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Exploring the role of neuropeptides in depression and anxiety. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 114:110478. [PMID: 34801611 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent forms of mental disorders and is the most common cause of disability in the Western world. Besides, the harmful effects of stress-related mood disorders on the patients themselves, they challenge the health care system with enormous social and economic impacts. Due to the high proportion of patients not responding to existing drugs, finding new treatment strategies has become an important topic in neurobiology, and there is much evidence that neuropeptides are not only involved in the physiology of stress but may also be clinically important. Based on preclinical trial data, new neuropharmaceutical candidates may target neuropeptides and their receptors and are expected to be essential and valuable tools in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In the current article, we have summarized data obtained from animal models of depressive disorder and transgenic mouse models. We also focus on previously published research data of clinical studies on corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), galanin (GAL), neuropeptide Y (NPY), neuropeptide S (NPS), Oxytocin (OXT), vasopressin (VP), cholecystokinin (CCK), and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) stress research fields.
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Chen HL, Lan YW, Tu MY, Tung YT, Chan MNY, Wu HS, Yen CC, Chen CM. Kefir peptides exhibit antidepressant-like activity in mice through the BDNF/TrkB pathway. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:6415-6430. [PMID: 33741171 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a prevalent, stress-related mental disorder that can lead to serious psychiatric diseases with morbidity and high mortality. Although some functional fermented dairy drinks have promising anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, the mechanism is still not clear. To determine the antidepressant-like effect and the potential molecule mechanism of kefir peptides (KP), various behavioral tests, including the elevated plus maze test, open field test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test, were used. Administration of 150 mg/kg KP in mice reduced the duration of immobility in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test, elevated the time spent in the open arm and center zone in the elevated plus maze test, and increased the total distance traveled, average speed, and time spent in the center zone in the open field test compared with the mock group. These results indicated that KP dramatically ameliorated the depression-like behaviors. Kefir peptides were further isolated and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, from which 3 peptides were identified and designated KFP-1, KFP-3, and KFP-5. Among these peptides, administration of KFP-3 (15 AA residues) remarkably decreased immobility time in the forced swimming test and increased mobility time in the tail suspension test. Therefore, KFP-3 may be the major active peptide with antidepressant activity in KP. Overexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, phosphorylated tropomyosin receptor kinase B, and phosphorylated ERK1/2 protein levels could be detected in the hippocampus under KP administration. Therefore, we suggest that KP improves depressive-like behaviors by activating the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-phosphorylated tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling pathway. Kefir peptides may serve as a new type of antidepressant dairy product and may provide potent antidepressant effects for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ling Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Da-Yeh University, Changhwa 515, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Wei Lan
- Department of Life Sciences, and PhD Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Min-Yu Tu
- Department of Health Business Administration, Meiho University, Pingtung 912, Taiwan; Aviation Physiology Research Laboratory, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital Gangshan Branch, Kaohsiung 820, Taiwan; Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tang Tung
- Department of Life Sciences, and PhD Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Megan Ning-Yu Chan
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Hsin-Shan Wu
- Department of Life Sciences, and PhD Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Yen
- Department of Life Sciences, and PhD Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, and College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Mu Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, and PhD Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
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Tokgöz G, Demir Özkay Ü, Osmaniye D, Turan Yücel N, Can ÖD, Kaplancıklı ZA. Synthesis of Novel Benzazole Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Antidepressant-Like Activities with Possible Underlying Mechanisms. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23112881. [PMID: 30400609 PMCID: PMC6278502 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel benzazole derivative compounds 4a–4h were obtained by the reaction of corresponding 2-(benzazol-2-ylthio)acetohydrazide and appropriate 4-substituted benzaldehydes. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and LCMS spectroscopic methods. Antidepressant-like effects of the compounds were evaluated by tail suspension test (TST) and modified forced swimming tests (MFST). Moreover, locomotor activities of the animals were assessed by an activity cage apparatus. In the series, compounds 4a, 4b, 4e and 4f (at 50 mg/kg) significantly decreased the immobility time of mice in both of the TST and MFST. The same compounds prolonged the swimming time of animals in MFST without any change in the climbing duration. These data indicated that compounds 4a, 4b, 4e and 4f possess significant antidepressant-like activities. Moreover, pre-treatments with p-chloro-phenylalanine methyl ester (an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis), NAN-190 (a 5-HT1A antagonist), ketanserin (a 5-HT2A/2C antagonist), and ondansetron (a 5-HT3 antagonist) reversed the exhibited pharmacological effects. Results of the mechanistic studies suggested the involvement of serotonergic system and contributions of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A/2C and 5-HT3 receptors to the antidepressant-like effects of compounds 4a, 4b, 4e and 4f. Furthermore, unchanged locomotor activity of mice following the administrations of these four derivatives confirmed that the presented antidepressant-like effects are specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Tokgöz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir 26470, Turkey.
