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Martinez B, Peplow PV. MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of schizophrenia and influence of antipsychotic treatment. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1523-1531. [PMID: 38051895 PMCID: PMC10883514 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.387966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Characterized by positive symptoms (such as changes in behavior or thoughts, including delusions and hallucinations), negative symptoms (such as apathy, anhedonia, and social withdrawal), and cognitive impairments, schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling mental disorder with late adolescence or early adulthood onset. Antipsychotics are the most commonly used drugs to treat schizophrenia, but those currently in use do not fully reverse all three types of symptoms characterizing this condition. Schizophrenia is frequently misdiagnosed, resulting in a delay of or inappropriate treatment. Abnormal expression of microRNAs is connected to brain development and disease and could provide novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of schizophrenia. The recent studies reviewed included microRNA profiling in blood- and urine-based materials and nervous tissue materials. From the studies that had validated the preliminary findings, potential candidate biomarkers for schizophrenia in adults could be miR-22-3p, -30e-5p, -92a-3p, -148b-5p, -181a-3p, -181a-5p, -181b-5p, -199b-5p, -137 in whole blood, and miR-130b, -193a-3p in blood plasma. Antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia patients was found to modulate the expression of certain microRNAs including miR-130b, -193a-3p, -132, -195, -30e, -432 in blood plasma. Further studies are warranted with adolescents and young adults having schizophrenia and consideration should be given to using animal models of the disorder to investigate the effect of suppressing or overexpressing specific microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Philip V Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Isomura Y, Ohno M, Sudo S, Ono M, Kaminishi Y, Sumi Y, Yoshimura A, Fujii K, Akiyama K, Nishi E, Ozeki Y. Associations among plasma markers for N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor hypofunction, redox dysregulation, and insufficient myelination in patients with schizophrenia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30193. [PMID: 38694089 PMCID: PMC11061757 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Several hypotheses regarding the pathomechanisms of schizophrenia have been proposed. If schizophrenia is a unitary disease, then these pathological processes must be linked; however, if such links do not exist, schizophrenia may best be considered a group of disorders. Only a few studies have examined the relationships among these pathomechanisms. Herein, we examined the relationships among deficient myelination, NMDA receptor hypofunction, and metabolic dysregulation by measuring various plasma markers and examining their correlations. Methods Plasma samples were collected from 90 patients with schizophrenia and 68 healthy controls. Concentrations of nardilysin (N-arginine dibasic convertase, NRDC), a positive regulator of myelination, the NMDA receptor co-agonist d-serine and glycine, various additional amino acids related to NMDA receptor transmission (glutamate, glutamine, and l-serine), and homocysteine (Hcy), were measured. Concentrations were compared using independent samples t-test or logistic regression, and associations were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Results Plasma glycine (t = 2.05, p = 0.042), l-serine (t = 2.25, p = 0.027), and homocysteine (t = 3.71, p < 0.001) concentrations were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia compared to those in healthy controls. Logistic regression models using age, sex, smoking status, glutamine, glutamate, glycine, l-serine, d-serine, homocysteine, and NRDC as independent variables revealed significantly lower plasma d-serine (p = 0.024) and NRDC (p = 0.028), but significantly higher l-serine (p = 0.024) and homocysteine (p = 0.001) in patients with schizophrenia. Several unique correlations were found between NMDA receptor-related amino acids and NRDC in patients with schizophrenia compared to those in healthy controls, while no correlations were found between plasma homocysteine and other markers. No associations were found between plasma marker concentrations and disease status or cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, except for a significant correlation between plasma glycine and full intelligence quotient. Conclusion Reduced myelination and NMDA receptor hypofunction may be related to pathological mechanisms in schizophrenia, while homocysteine dysregulation appears to be an independent pathological process. These results suggest that schizophrenia may be a group of disorders with unique or partially overlapping etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Isomura
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Mikiko Ohno
- Department of Pharmacology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sudo
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Mayuko Ono
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Yuki Kaminishi
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Yukiyoshi Sumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yoshimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Kumiko Fujii
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Akiyama
- Department of Biological Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Eiichiro Nishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
| | - Yuji Ozeki
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan
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Mosquera FEC, Guevara-Montoya MC, Serna-Ramirez V, Liscano Y. Neuroinflammation and Schizophrenia: New Therapeutic Strategies through Psychobiotics, Nanotechnology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). J Pers Med 2024; 14:391. [PMID: 38673018 PMCID: PMC11051547 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14040391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of schizophrenia, affecting approximately 1% of the global population, underscores the urgency for innovative therapeutic strategies. Recent insights into the role of neuroinflammation, the gut-brain axis, and the microbiota in schizophrenia pathogenesis have paved the way for the exploration of psychobiotics as a novel treatment avenue. These interventions, targeting the gut microbiome, offer a promising approach to ameliorating psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, advancements in artificial intelligence and nanotechnology are set to revolutionize psychobiotic development and application, promising to enhance their production, precision, and effectiveness. This interdisciplinary approach heralds a new era in schizophrenia management, potentially transforming patient outcomes and offering a beacon of hope for those afflicted by this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yamil Liscano
- Grupo de Investigación en Salud Integral (GISI), Departamento Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali 760035, Colombia; (F.E.C.M.); (M.C.G.-M.); (V.S.-R.)
