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Watson M, Chaves AR, Gebara A, Desforges M, Broomfield A, Landry N, Lemoyne A, Shim S, Drodge J, Cuda J, Kiaee N, Nasr Y, Carleton C, Daskalakis ZJ, Taylor R, Tuominen L, Brender R, Antochi R, McMurray L, Tremblay S. A naturalistic study comparing the efficacy of unilateral and bilateral sequential theta burst stimulation in treating major depression - the U-B-D study protocol. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:739. [PMID: 37817124 PMCID: PMC10566125 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05243-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition affecting millions worldwide, leading to disability and reduced quality of life. MDD poses a global health priority due to its early onset and association with other disabling conditions. Available treatments for MDD exhibit varying effectiveness, and a substantial portion of individuals remain resistant to treatment. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), applied to the left and/or right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), is an alternative treatment strategy for those experiencing treatment-resistant MDD. The objective of this study is to investigate whether this newer form of rTMS, namely theta burst stimulation (TBS), when performed unilaterally or bilaterally, is efficacious in treatment-resistant MDD. METHODS In this naturalistic, randomized double-blinded non-inferiority trial, participants with a major depressive episode will be randomized to receive either unilateral (i.e., continuous TBS [cTBS] to the right and sham TBS to the left DLPFC) or bilateral sequential TBS (i.e., cTBS to the right and intermittent TBS [iTBS] to the left DLPFC) delivered 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks. Responders will move onto a 6-month flexible maintenance phase where TBS treatment will be delivered at a decreasing frequency depending on degree of symptom mitigation. Several clinical assessments and neuroimaging and neurophysiological biomarkers will be collected to investigate treatment response and potential associated biomarkers. A non-inferiority analysis will investigate whether bilateral sequential TBS is non-inferior to unilateral TBS and regression analyses will investigate biomarkers of treatment response. We expect to recruit a maximal of 256 participants. This trial is approved by the Research Ethics Board of The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research (REB# 2,019,071) and will follow the Declaration of Helsinki. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals. DISCUSSION Comprehensive assessment of symptoms and neurophysiological biomarkers will contribute to understanding the differential efficacy of the tested treatment protocols, identifying biomarkers for treatment response, and shedding light into underlying mechanisms of TBS. Our findings will inform future clinical trials and aid in personalizing treatment selection and scheduling for individuals with MDD. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is registered on https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home (#NCT04142996).
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Watson
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Arthur R Chaves
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 125 University, Ottawa, ON, K1N6N5, Canada
| | - Abir Gebara
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Manon Desforges
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation Et Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283 Alexandre-Taché Boul, Gatineau, QC, J8X 3X7, Canada
| | - Antoinette Broomfield
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Noémie Landry
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation Et Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283 Alexandre-Taché Boul, Gatineau, QC, J8X 3X7, Canada
| | - Alexandra Lemoyne
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation Et Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283 Alexandre-Taché Boul, Gatineau, QC, J8X 3X7, Canada
| | - Stacey Shim
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Jessica Drodge
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Jennifer Cuda
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Nasim Kiaee
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Youssef Nasr
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Christophe Carleton
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation Et Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283 Alexandre-Taché Boul, Gatineau, QC, J8X 3X7, Canada
| | - Zafiris J Daskalakis
- Department of Psychiatry, University California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Reggie Taylor
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Department of Physics, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Lauri Tuominen
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Ram Brender
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Ruxandra Antochi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Lisa McMurray
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Sara Tremblay
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, 1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7K4, Canada.