| | - Ümide Demir Özkay
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir 26470, Turkey.
| | - Derya Osmaniye
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir 26470, Turkey.
- Doping and Narcotic Compounds Analysis Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir 26470, Turkey.
| | - Nazlı Turan Yücel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir 26470, Turkey.
| | - Özgür Devrim Can
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir 26470, Turkey.
| | - Zafer Asım Kaplancıklı
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir 26470, Turkey.
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Synthesis of Some Novel Thiadiazole Derivative Compounds and Screening Their Antidepressant-Like Activities. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23040716. [PMID: 29561803 PMCID: PMC6017710 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized through the reaction of acetylated 2-aminothiadiazole and piperazine derivatives. The chemical structures of the compounds were clarified by Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-NMR), 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (13C-NMR) and Electronspray Ionisation Mass Spectroscopy (ESI-MS) spectroscopic methods. Antidepressant-like activities were evaluated by the tail-suspension (TST) and modified forced swimming (MFST) methods. Besides, possible influence of the test compounds on motor activities of the animals were examined by activity cage tests. In the TST, administration of the compounds 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g and 2h significantly decreased the immobility time of mice regarding the control values. Further, in the MFST, the same compounds reduced the total number of immobility behaviors while increasing swimming performance. However, no change was observed in the total number of climbing behaviors. These data suggested that compounds 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g and 2h possess notable antidepressant-like activities. Reference drug fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) was also exhibited its antidepressant activity, as expected. No significant difference was seen between the locomotor activity values of the test groups signifying that observed antidepressant-like activities are specific. Theoretical calculation of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) properties for the obtained compounds were performed and obtained data supported the antidepressant-like potential of these novel thiadiazole derivatives.
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Can ÖD, Turan N, Demir Özkay Ü, Öztürk Y. Antidepressant-like effect of gallic acid in mice: Dual involvement of serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems. Life Sci 2017; 190:110-117. [PMID: 28942286 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study was planned to examine the antidepressant potency of gallic acid (30 and 60mg/kg), a phenolic acid widely distributed in nature, together with its possible underlying monoaminergic mechanisms. MAIN METHODS Antidepressant-like activity was assessed using the tail suspension (TST) and the modified forced swimming tests (MFST). Locomotor activity was evaluated in an activity cage. KEY FINDINGS Administration of gallic acid at 60mg/kg reduced the immobility duration of mice in both the TST and MFST without any changes in the locomotor activity. The anti-immobility effect observed in the TST was abolished with pre-treatment of p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis; 100mg/kg i.p. administered for 4-consecutive days), ketanserin (a 5-HT2A/2C antagonist; 1mg/kg i.p.), ondansetron (a 5-HT3 antagonist; 0.3mg/kg i.p.), α-methyl-para-tyrosine methyl ester (an inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis; 100mg/kg i.p.), phentolamine (non-selective alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist; 5mg/kg i.p.), SCH 23390 (a dopamine D1 antagonist; 0.05mg/kg s.c.), and sulpiride (a dopamine D2/D3 antagonist; 50mg/kg i.p.). However, NAN 190 (a 5-HT1A antagonist; 0.5mg/kg i.p.) and propranolol (a non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist; 5mg/kg i.p.) pre-treatments were ineffective at reversing the antidepressant-like effects of gallic acid. SIGNIFICANCE The results of the present study indicate that gallic acid seems to have a dual mechanism of action by increasing not only serotonin but also catecholamine levels in synaptic clefts of the central nervous system. Further alpha adrenergic, 5-HT2A/2C and 5-HT3 serotonergic, and D1, D2, and D3 dopaminergic receptors also seem to be involved in this antidepressant-like activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özgür Devrim Can
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Nazlı Turan
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Ümide Demir Özkay
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Öztürk
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