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Delphin N, Aust C, Griffiths L, Fernandez F. Epigenetic Regulation in Schizophrenia: Focus on Methylation and Histone Modifications in Human Studies. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:272. [PMID: 38540331 PMCID: PMC10970389 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research over the last few decades, the etiology of schizophrenia (SZ) remains unclear. SZ is a pathological disorder that is highly debilitating and deeply affects the lifestyle and minds of those affected. Several factors (one or in combination) have been reported as contributors to SZ pathogenesis, including neurodevelopmental, environmental, genetic and epigenetic factors. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation and post-translational modification (PTM) of histone proteins are potentially contributing epigenetic processes involved in transcriptional activity, chromatin folding, cell division and apoptotic processes, and DNA damage and repair. After establishing a summary of epigenetic processes in the context of schizophrenia, this review aims to highlight the current understanding of the role of DNA methylation and histone PTMs in this disorder and their potential roles in schizophrenia pathophysiology and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Delphin
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, QLD 4014, Australia; (N.D.)
| | - Caitlin Aust
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, QLD 4014, Australia; (N.D.)
| | - Lyn Griffiths
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia;
| | - Francesca Fernandez
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, QLD 4014, Australia; (N.D.)
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia;
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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Zimmer L. Recent applications of positron emission tomographic (PET) imaging in psychiatric drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:161-172. [PMID: 37948046 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2278635] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychiatry is one of the medical disciplines that suffers most from a lack of innovation in its therapeutic arsenal. Many failures in drug candidate trials can be explained by pharmacological properties that have been poorly assessed upstream, in terms of brain passage, brain target binding and clinical outcomes. Positron emission tomography can provide pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data to help select candidate-molecules for further clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review aims to explain and discuss the various methods using positron-emitting radiolabeled molecules to trace the cerebral distribution of the drug-candidate or indirectly measure binding to its therapeutic target. More than an exhaustive review of PET studies in psychopharmacology, this article highlights the contributions this technology can make in drug discovery applied to psychiatry. EXPERT OPINION PET neuroimaging is the only technological approach that can, in vivo in humans, measure cerebral delivery of a drug candidate, percentage and duration of target binding, and even the pharmacological effects. PET studies in a small number of subjects in the early stages of the development of a psychotropic drug can therefore provide the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data required for subsequent clinical evaluation. While PET technology is demanding in terms of radiochemical, radiopharmacological and nuclear medicine expertise, its integration into the development process of new drugs for psychiatry has great added value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Zimmer
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
- CERMEP, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Institut National des Sciences et Technologies Nucléaire, Saclay, France
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Maćkowiak M. Psychedelics action and schizophrenia. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1350-1361. [PMID: 37899392 PMCID: PMC10661800 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00546-5] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics are compounds acting by serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A receptor activation and induce several behavioral responses. They are of special interest because of their positive effects on neuropsychiatric disorders (depression and posttraumatic stress disorder). However, several findings revealed that some psychedelic actions are similar to symptoms observed in schizophrenia (psychosis, sensorimotor gating impairments, attention, and working memory deficits) which might limit their clinical applications. Psychedelics activate some neurotransmitters, i.e., serotonergic, and glutamatergic, that are also impaired in schizophrenia. Therefore, the neurobiological background of psychedelics and schizophrenia is partially similar. Another important aspect to discuss is the perspective of using psychedelics in schizophrenia therapy. Postmortem studies showed a loss of synapses in schizophrenia, and the positive effects of psychedelics on neuroplasticity (synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and neuritogenesis) might be essential in the context of schizophrenia therapy. However, because of psychedelics' psychotic action, the recommended doses of psychedelics in schizophrenia treatment are not established, and subpsychedelic dosing or microdosing are considered. Exploratory studies are needed to determine the tolerability of treatment and appropriate dosing regimen. Another therapeutic option is using non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs that also induce neuroplastic outcomes but do not have psychotogenic effects. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to recognize the potential effectiveness of 5-HT2A agonists in schizophrenia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Maćkowiak