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
- Département de Psychoéducation Et Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283 Alexandre-Taché Boul, Gatineau, QC, J8X 3X7, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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Xie X, Shi Y, Ma L, Yang W, Pu J, Shen Y, Liu Y, Zhang H, Lv F, Hu L. Altered neurometabolite levels in the brains of patients with depression: A systematic analysis of magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies. J Affect Disord 2023; 328:95-102. [PMID: 36521666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies have reported metabolic abnormalities in the brains of patients with depression, although inconsistent results have been reported. The aim of this study was to explore changes in neurometabolite levels in patients with depression across large-scale MRS studies. METHOD A total of 307 differential metabolite entries associated with depression were retrieved from 180 MRS studies retrieved from the Metabolite Network of Depression Database. The vote-counting method was used to identify consistently altered metabolites in the whole brain and specific brain regions of patients with depression. RESULTS Only few differential neurometabolites showed a stable change trend. The levels of total choline (tCho) and the tCho/N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) ratio were consistently higher in the brains of patients with depression, and that the levels of NAA, glutamate and glutamine (Glx), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were lower. For specific brain regions, we found lower Glx levels in the prefrontal cortex and lower GABA concentrations in the occipital cortex. We also found lower concentrations of NAA in the anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex. The levels of tCho were higher in the prefrontal cortex and putamen. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that most altered neurometabolites in previous studies lack of adequate reproducibility. Through vote-counting method with large-scale studies, downregulation of glutamatergic neurometabolites, impaired neuronal integrity, and disturbed membrane metabolism were found in the pathobiology of depression, which contribute to existing knowledge of neurometabolic changes in depression. Further studies based on a larger dataset are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongfei Xie
- Department of Radiology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Radiology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Department of Radiology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenqin Yang
- Department of Radiology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juncai Pu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiqing Shen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiyun Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hanping Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fajin Lv
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Liangbo Hu
- Department of Radiology, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Continuous Ingestion of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus JB-1 during Chronic Stress Ensures Neurometabolic and Behavioural Stability in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095173. [PMID: 35563564 PMCID: PMC9106030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal microbiome composition and dietary supplementation with psychobiotics can result in neurochemical alterations in the brain, which are possible due to the presence of the brain–gut–microbiome axis. In the present study, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and behavioural testing were used to evaluate whether treatment with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus JB-1 (JB-1) bacteria alters brain metabolites’ levels and behaviour during continuous exposure to chronic stress. Twenty Wistar rats were subjected to eight weeks of a chronic unpredictable mild stress protocol. Simultaneously, half of them were fed with JB-1 bacteria, and the second half was given a daily placebo. Animals were examined at three-time points: before starting the stress protocol and after five and eight weeks of stress onset. In the elevated plus maze behavioural test the placebo group displayed increased anxiety expressed by almost complete avoidance of exploration, while the JB-1 dietary supplementation mitigated anxiety which resulted in a longer exploration time. Hippocampal MRS measurements demonstrated a significant decrease in glutamine + glutathione concentration in the placebo group compared to the JB-1 bacteria-supplemented group after five weeks of stress. With the progression of stress, the decrease of glutamate, glutathione, taurine, and macromolecular concentrations were observed in the placebo group as compared to baseline. The level of brain metabolites in the JB-1-supplemented rats were stable throughout the experiment, with only the taurine level decreasing between weeks five and eight of stress. These data indicated that the JB-1 bacteria diet might stabilize levels of stress-related neurometabolites in rat brain and could prevent the development of anxiety/depressive-like behaviour.
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Saturation transfer MRI is sensitive to neurochemical changes in the rat brain due to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19040. [PMID: 34561488 PMCID: PMC8463565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97991-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI was performed for the evaluation of cerebral metabolic changes in a rat model of depressive-like disease induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). CEST Z-spectra were acquired on a 7 T MRI with two saturation B1 amplitudes (0.5 and 0.75 µT) to measure the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), CEST and relayed nuclear Overhauser effect (rNOE). Cerebral cortex and hippocampus were examined in two groups of animals: healthy control (n = 10) and stressed (n = 14), the latter of which was exposed to eight weeks of the CUMS protocol. The stressed group Z-spectrum parameters, primarily MTRs, were significantly lower than in controls, at all selected frequency offsets (3.5, 3.0, 2.0, - 3.2, - 3.6 ppm) in the cortex (the largest difference of ~ 3.5% at - 3.6 ppm, p = 0.0005) and the hippocampus (MTRs measured with a B1 = 0.5 µT). The hippocampal rNOE contributions decreased significantly in the stressed brains. Glutamate concentration (assessed using ELISA) and MTR at 3 ppm correlated positively in both brain regions. GABA concentration also correlated positively with CEST contributions in both cerebral areas, while such correlation with MTR was positive in hippocampus, and nonsignificant in cortex. Results indicate that CEST is sensitive to neurometabolic changes following chronic stress exposure.