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Wang R, Yan F, Liao R, Wan P, Little PJ, Zheng W. Role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor in the regulation of Neuropeptide W in vitro and in vivo. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 447:71-78. [PMID: 28249734 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are neurotrophic factors involved in the growth, survival and functioning of neurons. In addition, a possible role of neurotrophins, particularly BDNF, in HPA axis hyperactivation has recently been proposed. Neuropeptide W (NPW) is an endogenous peptide ligand for the GPR7 and GPR8 and a stress mediator in the hypothalamus. It activates the HPA axis by working on hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). No information is available about the interrelationships between neurotrophines like NGF/BDNF and NPW. We studied the effect and underlying mechanisms of NGF/BDNF on the production of NPW in PC12 cells and hypothalamus. NGF time- and concentration-dependently stimulated the expression of NPW in PC12 cells. The effect of NGF was blocked by the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signal pathway with specific inhibitors for PI3K or AktsiRNA for Akt while inhibition of ERK pathway had no effect. Moreover, BDNF concentration-dependently induced the expression of NPW mRNA and decreased the expression of NPY mRNA in primary cultured hypothalamic neurons which was also blocked by a PI3K kinase inhibitor. Finally, in vivo study showed that exogenous BDNF injected icv increased NPW production in the hypothalamus and this effect was reversed by a PI3 kinase inhibitor. These results and the fact that BDNF was able to stimulate the expression of CRH demonstrated that neurotrophines can modulate the expression of NPW in neuronal cells via the PI3K/Akt pathway and suggest that BDNF might be involved in functions of the HPA axis, at least in part by modulating the expression of NPW/NPY and CRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikang Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330006, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Anti-ageing and Regenerative Medicine, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Fengxia Yan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rifang Liao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Wan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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TRH and TRH receptor system in the basolateral amygdala mediate stress-induced depression-like behaviors. Neuropharmacology 2015; 97:346-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Abstract
This review compares the biological and physiological function of Sigma receptors [σRs] and their potential therapeutic roles. Sigma receptors are widespread in the central nervous system and across multiple peripheral tissues. σRs consist of sigma receptor one (σ1R) and sigma receptor two (σ2R) and are expressed in numerous regions of the brain. The sigma receptor was originally proposed as a subtype of opioid receptors and was suggested to contribute to the delusions and psychoses induced by benzomorphans such as SKF-10047 and pentazocine. Later studies confirmed that σRs are non-opioid receptors (not an µ opioid receptor) and play a more diverse role in intracellular signaling, apoptosis and metabolic regulation. σ1Rs are intracellular receptors acting as chaperone proteins that modulate Ca2+ signaling through the IP3 receptor. They dynamically translocate inside cells, hence are transmembrane proteins. The σ1R receptor, at the mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane, is responsible for mitochondrial metabolic regulation and promotes mitochondrial energy depletion and apoptosis. Studies have demonstrated that they play a role as a modulator of ion channels (K+ channels; N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors [NMDAR]; inositol 1,3,5 triphosphate receptors) and regulate lipid transport and metabolism, neuritogenesis, cellular differentiation and myelination in the brain. σ1R modulation of Ca2+ release, modulation of cardiac myocyte contractility and may have links to G-proteins. It has been proposed that σ1Rs are intracellular signal transduction amplifiers. This review of the literature examines the mechanism of action of the σRs, their interaction with neurotransmitters, pharmacology, location and adverse effects mediated through them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin G Rousseaux
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , ON , Canada and
