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Cardoner N, Andero R, Cano M, Marin-Blasco I, Porta-Casteràs D, Serra-Blasco M, Via E, Vicent-Gil M, Portella MJ. Impact of Stress on Brain Morphology: Insights into Structural Biomarkers of Stress-related Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:935-962. [PMID: 37403395 PMCID: PMC10845094 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230703091435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to acute and chronic stress has a broad range of structural effects on the brain. The brain areas commonly targeted in the stress response models include the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex. Studies in patients suffering from the so-called stress-related disorders -embracing post-traumatic stress, major depressive and anxiety disorders- have fairly replicated animal models of stress response -particularly the neuroendocrine and the inflammatory models- by finding alterations in different brain areas, even in the early neurodevelopment. Therefore, this narrative review aims to provide an overview of structural neuroimaging findings and to discuss how these studies have contributed to our knowledge of variability in response to stress and the ulterior development of stress-related disorders. There are a gross number of studies available but neuroimaging research of stress-related disorders as a single category is still in its infancy. Although the available studies point at particular brain circuitries involved in stress and emotion regulation, the pathophysiology of these abnormalities -involving genetics, epigenetics and molecular pathways-, their relation to intraindividual stress responses -including personality characteristics, self-perception of stress conditions…-, and their potential involvement as biomarkers in diagnosis, treatment prescription and prognosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narcís Cardoner
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine Bellaterra, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Raül Andero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Cano
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Marin-Blasco
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Porta-Casteràs
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine Bellaterra, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Maria Serra-Blasco
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Programa eHealth ICOnnecta't, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Via
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Muriel Vicent-Gil
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria J. Portella
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine Bellaterra, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Zhang X, Yuan J, Zhang S, Li W, Xu Y, Li H, Zhang L, Chen X, Ding W, Zhu J, Song J, Wang X, Zhu C. Germinal matrix hemorrhage induces immune responses, brain injury, and motor impairment in neonatal rats. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:49-65. [PMID: 36545808 PMCID: PMC10638988 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221147091] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is a major complication of prematurity that causes secondary brain injury and is associated with long-term neurological disabilities. This study used a postnatal day 5 rat model of GMH to explore immune response, brain injury, and neurobehavioral changes after hemorrhagic injury. The results showed that CD45high/CD11b+ immune cells increased in the brain after GMH and were accompanied by increased macrophage-related chemokine/cytokines and inflammatory mediators. Hematoma formed as early as 2 h after injection of collagenase VII and white matter injury appeared not only in the external capsule and hippocampus, but also in the thalamus. In addition, GMH caused abnormal motor function as revealed by gait analysis, and locomotor hyperactivity in the elevated plus maze, though no other obvious anxiety or recognition/memory function changes were noted when examined by the open field test and novel object recognition test. The animal model used here partially reproduces the GMH-induced brain injury and motor dysfunction seen in human neonates and therefore can be used as a valid tool in experimental studies for the development of effective therapeutic strategies for GMH-induced brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wendong Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Population Defects Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Ding
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinjin Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Juan Song
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Center for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Center for Bran Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Alexa AI, Zamfir CL, Bogdănici CM, Oancea A, Maștaleru A, Abdulan IM, Brănișteanu DC, Ciobîcă A, Balmuș M, Stratulat-Alexa T, Ciuntu RE, Severin F, Mocanu M, Leon MM. The Impact of Chronic Stress on Behavior and Body Mass in New Animal Models. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1492. [PMID: 37891859 PMCID: PMC10605805 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101492] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Exposure to different sources of stress can have a significant effect on both psychological and physical processes. (2) Methods: The study took place over a period of 34 days and included a total of 40 animals. Regarding the exposure to chronic stressors, we opted for physiological, non-invasive stressors, e.g., running, swimming, and changes in the intensity of light. An unforeseen stress batch was also created that alternated all these stress factors. The animals were divided into five experimental groups, each consisting of eight individuals. In the context of conducting the open field test for behavioral assessment before and after stress exposure, we aimed to investigate the impact of stress exposure on the affective traits of the animals. We also monitored body mass every two days. (3) Results: The control group exhibited an average increase in weight of approximately 30%. The groups exposed to stress factors showed slower growth rates, the lowest being the running group, recording a rate of 20.55%, and the unpredictable stress group at 24.02%. The anxious behavior intensified in the group with unforeseen stress, in the one with light variations, and in the running group. (4) Conclusions: Our research validates the animal model of intermittent light exposure during the dark phase as a novel method of inducing stress. The modification of some anxiety parameters was observed; they vary according to the type of stress. Body mass was found to increase in all groups, especially in the sedentary groups, likely due to the absence of cognitive, spatial, and social stimuli except for cohabitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisia Iuliana Alexa
- Department of Surgery II, Discipline of Ophthalmology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.I.A.); (C.M.B.); (D.C.B.); (R.E.C.)
| | - Carmen Lăcrămioara Zamfir
- Department of Morpho-Funcțional Sciences I, Discipline of Histology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Camelia Margareta Bogdănici
- Department of Surgery II, Discipline of Ophthalmology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.I.A.); (C.M.B.); (D.C.B.); (R.E.C.)
| | - Andra Oancea
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (I.M.A.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Alexandra Maștaleru
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (I.M.A.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Irina Mihaela Abdulan
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (I.M.A.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Daniel Constantin Brănișteanu
- Department of Surgery II, Discipline of Ophthalmology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.I.A.); (C.M.B.); (D.C.B.); (R.E.C.)
| | - Alin Ciobîcă
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University Iasi, 700505 Iasi, Romania
- Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Str Splaiul Independentei no. 54, Sector 5, 050094 Bucharest, Romania
- Preclinical Department, Apollonia University, Pacurari Street 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania
| | - Miruna Balmuș
- Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Alexandru Lapusneanu Street, No. 26, 700057 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Teodora Stratulat-Alexa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Discipline of Oncology-Radiation Therapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Roxana Elena Ciuntu
- Department of Surgery II, Discipline of Ophthalmology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.I.A.); (C.M.B.); (D.C.B.); (R.E.C.)
| | - Florentina Severin
- Department of Surgery II, Discipline of Oto Rhino Laryngology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Mădălina Mocanu
- Department of Medical Health III, Discipline of Dermatology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria Magdalena Leon
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (I.M.A.); (M.M.L.)