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Erchinger VJ, Ersland L, Aukland SM, Abbott CC, Oltedal L. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Depressed Subjects Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy-A Systematic Review of Literature. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:608857. [PMID: 33841198 PMCID: PMC8027236 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.608857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered to be the most effective acute treatment for otherwise treatment resistant major depressive episodes, and has been used for over 80 years. Still, the underlying mechanism of action is largely unknow. Several studies suggest that ECT affects the cerebral neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows investigators to study neurotransmitters in vivo, and has been used to study neurochemical changes in the brain of patients treated with ECT. Several investigations have been performed on ECT-patients; however, no systematic review has yet summarized these findings. A systematic literature search based on the Prisma guidelines was performed. PubMed (Medline) was used in order to find investigations studying patients that had been treated with ECT and had undergone an MRS examination. A search in the databases Embase, PsycInfo, and Web of Science was also performed, leading to no additional records. A total of 30 records were identified and screened which resulted in 16 original investigations for review. The total number of patients that was included in these studies, ignoring potential overlap of samples in some investigations, was 325. The metabolites reported were N-acetyl aspartate, Choline, Myoinositol, Glutamate and Glutamine, GABA and Creatine. The strongest evidence for neurochemical change related to ECT, was found for N-acetyl aspartate (reduction), which is a marker of neuronal integrity. Increased choline and glutamate following treatment was also commonly reported.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Ersland
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Christopher C Abbott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Leif Oltedal
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Radiology, Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Wang J, Zhou T, Liu J, Shangguan J, Liu X, Li Z, Zhou X, Ren Y, Wang C. Application of 1H-MRS in end-stage renal disease with depression. BMC Nephrol 2020; 21:225. [PMID: 32539705 PMCID: PMC7294641 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-020-01863-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the metabolite changes in the frontal lobe of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with depression using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). METHODS All subjects were divided into three groups: ESRD patients with depression (30 cases), ESRD patients without depression (27 cases) and 32 normal subjects. ESRD with depression patients were further divided into two groups according to the severity of depression: 14 cases of ESRD with severe depression group (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score ≥ 35) and 16 cases of ESRD with mild to moderate depression group (20 ≤ HAMD score<35). 1H-MRS was used in brain regions of all subjects to measure N-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr), choline-containing compounds/creatine (Cho/Cr) and myo-inositol/creatine (MI/Cr) ratios of the frontal lobe. Correlations between the metabolite ratio and HAMD score as well as clinical finding were confirmed, respectively. RESULTS ESRD patients with depression showed lower NAA/Cr ratio and higher Cho/Cr ratio compared with ESRD patients without depression and normal subjects. NAA/Cr ratio was negatively correlated with the HAMD score. Cho/Cr ratio was positively correlated with the HAMD score. There were positive correlations between NAA/Cr ratio and blood urea notrogen (BUN) as well as creatinine (CRE) concentration, respectively. There was a negative correlation between Cho/Cr ratio and sodium concentration. The Cho/Cr ratio was positively correlated with the potassium concentration. CONCLUSIONS MR spectroscopy identified some metabolite changes in ESRD patients with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang-Su Road, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang-Su Road, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Jihua Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang-Su Road, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Jingjun Shangguan
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao Branch, 758 He-Fei Road, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xuejun Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang-Su Road, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Zhiming Li
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang-Su Road, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang-Su Road, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Yande Ren
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang-Su Road, Qingdao, PR China.
| | - Chengjian Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiang-Su Road, Qingdao, PR China
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Jakhar J, Mehta UM, Ektare A, Vidyasagar PD, Varambally S, Thirthalli J, Gangadhar BN. Cortical inhibition in major depression: Investigating the acute effect of single-session yoga versus walking. Brain Stimul 2019; 12:1597-1599. [PMID: 31401073 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2019.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jitender Jakhar
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, 560029, India
| | - Urvakhsh Meherwan Mehta
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, 560029, India.