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Comparative effects of intranasal neuropeptide Y and HS014 in preventing anxiety and depressive-like behavior elicited by single prolonged stress. Behav Brain Res 2014; 295:9-16. [PMID: 25542511 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Stress triggered neuropsychiatric disorders are a serious societal problem. Prophylactic treatment or early intervention has great potential in increasing resilience to traumatic stress and reducing its harmful impact. Previously, we demonstrated proof of concept that intranasal administration of neuropeptide Y (NPY) or the melanocortin receptor four (MC4R) antagonist, HS014, prior to single prolonged stress (SPS) rodent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) model, can prevent or attenuate many PTSD associated impairments. Here, we compare effects of NPY or HS014 given 30 min before or immediately after SPS stressors on development of anxiety, depressive-like behavior and associated biochemical abnormalities. SPS triggered anxiety on elevated plus maze (EPM) was reduced by intranasal administration of 100 μg NPY and to even greater extent HS014 (3.5 ng or 100 μg). The SPS-elicited depressive-like behavior on forced swim test was prevented with 100 μg NPY or the high dose HS014. Combined administration of low HS014 and NPY, ineffective by themselves, prevented development of depressive-like behavior. Reductions in stress triggered activation of locus coeruleus/noradrenergic system and HPA axis were observed with both HS014 and NPY. In contrast to NPY which has been showed earlier, infusion of HS014 immediately after SPS did not prevent the development of anxiogenic behavior on EPM. However, HS014 given after SPS stressors effectively even at very low dose, prevented development of depressive-like behavior. Thus, both MC4R antagonist and NPY, alone or combined, have potential for prophylactic treatment against traumatic stress triggered anxiety or depressive-like behaviors, while NPY has more widespread potential for early intervention.
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Niciu MJ, Henter ID, Luckenbaugh DA, Zarate CA, Charney DS. Glutamate receptor antagonists as fast-acting therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of depression: ketamine and other compounds. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 54:119-39. [PMID: 24392693 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-011613-135950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine has rapid and potent antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and bipolar depression. These effects are in direct contrast to the more modest effects seen after weeks of treatment with classic monoaminergic antidepressants. Numerous open-label and case studies similarly validate ketamine's antidepressant properties. These clinical findings have been reverse-translated into preclinical models in an effort to elucidate ketamine's antidepressant mechanism of action, and three important targets have been identified: mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2), and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). Current clinical and preclinical research is focused on (a) prolonging/maintaining ketamine's antidepressant effects, (b) developing more selective NMDA receptor antagonists free of ketamine's adverse effects, and (c) identifying predictor, mediator/moderator, and treatment response biomarkers of ketamine's antidepressant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Niciu
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-9692;
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Kormos V, Gaszner B. Role of neuropeptides in anxiety, stress, and depression: from animals to humans. Neuropeptides 2013; 47:401-19. [PMID: 24210138 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Major depression, with its strikingly high prevalence, is the most common cause of disability in communities of Western type, according to data of the World Health Organization. Stress-related mood disorders, besides their deleterious effects on the patient itself, also challenge the healthcare systems with their great social and economic impact. Our knowledge on the neurobiology of these conditions is less than sufficient as exemplified by the high proportion of patients who do not respond to currently available medications targeting monoaminergic systems. The search for new therapeutical strategies became therefore a "hot topic" in neuroscience, and there is a large body of evidence suggesting that brain neuropeptides not only participate is stress physiology, but they may also have clinical relevance. Based on data obtained in animal studies, neuropeptides and their receptors might be targeted by new candidate neuropharmacons with the hope that they will become important and effective tools in the management of stress related mood disorders. In this review, we attempt to summarize the latest evidence obtained using animal models for mood disorders, genetically modified rodent models for anxiety and depression, and we will pay some attention to previously published clinical data on corticotropin releasing factor, urocortin 1, urocortin 2, urocortin 3, arginine-vasopressin, neuropeptide Y, pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide, neuropeptide S, oxytocin, substance P and galanin fields of stress research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Skuza G. Ethanol withdrawal-induced depressive symptoms in animals and therapeutic potential of sigma1 receptor ligands. Pharmacol Rep 2013; 65:1681-7. [DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71530-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Abstract
