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Bowirrat A, Elman I, Dennen CA, Gondré-Lewis MC, Cadet JL, Khalsa J, Baron D, Soni D, Gold MS, McLaughlin TJ, Bagchi D, Braverman ER, Ceccanti M, Thanos PK, Modestino EJ, Sunder K, Jafari N, Zeine F, Badgaiyan RD, Barh D, Makale M, Murphy KT, Blum K. Neurogenetics and Epigenetics of Loneliness. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:4839-4857. [PMID: 38050640 PMCID: PMC10693768 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s423802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness, an established risk factor for both, mental and physical morbidity, is a mounting public health concern. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying loneliness-related morbidity are not yet well defined. Here we examined the role of genes and associated DNA risk polymorphic variants that are implicated in loneliness via genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and may thus point to specific therapeutic targets. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE databases using specific Medical Subject Headings terms such as loneliness and genes, neuro- and epigenetics, addiction, affective disorders, alcohol, anti-reward, anxiety, depression, dopamine, cancer, cardiovascular, cognitive, hypodopaminergia, medical, motivation, (neuro)psychopathology, social isolation, and reward deficiency. The narrative literature review yielded recursive collections of scientific and clinical evidence, which were subsequently condensed and summarized in the following key areas: (1) Genetic Antecedents: Exploration of multiple genes mediating reward, stress, immunity and other important vital functions; (2) Genes and Mental Health: Examination of genes linked to personality traits and mental illnesses providing insights into the intricate network of interaction converging on the experience of loneliness; (3) Epigenetic Effects: Inquiry into instances of loneliness and social isolation that are driven by epigenetic methylations associated with negative childhood experiences; and (4) Neural Correlates: Analysis of loneliness-related affective states and cognitions with a focus on hypodopaminergic reward deficiency arising in the context of early life stress, eg, maternal separation, underscoring the importance of parental support early in life. Identification of the individual contributions by various (epi)genetic factors presents opportunities for the creation of innovative preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for individuals who cope with persistent feelings of loneliness. The clinical facets and therapeutic prospects associated with the current understanding of loneliness, are discussed emphasizing the relevance of genes and DNA risk polymorphic variants in the context of loneliness-related morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, 40700, Israel
| | - Igor Elman
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Catherine A Dennen
- Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marjorie C Gondré-Lewis
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jag Khalsa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David Baron
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise, and Mental Health, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Diwanshu Soni
- Western University Health Sciences School of Medicine, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Thomas J McLaughlin
- Division of Reward Deficiency Clinics, TranspliceGen Therapeutics, Inc, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Debasis Bagchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eric R Braverman
- Division of Clinical Neurology, The Kenneth Blum Institute of Neurogenetics & Behavior, LLC, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Alcohol Addiction Program, Latium Region Referral Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, 00185, Italy
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | | | - Keerthy Sunder
- Karma Doctors & Karma TMS, and Suder Foundation, Palm Springs, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Jafari
- Department of Human Development, California State University at Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
- Division of Personalized Medicine, Cross-Cultural Research and Educational Institute, San Clemente, CA, USA
| | - Foojan Zeine
- Awareness Integration Institute, San Clemente, CA, USA
- Department of Health Science, California State University at Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | | | - Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Purba Medinipur, WB, 721172, India
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Milan Makale
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0819, USA
| | - Kevin T Murphy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, 40700, Israel
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise, and Mental Health, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
- Division of Reward Deficiency Clinics, TranspliceGen Therapeutics, Inc, Austin, TX, USA
- Division of Clinical Neurology, The Kenneth Blum Institute of Neurogenetics & Behavior, LLC, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
- Division of Personalized Medicine, Cross-Cultural Research and Educational Institute, San Clemente, CA, USA
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Purba Medinipur, WB, 721172, India
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont School of Medicine, Burlington, VA, USA