| | - Aboli Ektare
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, 560029, India
| | - Pilli Devi Vidyasagar
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, 560029, India
| | - Shivarama Varambally
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, 560029, India
| | - Jagadisha Thirthalli
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, 560029, India
| | - Bangalore N Gangadhar
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, 560029, India
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Yoga: Balancing the excitation-inhibition equilibrium in psychiatric disorders. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 244:387-413. [PMID: 30732846 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Social behavioral disturbances are central to most psychiatric disorders. A disequilibrium within the cortical excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems underlies these deficits. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate are the most abundant excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain that contribute to this equilibrium. Several contemporary therapies used in treating psychiatric disorders, regulate this GABA-glutamate balance. Yoga has been studied as an adjuvant treatment across a broad range of psychiatric disorders and is shown to have short-term therapeutic gains. Emerging evidence from recent clinical in vivo experiments suggests that yoga improves GABA-mediated cortical-inhibitory tone and enhances peripheral oxytocin levels. This is likely to have a more controlled downstream response of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal system by means of reduced cortisol release and hence a blunted sympathetic response to stress. Animal and early fetal developmental studies suggest an inter-dependent role of oxytocin and GABA in regulating social behaviors. In keeping with these observations, we propose an integrated neurobiological model to study the mechanisms of therapeutic benefits with yoga. Apart from providing a neuroscientific basis for applying a traditional system of practice in the clinical setting, this model can be used as a framework for studying yoga mechanisms in future clinical trials.
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Quadrelli S, Mountford C, Ramadan S. Systematic review of in-vivo neuro magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2018; 282:110-125. [PMID: 30097168 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stressor-related disorder that results in complex somatic, cognitive, affective and behavioural effects, after exposure to traumatic event(s). Conventional imaging (T1 and T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging) has little to offer in the way of diagnosis of mental health conditions such as PTSD and there is currently no objective diagnostic test available. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows for non-invasive measurement of metabolites and neurochemicals in the brain using a conventional MRI scanner and offers the potential to predict, diagnose and monitor PTSD. This systematic review summarises the results of 24 MRS studies, performed between 1998 and 2017, to measure neurochemical differences, occurring as a consequence of PTSD. The most consistent finding in subjects with PTSD is lower N-acetylaspartate levels in the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex, with and without atrophic change. More recent studies, using more advanced techniques and modern hardware, have shown evidence of glutamatergic dysfunction and differences in gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the brain of patients with PTSD. Conflicting results have been reported in choline-containing metabolites and there is emerging evidence of glutathione being affected. Myo-inositol and creatine are unchanged in the majority of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Quadrelli
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Department of Radiology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, QLD 4024, Australia; The Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4024, Australia; The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Carolyn Mountford
- The Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4024, Australia
| | - Saadallah Ramadan
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Riley CA, Renshaw PF. Brain choline in major depression: A review of the literature. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2018; 271:142-153. [PMID: 29174766 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The focus of this review is to provide a synthesis of the current literature on the role of brain choline, as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), in major depressive disorder (MDD). The most recent 1H-MRS literature review took place over 10 years ago and, reflecting the high level of research on this topic, much has been learned since then. Higher brain choline levels have been linked to an increase in depression, and a cholinergic model for MDD development has been postulated. However, current 1H-MRS studies have been inconclusive regarding the role of choline in depression. Data from eighty-six peer-reviewed studies were analyzed for a random-effects model meta-analysis. Two significant findings are reported. Papers that did not report segmentation had a significant, moderate effect size. Higher choline concentrations in the frontal lobe were found in depressed patients, both in those who responded to treatment and those who did not, after treatment with psychiatric medication, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or electroconvulsive therapy. Findings from this review may add to existing information regarding the role of brain choline in MDD. This may provide a future target for treatment and drug development. It also may serve as a biomarker for treatment progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin A Riley
- University of Utah, Department of Psychiatry, 383 Colorow Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Rocky Mountain MIRECC, Department of Veterans Affairs, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Perry F Renshaw
- University of Utah, Department of Psychiatry, 383 Colorow Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Rocky Mountain MIRECC, Department of Veterans Affairs, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Understanding Peripartum Depression Through Neuroimaging: a Review of Structural and Functional Connectivity and Molecular Imaging Research. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2017; 19:70. [PMID: 28823105 PMCID: PMC5617352 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-017-0824-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Imaging research has sought to uncover brain structure, function, and metabolism in women with postpartum depression (PPD) as little is known about its underlying pathophysiology. This review discusses the imaging modalities used to date to evaluate postpartum depression and highlights recent findings. RECENT FINDINGS Altered functional connectivity and activity changes in brain areas implicated in executive functioning and emotion and reward processing have been identified in PPD. Metabolism changes involving monoamine oxidase A, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, serotonin, and dopamine have additionally been reported. To date, no studies have evaluated gray matter morphometry, voxel-based morphometry, surface area, cortical thickness, or white matter tract integrity in PPD. Recent imaging studies report changes in functional connectivity and metabolism in women with PPD vs. healthy comparison women. Future research is needed to extend these findings as they have important implications for the prevention and treatment of postpartum mood disorders.