Depression is a common psychiatric condition characterized by affective, cognitive, psychomotor, and neurovegetative symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, study, deal with interpersonal relationships, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. After the serendipitous discovery of the first antidepressants, for years the only pharmacodynamic mechanisms explored in the search of novel antidepressants were those related to the 3 main monoamines: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. New-generation monoaminergic antidepressants, such as selective-serotonin and dual-acting serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, improved treatment and quality of life of depressed patients. Nevertheless, there are still important clinical limitations: the long latency of onset of the antidepressant action; side effects, which can lead to early discontinuation; low rate of response; and high rate of relapse/recurrence. Therefore, in the last several years, the focus of research has moved from monoamines toward other molecular mechanisms, including glutamatergic (Glu) neurotransmission. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the Glu system and on its relationships with mood disorders. Up to now, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, in particular ketamine, provided the most promising results in preclinical studies and produced a consistent and rapid, although transient, antidepressant effect with a good tolerability profile in humans. Although data are encouraging, more double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed to clarify the real potentiality of ketamine, and of the other Glu modulators, in the treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression.
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Gelfo F, Tirassa P, De Bartolo P, Croce N, Bernardini S, Caltagirone C, Petrosini L, Angelucci F. NPY intraperitoneal injections produce antidepressant-like effects and downregulate BDNF in the rat hypothalamus. CNS Neurosci Ther 2012; 18:487-92. [PMID: 22672302 PMCID: PMC6493532 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2012.00314.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Several studies have documented an involvement of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in stress-related disorders. Stress-related disorders are also characterized by changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophins implicated in the survival and function of neurons. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate whether an NPY intraperitoneal treatment has antidepressant-like effects in rats subjected to a classical stress paradigm, the Forced Swim Test (FST), in association with changes in local brain neurotrophin production. METHODS Rats were intraperitoneally injected with either NPY (60 μg/kg) or a vehicle for three consecutive days between two FST sessions and then tested for time spent (or delay onset) in immobile posture. Moreover, we measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) neurotrophin levels in the hypothalamus and corticosterone levels in plasma. RESULTS The data showed that NPY induced a significant delay in the onset and a significant reduction in the duration of the immobility posture in FST. We also found that NPY decreased BDNF levels in the hypothalamus and corticosterone levels in plasma. DISCUSSION Immobility posture in FST can be reduced by antidepressant drugs. Thus, our data show an antidepressant-like effect of NPY associated with changes in BDNF levels in the hypothalamus and reduced activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. CONCLUSION These findings, while confirming the involvement of the NPY system in stress-related disorders, suggest that a less invasive route of administration, such as an intraperitoneal injection, may be instrumental in coping with stressful events in animal models and perhaps in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gelfo
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola De Bartolo
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Croce
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrosini
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Angelucci