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Bruce HA, Kochunov P, Kvarta MD, Goldwaser EL, Chiappelli J, Schwartz A, Lightner S, Endres J, Yuen A, Ma Y, Van der Vaart A, Hatch KS, Gao S, Ye Z, Wu Q, Chen S, Mitchell BD, Hong LE. Frontal white matter association with sleep quality and the role of stress. J Sleep Res 2023; 32:e13669. [PMID: 35698853 PMCID: PMC9748025 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
An important measure of brain health is the integrity of white matter connectivity structures that link brain regions. Studies have found an association between poorer sleep quality and decreased white matter integrity. Stress is among the strongest predictors of sleep quality. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sleep quality and white matter and to test if the relationship persisted after accounting for stress. White matter microstructures were measured by diffusion tensor imaging in a population of Old Order Amish/Mennonite (N = 240). Sleep quality was determined by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Current stress levels were measured by the perceived stress scale. Exposure to lifetime stress was measured by the lifetime stressor inventory. Microstructures of four white matter tracts: left and right anterior limbs of internal capsule, left anterior corona radiata, and genu of corpus callosum were significantly correlated with sleep quality (all p ≤ 0.001). The current stress level was a significant predictor of sleep quality (p ≤ 0.001) while lifetime stress was not. PSQI remained significantly associated with white matter integrity in these frontal tracts (all p < 0.01) after accounting for current stress and lifetime stress, while current and lifetime stress were not significant predictors of white matter in any of the four models. Sleep quality did not have any substantial mediation role between stress and white matter integrity. Sleep quality was significantly associated with several frontal white matter tracts that connect brain structures important for sleep regulation regardless of current or past stress levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Bruce
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter Kochunov
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark D Kvarta
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric L Goldwaser
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua Chiappelli
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adina Schwartz
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Samantha Lightner
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jane Endres
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexa Yuen
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yizhou Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Van der Vaart
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathryn S Hatch
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Si Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhenyao Ye
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Qiong Wu
- University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Braxton D Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Geriatrics Research and Education Clinical Center, Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L Elliot Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Seewoo BJ, Feindel KW, Won Y, Joos AC, Figliomeni A, Hennessy LA, Rodger J. White Matter Changes Following Chronic Restraint Stress and Neuromodulation: A Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in Young Male Rats. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 2:153-166. [PMID: 36325163 PMCID: PMC9616380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, is an effective treatment for depression. However, few studies have used diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the longitudinal effects of rTMS on the abnormal brain white matter (WM) described in depression. Methods In this study, we acquired diffusion magnetic resonance imaging from young adult male Sprague Dawley rats to investigate 1) the longitudinal effects of 10- and 1-Hz low-intensity rTMS (LI-rTMS) in healthy animals; 2) the effect of chronic restraint stress (CRS), an animal model of depression; and 3) the effect of 10 Hz LI-rTMS in CRS animals. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics and fixel-based analysis. Results Similar changes in diffusion and kurtosis fractional anisotropy were induced by 10- and 1-Hz stimulation in healthy animals, although changes induced by 10-Hz stimulation were detected earlier than those following 1-Hz stimulation. Additionally, 10-Hz stimulation increased axial and mean kurtosis within the external capsule, suggesting that the two protocols may act via different underlying mechanisms. Brain maturation–related changes in WM, such as increased corpus callosum, fimbria, and external and internal capsule fiber cross-section, were compromised in CRS animals compared with healthy control animals and were rescued by 10-Hz LI-rTMS. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased myelination within the corpus callosum in LI-rTMS–treated CRS animals compared with those that received sham or no stimulation. Conclusions Overall, decreased WM connectivity and integrity in the CRS model corroborate findings in patients experiencing depression with high anxiety, and the observed LI-rTMS–induced effects on WM structure suggest that LI-rTMS might rescue abnormal WM by increasing myelination.
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Czéh B, Simon M. Benefits of animal models to understand the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110049. [PMID: 32735913 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110049] [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: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a potentially life-threatening mental disorder imposing severe social and economic burden worldwide. Despite the existence of effective antidepressant treatment strategies the exact pathophysiology of the disease is still unknown. Large number of animal models of MDD have been developed over the years, but all of them suffer from significant shortcomings. Despite their limitations these models have been extensively used in academic research and drug development. The aim of this review is to highlight the benefits of animal models of MDD. We focus here on recent experimental data where animal models were used to examine current theories of this complex disease. We argue, that despite their evident imperfections, these models provide invaluable help to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of MDD. Furthermore, animal models are utilized in research to find clinically useful biomarkers. We discuss recent neuroimaging and microRNA studies since these investigations yielded promising candidates for biomarkers. Finally, we briefly summarize recent progresses in drug development, i.e. the FDA approval of two novel antidepressant drugs: S-ketamine and brexanolone (allopregnanolone). Deeper understanding of the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms of action responsible for the antidepressant efficacy of these rapid acting drugs could aid us to design further compounds with similar effectiveness, but less side effects. Animal studies are likely to provide valuable help in this endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boldizsár Czéh
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Maria Simon
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
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