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A Comparison of Neuroimaging Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis, Major Depression and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis): is There a Common Cause? Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:3592-3609. [PMID: 28516431 PMCID: PMC5842501 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0598-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
There is copious evidence of abnormalities in resting-state functional network connectivity states, grey and white matter pathology and impaired cerebral perfusion in patients afforded a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, major depression or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) (myalgic encephalomyelitis). Systemic inflammation may well be a major element explaining such findings. Inter-patient and inter-illness variations in neuroimaging findings may arise at least in part from regional genetic, epigenetic and environmental variations in the functions of microglia and astrocytes. Regional differences in neuronal resistance to oxidative and inflammatory insults and in the performance of antioxidant defences in the central nervous system may also play a role. Importantly, replicated experimental findings suggest that the use of high-resolution SPECT imaging may have the capacity to differentiate patients afforded a diagnosis of CFS from those with a diagnosis of depression. Further research involving this form of neuroimaging appears warranted in an attempt to overcome the problem of aetiologically heterogeneous cohorts which probably explain conflicting findings produced by investigative teams active in this field. However, the ionising radiation and relative lack of sensitivity involved probably preclude its use as a routine diagnostic tool.
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Sönmez İ, Köşger F, Aykan Ü. Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Measurement by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2017; 54:62-66. [PMID: 28566961 DOI: 10.5152/npa.2015.10115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, an increasing number of studies have researched retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes in neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, our aim was to determine structural RNFL changes in patients with major depressive disorder. METHODS A total of 30 patients with major depressive disorder and 30 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited. Using optical coherence tomography (OCT), the peripapillary RNFL thickness in major depressive disorder patients and control subjects was measured and compared at each location. RESULTS Patients with major depressive disorder did not show a statistically significant reduction in overall peripapillary RNFL thickness. CONCLUSION Our study showed that RNFL thickness is not reduced in major depressive disorder patients and that OCT is not a useful tool for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of major depressive disorder. This study suggests that the pathophysiology of unipolar depression is different than in neurodegenerative disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- İpek Sönmez
- Department of Psychiatry, Near East University School of Medicine, Nicosia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
| | - Ferdi Köşger
- Department of Psychiatry, Eskişehir Osmangazi University School of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Ümit Aykan
- Department of Ophtalmology, Bahçeşehir University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
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Njau S, Joshi SH, Espinoza R, Leaver AM, Vasavada M, Marquina A, Woods RP, Narr KL. Neurochemical correlates of rapid treatment response to electroconvulsive therapy in patients with major depression. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2017; 42:6-16. [PMID: 27327561 PMCID: PMC5373714 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.150177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective brain stimulation treatment for severe depression. Identifying neurochemical changes linked with ECT may point to biomarkers and predictors of successful treatment response. METHODS We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to measure longitudinal changes in glutamate/glutamine (Glx), creatine (Cre), choline (Cho) and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in the dorsal (dACC) and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) and bilateral hippocampus in patients receiving ECT scanned at baseline, after the second ECT session and after the ECT treatment series. Patients were compared with demographically similar controls at baseline. Controls were assessed twice to establish normative values and variance. RESULTS We included 50 patients (mean age 43.78 ± 14 yr) and 33 controls (mean age 39.33 ± 12 yr) in our study. Patients underwent a mean of 9 ± 4.1 sessions of ECT. At baseline, patients showed reduced Glx in the sgACC, reduced NAA in the left hippocampus and increased Glx in the left hippocampus relative to controls. ECT was associated with significant