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Maisonial A, Große Maestrup E, Wiese C, Hiller A, Schepmann D, Fischer S, Deuther-Conrad W, Steinbach J, Brust P, Wünsch B. Synthesis, radiofluorination and pharmacological evaluation of a fluoromethyl spirocyclic PET tracer for central σ1 receptors and comparison with fluoroalkyl homologs. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:257-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Davidson S, Lear M, Shanley L, Hing B, Baizan-Edge A, Herwig A, Quinn JP, Breen G, McGuffin P, Starkey A, Barrett P, MacKenzie A. Differential activity by polymorphic variants of a remote enhancer that supports galanin expression in the hypothalamus and amygdala: implications for obesity, depression and alcoholism. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:2211-21. [PMID: 21716262 PMCID: PMC3176579 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The expression of the galanin gene (GAL) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and in the amygdala of higher vertebrates suggests the requirement for highly conserved, but unidentified, regulatory sequences that are critical to allow the galanin gene to control alcohol and fat intake and modulate mood. We used comparative genomics to identify a highly conserved sequence that lay 42 kb 5' of the human GAL transcriptional start site that we called GAL5.1. GAL5.1 activated promoter activity in neurones of the PVN, arcuate nucleus and amygdala that also expressed the galanin peptide. Analysis in neuroblastoma cells demonstrated that GAL5.1 acted as an enhancer of promoter activity after PKC activation. GAL5.1 contained two polymorphisms; rs2513280(C/G) and rs2513281(A/G), that occurred in two allelic combinations (GG or CA) where the dominant GG alelle occurred in 70-83 % of the human population. Intriguingly, both SNPs were found to be in LD (R(2) of 0.687) with another SNP (rs2156464) previously associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Recreation of these alleles in reporter constructs and subsequent magnetofection into primary rat hypothalamic neurones showed that the CA allele was 40 % less active than the GG allele. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the weaker allele may affect food and alcohol preference. The linkage of the SNPs analysed in this study with a SNP previously associated with MDD together with the functioning of GAL5.1 as a PVN and amygdala specific enhancer represent a significant advance in our ability to understand alcoholism, obesity and major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Davidson
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Marissa Lear
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Lynne Shanley
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Benjamin Hing
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Amanda Baizan-Edge
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Annika Herwig
- The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - John P Quinn
- The Physiological Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Crown Street, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gerome Breen
- MRC SGDP Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, DeCrespigny Park, London, UK
| | - Peter McGuffin
- MRC SGDP Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, DeCrespigny Park, London, UK
| | - Andrew Starkey
- School of Engineering, Fraser Noble Building, Kings College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Perry Barrett
- The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Alasdair MacKenzie
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK,School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, Tel: +44 (0)1224 437380, Fax: +44 (0)1224 555719, E-mail:
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An interaction between a neuropeptide Y gene polymorphism and early adversity modulates endocrine stress responses. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:1010-20. [PMID: 21273004 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Interindividual variability in the regulation of the human stress system accounts for a part of the individual's liability to stress-related diseases. These differences are influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Early childhood adversity is a well-studied environmental factor affecting an individual's stress response which has been shown to be modulated by gene-environment interaction (GxE). Neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays a role in stress regulation and genetic variation in NPY may influence stress responses. In this study, we analyzed the association of a common variant in the NPY gene promoter, rs16147, with cortisol and ACTH responses to acute psychosocial stress in young adults from the Mannheim Study of Children at Risk (MARS), an ongoing epidemiological cohort study following the outcome of early adversity from birth into adulthood. We found evidence of a GxE interaction between rs16147 and early adversity significantly affecting HPA axis responses to acute psychosocial stress. These findings suggest that the neurobiological mechanisms linking early adverse experience and later neuroendocrine stress regulation are modulated by a gene variant whose functional relevance is documented by increasing convergent evidence from in vitro, animal and human studies.
