 each): the main sub-group received oral therapy with recognan for 30 days, while the daily dosage was 500 mg (5 ml). In the control group, no drug therapy was performed. Patient's state was assessed with a large battery of psychological tests and psychometric scales. The follow-up period was 30 days. All participants were examined three times (initially, in the middle of the study (day 15), in the end of the study (day 30)).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Asthenic state was detected in 69%, autonomic dysfunction in 82.7%, sleep disorders in 75.8% of subjects. A high level of state anxiety was revealed in 22.2%, trait anxiety in 29.8%, a high level of stress was determined in 6,9%. It is shown that the use of recognan (citicoline) has a positive effect on compensation of autonomic and asthenic disorders, improves cognitive status, corrects psycho-emotional disorders, when used as a short (2 week) and month course.