increases in Cre in the dACC and sgACC and decreases in NAA in the dACC and right hippocampus. Lower NAA levels in the dACC at baseline predicted reductions in depressive symptoms. Both ECT and symptom improvement were associated with decreased Glx in the left hippocampus and increased Glx in the sgACC. LIMITATIONS Attrition and clinical heterogeneity may have masked more subtle findings. CONCLUSION ECT elicits robust effects on brain chemistry, impacting Cre, NAA and Glx, which suggests restorative and neurotrophic processes. Differential effects of Glx in the sgACC and hippocampus, which approach control values with treatment, may reflect previously implicated underactive cortical and overactive subcortical limbic circuitry in patients with major depression. NAA levels at baseline are predictive of therapeutic outcome and could inform future treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Katherine L. Narr
- Correspondence to: K. Narr, 635 Charles E Young Dr S #225, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095;
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Jollant F, Near J, Turecki G, Richard-Devantoy S. Spectroscopy markers of suicidal risk and mental pain in depressed patients. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 73:S0278-5846(16)30167-1. [PMID: 27984159 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suicidal behavior has been associated with structural and functional impairments in neuroimaging studies, mainly localized in the prefrontal cortex. However, little is known of the in vivo biochemical alterations that could be markers of suicidal risk. METHODS Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure at-rest levels of 9 metabolites (glutamate, glutamine, glutathione, GABA, N-acetylaspartate (NAA), N-acetylaspartylglutamate, myo-inositol, aspartate, total choline), in the right dorsal prefrontal cortex of 25 unmedicated depressed patients, including 15 with a history of suicidal behavior, and 33 healthy controls. We compared metabolite levels between groups, and run correlations with 9 clinical variables relevant for suicide risk. RESULTS We found very significant associations between NAA levels and psychological pain measured by a simple analog scale (r=-0.47, p<10-3), and between choline levels and current suicidal ideas (r=0.53, p<10-3). These associations were independent from group, gender, age or depression level. While psychological pain and suicidal ideas were highly inter-correlated (r=0.61, p<10-3), the above-mentioned associations with compounds were independent. Mental pain was also correlated with Stroop interference, verbal fluency and (indirectly) decision-making, all cognitive measures previously associated with suicidal risk. Lower NAA levels, and higher glutamine levels were found in suicide attempters and in all patients relative to healthy controls, but these differences did not survive co-variation with age or Bonferroni's correction. CONCLUSION This preliminary study suggests that markers of impaired neuronal and glial functioning in right dorsal prefrontal cortex underlie cardinal symptoms of the suicidal crisis. Targeting this region may be relevant for the short-term suicidal prevention. This study also supports a dimensional perspective in research on suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Jollant
- McGill University, Department of Psychiatry & Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Academic Hospital (CHU) Nîmes, France.
| | - Jamie Near
- McGill University, Department of Psychiatry & Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill University, Department of Psychiatry & Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Richard-Devantoy
- McGill University, Department of Psychiatry & Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
Metabolic imaging is a field of molecular imaging that focuses and targets changes in metabolic pathways for the evaluation of different clinical conditions. Targeting and quantifying metabolic changes noninvasively is a powerful approach to facilitate diagnosis and evaluate therapeutic response. This review addresses only techniques targeting metabolic pathways. Other molecular imaging strategies, such as affinity or receptor imaging or microenvironment-dependent methods are beyond the scope of this review. Here we describe the current state of the art in clinically translatable metabolic imaging modalities. Specifically, we focus on PET and MR spectroscopy, including conventional (1)H- and (13)C-MR spectroscopy at thermal equilibrium and hyperpolarized MRI. In this article, we first provide an overview of metabolic pathways that are altered in many pathologic conditions and the corresponding probes and techniques used to study those alterations. We then describe the application of metabolic imaging to several common diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiac ischemia, and infection or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Di Gialleonardo
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY
| | - David M Wilson
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
| | - Kayvan R Keshari
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY.