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Gelfo F, De Bartolo P, Tirassa P, Croce N, Caltagirone C, Petrosini L, Angelucci F. Intraperitoneal injection of neuropeptide Y (NPY) alters neurotrophin rat hypothalamic levels: Implications for NPY potential role in stress-related disorders. Peptides 2011; 32:1320-3. [PMID: 21473895 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2011] [Revised: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid peptide which exerts several regulatory actions within peripheral and central nervous systems. Among NPY actions preclinical and clinical data have suggested that the anxiolytic and antidepressant actions of NPY may be related to its antagonist action on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are proteins involved in the growth, survival and function of neurons. In addition to this, a possible role of neurotrophins, particularly BDNF, in HPA axis hyperactivation has been proposed. To characterize the effect of NPY on the production of neurotrophins in the hypothalamus we exposed young adult rats to NPY intraperitoneal administration for three consecutive days and then evaluated BDNF and NGF synthesis in this brain region. We found that NPY treatment decreased BDNF and increased NGF production in the hypothalamus. Given the role of neurotrophins in the hypothalamus, these findings, although preliminary, provide evidence for a role of NPY as inhibitor of HPA axis and support the idea that NPY might be involved in pathologies characterized by HPA axis dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gelfo
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, 00179 Rome, Italy.
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Hayashi T, Tsai SY, Mori T, Fujimoto M, Su TP. Targeting ligand-operated chaperone sigma-1 receptors in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2011; 15:557-77. [PMID: 21375464 PMCID: PMC3076924 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.560837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current drugs for the treatment of psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders have limitations. Psychotherapeutic drugs such as typical and atypical antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants and selective monoamine reuptake inhibitors, aim to normalize the hyper- or hypo-neurotransmission of monoaminergic systems. Despite their contribution to the outcomes of psychiatric patients, these agents often exert severe side effects and require chronic treatments to promote amelioration of symptoms. Drugs available for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders are severely limited. AREAS COVERED Recent evidence that has shed light on sigma-1 receptor ligands, which may serve as a new class of antidepressants or neuroprotective agents. Sigma-1 receptors are novel ligand-operated molecular chaperones regulating signal transduction, ER stress, cellular redox, cellular survival and synaptogenesis. Selective sigma-1 receptor ligands exert rapid antidepressant-like, anxiolytic, antinociceptive and robust neuroprotective actions in preclinical studies. Recent studies that suggest that reactive oxygen species might play a role as signal integrators downstream of Sig-1Rs are also covered. EXPERT OPINION The advances in sigma receptor research in the last decade have begun to elucidate the intracellular signal cascades upstream and downstream of sigma-1 receptors. The novel ligand-operated properties of the sigma-1 receptor chaperone may enable interventions by which stress-related cellular systems can be pharmacologically controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruo Hayashi
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health-Cellular Stress Signaling Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Walker BM, Drimmer DA, Walker JL, Liu T, Mathé AA, Ehlers CL. Effects of prolonged ethanol vapor exposure on forced swim behavior, and neuropeptide Y and corticotropin-releasing factor levels in rat brains. Alcohol 2010; 44:487-93. [PMID: 20705420 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2010.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Revised: 06/16/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Depressive symptoms in alcohol-dependent individuals are well-recognized and clinically relevant phenomena. The etiology has not been elucidated although it is clear that the depressive symptoms may be alcohol independent or alcohol induced. To contribute to the understanding of the neurobiology of chronic ethanol use, we investigated the effects of chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure on behaviors in the forced swim test (FST) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) levels in specific brain regions. Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to intermittent ethanol vapor (14 h on/10 h off) or air exposure for 2 weeks and were then tested at three time points corresponding to acute withdrawal (8-12 h into withdrawal) and protracted withdrawal (30 and 60 days of withdrawal) in the FST. The behaviors that were measured in the five-min FST consisted of latency to immobility, swim time, immobility time, and climbing time. The FST results showed that the vapor-exposed animals displayed depressive-like behaviors; for instance, decreased latency to immobility in acute withdrawal and decreased latency to immobility, decreased swim time and increased immobility time in protracted withdrawal, with differences between air- and vapor-exposed animals becoming more pronounced over the 60-day withdrawal period. NPY levels in the frontal cortex of the vapor-exposed animals were decreased compared with the control animals, and CRF levels in the amygdala were correlated with increased immobility time. Thus, extended ethanol vapor exposure produced long-lasting changes in FST behavior and NPY levels in the brain.
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