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Pharmacology Department, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
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Rowbal T, Kajy M, Burghardt KJ. Epigenome-wide studies of antipsychotics: a systematic review and pathway meta-analysis. Epigenomics 2023; 15:1085-1094. [PMID: 37933568 PMCID: PMC10663877 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0222] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & methods: Researchers have aimed to understand the mechanisms of antipsychotics through epigenetics to inform interindividual response rates. However, findings have widely varied across studies, making advancement in the field difficult. Materials & methods: A systematic review was performed to include all epigenome-wide studies of antipsychotic treatment in humans. Methylation sites were used for a pathway and enrichment map analysis was conducted. Results & conclusion: Seven studies were included and 82 methylation sites were used for the exploratory pathway meta-analysis that identified six pathway clusters. The findings here demonstrate that studies of the epigenome and antipsychotic treatment are highly heterogeneous in nature and could inform future work to target cross-cutting gene sets and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Rowbal
- Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Megan Kajy
- Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Kyle J Burghardt
- Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Kuvarzin SR, Sukhanov I, Onokhin K, Zakharov K, Gainetdinov RR. Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Ulotaront as a Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 Agonist for Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1977. [PMID: 37509616 PMCID: PMC10377193 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
All antipsychotics currently used in clinic block D2 dopamine receptors. Trace amine-associated receptor 1 is emerging as a new therapeutic target for schizophrenia and several other neuropsychiatric disorders. SEP-363856 (International Nonproprietary Name: Ulotaront) is an investigational antipsychotic drug with a novel mechanism of action that does not involve antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors. Ulotaront is an agonist of trace amine-associated receptor 1 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, but can modulate dopamine neurotransmission indirectly. In 2019, the United States Food and Drug Administration granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for ulotaront for the treatment of schizophrenia. Phase 2 clinical studies indicated that ulotaront can reduce both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia without causing the extrapyramidal or metabolic side effects that are inherent to most currently used antipsychotics. At present, it is in phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of schizophrenia and is expected to be introduced into clinical practice in 2023-2024. Clinical studies evaluating the potential efficacy of ulotaront in Parkinson's disease psychosis, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder have also been started. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize all currently available preclinical and clinical evidence on the utility of ulotaront in the treatment of schizophrenia. Here, we show the main characteristics and distinctive features of this drug. Perspectives and limitations on the potential use of ulotaront in the pharmacotherapy of several other neuropsychiatric disorders are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savelii R Kuvarzin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ilya Sukhanov
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov Medical University, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Onokhin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Accellena Research and Development Inc., 199106 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Raul R Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Saint Petersburg University Hospital, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Siwek M, Szewczyk B, Chrobak AA. Psychopharmacology and Biological Studies of Psychosis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:854. [PMID: 37371334 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In most cases, psychotic episodes occur in the course of chronic mental illnesses, e [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Siwek
- Department of Affective Disorders, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika St. 21a, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bernadeta Szewczyk
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna St. 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Adrian Andrzej Chrobak
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika St. 21a, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
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