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Jollant F, Richard-Devantoy S, Ding Y, Turecki G, Bechara A, Near J. Prefrontal inositol levels and implicit decision-making in healthy individuals and depressed patients. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:1255-63. [PMID: 27342631 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Risky decision-making is found in several mental disorders and is associated with deleterious consequences. Current research aims at understanding the biological underpinnings of this complex cognitive function and the basis of individual variability. We used 3T proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to measure in vivo glutamate, GABA, N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), and myo-inositol levels at rest in the right dorsal prefrontal cortex of 54 participants, comprising 24 unmedicated depressed patients and 30 healthy individuals. Participants were also tested with the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), a classical measure of value-based decision-making. No group differences were found in terms of compound levels or decision-making performance. However, high inositol levels were associated with lower decision-making scores independently from group, notably during the initial stage of the task when explicit rules are still unknown and decisions are largely based on implicit processes (whole sample: F=4.0; p=0.02), with a large effect size (Cohen׳s d=0.8, 95% [0.2-1.5]). This effect was stronger when explicit knowledge was taken into account, with explicit knowledge showing an independent effect on performance. There was no association with other compounds. This study suggests, for the first time, a role for the inositol pathway on the implicit learning component of decision-making, without any direct effect on the explicit component. Hypothesized mechanisms implicate intracellular calcium modulation and subsequent synaptic plasticity. These findings represent a first step in the understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying decision-making and the identification of therapeutic targets. They also emphasize a dimensional approach in the study of the neurobiological determinants of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Jollant
- McGill University and Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, CHU Nîmes, France.
| | | | - Yang Ding
- McGill University and Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill University and Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Jamie Near
- McGill University and Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Mao N, Fang J, Xie H, Liu X, Jiang X, Wang G, Cui M, Wang B, Liu Q. Correlation between neurochemical metabolism and memory function in adolescent patients with depression: A multi-voxel ¹H magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2016; 70:167-74. [PMID: 26556039 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We utilized multi-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) to detect biochemical abnormalities in dorsolateral prefrontal white matter and anterior cingulate gray matter and to determine the correlation of biochemical changes with memory function in depressed adolescents. METHODS A total of 24 depressed patients and 23 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. MRS was performed to assess the N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine Cr and choline (Cho)/Cr ratios in dorsolateral prefrontal white matter and anterior cingulate gray matter of participants. Memory function was measured on the basis of Wechsler Memory Scale scores, and depression was diagnosed on the basis of clinical observation, interview, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. RESULTS Compared with controls, depressed patients had significantly lower NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios in left dorsolateral prefrontal white matter and lower NAA/Cr ratios in right dorsolateral prefrontal white matter (P < 0.05). No biochemical differences were identified in the bilateral anterior cingulate gray matter between the two groups. Nevertheless, the depressed patients showed significantly lower memory quotient than controls (P < 0.05). The NAA/Cr ratio in dorsolateral prefrontal white matter positively correlated with memory quotient (left: P < 0.01; right: P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that biochemical abnormalities in prefrontal white matter are involved in the pathophysiology of adolescent depression. In particular, such abnormalities are already present at the early stage of the disorder, and low NAA/Cr in bilateral anterior frontal white matter may be associated with memory impairment and related neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Mao
- Department of Radiology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | | | - Haizhu Xie
- Department of Radiology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | | | | | - Guangbin Wang
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shan Dong University, Jinan, China
| | - Minghu Cui
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shan Dong University, Jinan, China
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Guo Z, Zhang J, Liu X, Hou H, Cao Y, Wei F, Li J, Chen X, Shen Y, Chen W. Neurometabolic characteristics in the anterior cingulate gyrus of Alzheimer's disease patients with depression: a (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:306. [PMID: 26626864 PMCID: PMC4667526 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0691-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a common comorbid psychiatric symptom in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the prevalence of depression is higher among people with AD compared with healthy older adults. Comorbid depression in AD may increase the risk of cognitive decline, impair patients' function, and reduce their quality of life. However, the mechanisms of depression in AD remain unclear. Here, our aim was to identify neurometabolic characteristics in the brain that are associated with depression in patients with mild AD. METHODS Thirty-seven patients were evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), and divided into two groups: 17 AD patients with depression (D-AD) and 20 non-depressed AD patients (nD-AD). Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we characterized neurometabolites in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) of D-AD and nD-AD patients. RESULTS Compared with nD-AD patients, D-AD patients showed lower N-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr) and higher myo-inositol/creatine (mI/Cr) in the left ACG. NPI score correlated with NAA/Cr and mI/Cr in the left ACG, while HAMD correlated with NAA/Cr. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show neurometabolic alterations in D-AD patients. Thus, D-AD pathogenesis may be attributed to abnormal activity of neurons and glial cells in the left ACG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Guo
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province and Zhejiang Mental Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China.
| | - Jiangtao Zhang
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province and Zhejiang Mental Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China.
| | - Xiaozheng Liu
- Center for Cognitive Brain Disorders and Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
| | - Hongtao Hou
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province and Zhejiang Mental Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China.
| | - Yulin Cao
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province and Zhejiang Mental Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China.
| | - Fuquan Wei
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province and Zhejiang Mental Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China.
| | - Japeng Li
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province and Zhejiang Mental Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China.
| | - Xingli Chen
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province and Zhejiang Mental Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China.
| | - Yuedi Shen
- The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, No. 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China. .,Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Chinese Ministry of Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.
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Abstract
Molecular imaging is the visualization, characterization, and measurement of biologic processes at the molecular and cellular levels in humans and other living systems. Molecular imaging techniques such as MR spectroscopy and PET have been used to explore the molecular pathophysiology of depression and assess treatment responses. MR spectroscopy is a noninvasive technique that assesses the levels of biochemical metabolites in the brain, while PET uses radioligands injected in the bloodstream that have high binding affinity for target molecules. MR spectroscopy findings suggest a role for glutamate/glutamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid in depression. PET has generally failed to find a correlation between radioligand binding potential and depression severity or treatment response, though it may offer promise in distinguishing responders and nonresponders to treatment. A major challenge for both modalities is that depression is a heterogeneous, multifactorial disorder, while MR spectroscopy and PET are limited to examining a few metabolites or a single radioligand at a time. This difference makes a comprehensive evaluation of neurochemical changes in the brain difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-S Lee
- From the Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore.
| | - S Y Quek
- From the Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - K R R Krishnan
- From the Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore
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Fosse R, Read J. Electroconvulsive Treatment: Hypotheses about Mechanisms of Action. Front Psychiatry 2013; 4:94. [PMID: 23986724 PMCID: PMC3753611 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
No consensus has been reached on the mode of action of electroconvulsive treatment (ECT). We suggest that two features may aid in the delineation of the involved mechanisms. First, when effective, ECT would be likely to affect brain functions that are typically altered in its primary recipient group, people with severe depression. Central among these are the frontal and temporal lobes, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis, and the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Second, the involved mechanisms should be affected for a time period that matches the average endurance of clinical effects, which is indicated to be several days to a few weeks. To identify effects upon frontal and temporal lobe functioning we reviewed human studies using EEG, PET, SPECT, and fMRI. Effects upon the HPA axis and the dopamine system were assessed by reviewing both human and animal studies. The EEG studies indicate that ECT decelerates neural activity in the frontal and temporal lobes (increased delta and theta wave activity) for weeks to months. Comparable findings are reported from PET and SPECT studies, with reduced cerebral blood flow (functional deactivation) for weeks to months after treatment. The EEG deceleration and functional deactivation following ECT are statistically associated with reduced depression scores. FMRI studies indicate that ECT flattens the pattern of activation and deactivation that is associated with cognitive task performance and alters cortical functional connectivity in the ultra slow frequency range. A common finding from human and animal studies is that ECT acutely activates both the HPA axis and the dopamine system. In considering this evidence, we hypothesize that ECT affects the brain in a similar manner as severe stress or brain trauma which activates the HPA axis and the dopamine system and may compromise frontotemporal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roar Fosse
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestre Viken State Hospital Trust, Lier, Norway
| | - John Read
- Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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