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS): A Cytoarchitectural Common Neurobiological Trait of All Addictions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111529. [PMID: 34770047 PMCID: PMC8582845 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol and other substance use disorders share comorbidity with other RDS disorders, i.e., a reduction in dopamine signaling within the reward pathway. RDS is a term that connects addictive, obsessive, compulsive, and impulsive behavioral disorders. An estimated 2 million individuals in the United States have opioid use disorder related to prescription opioids. It is estimated that the overall cost of the illegal and legally prescribed opioid crisis exceeds one trillion dollars. Opioid Replacement Therapy is the most common treatment for addictions and other RDS disorders. Even after repeated relapses, patients are repeatedly prescribed the same opioid replacement treatments. A recent JAMA report indicates that non-opioid treatments fare better than chronic opioid treatments. Research demonstrates that over 50 percent of all suicides are related to alcohol or other drug use. In addition to effective fellowship programs and spirituality acceptance, nutrigenomic therapies (e.g., KB220Z) optimize gene expression, rebalance neurotransmitters, and restore neurotransmitter functional connectivity. KB220Z was shown to increase functional connectivity across specific brain regions involved in dopaminergic function. KB220/Z significantly reduces RDS behavioral disorders and relapse in human DUI offenders. Taking a Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) test combined with a the KB220Z semi-customized nutrigenomic supplement effectively restores dopamine homeostasis (WC 199).
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Blum K, Modestino EJ, Baron D, Brewer R, Thanos P, Elman I, Badgaiyan RD, Downs BW, Bagchi D, McLaughlin T, Bowirrat A, Roy AK, Gold MS. Endorphinergic Enhancement Attenuation of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) via Activation of Neuro-immunological Function in the Face of a Viral Pandemic. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 10:86-97. [PMID: 34466374 DOI: 10.2174/2211556009999210104221215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Polymorphic gene variants, particularly the genetic determinants of low dopamine function (hypodopaminergia), are known to associate with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and a predisposition to PTSD. Addiction research and molecular genetic applied technologies supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have revealed the complex functions of brain reward circuitry and its crucial role in addiction and PTSD symptomatology. Discussion It is noteworthy that Israeli researchers compared mice with a normal immune system with mice lacking adaptive immunity and found that the incidence of PTSD increased several-fold. It is well established that raising endorphinergic function increases immune response significantly. Along these lines, Blum's work has shown that D-Phenylalanine (DPA), an enkephalinase inhibitor, increases brain endorphins in animal models and reduces stress in humans. Enkephalinase inhibition with DPA treats Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by restoring endorphin function. The Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) can characterize relevant phenotypes, genetic risk for stress vulnerability vs. resilience. GARS could be used to pre-test military enlistees for adaptive immunity or as part of PTSD management with customized neuronutrient supplementation upon return from deployment. Conclusion Based on GARS values, with particular emphasis on enhancing immunological function, pro-dopamine regulation may restore dopamine homeostasis. Recognition of the immune system as a "sixth sense" and assisting adaptive immunity with Precision Behavioral Management (PBM), accompanied by other supportive interventions and therapies, may shift the paradigm in treating stress disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Western University Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA.,Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,Division of Precision Behavioral Management, Geneus Health, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Division of Nutrigenomics, Victory Nutrition International, Lederoch, PA., USA
| | | | - David Baron
- Western University Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Raymond Brewer
- Division of Precision Behavioral Management, Geneus Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Panayotis Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology & Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addiction, Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard School of Medicine, Cambridge MA, USA
| | - Rajendra D Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, South Texas Veteran Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy I Memorial VA Hospital, San Antonio, TX. and Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Center, San Antonio TX, USA
| | - B William Downs
- Division of Nutrigenomics, Victory Nutrition International, Lederoch, PA., USA
| | - Debasis Bagchi
- Division of Nutrigenomics, Victory Nutrition International, Lederoch, PA., USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, School of Pharmacy, Houston, TX., USA
| | | | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Neuroscience and Genetics, Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Herzliya, Israel
| | - A Kenison Roy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Mark S Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO., USA
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Blum K, McLaughlin T, Modestino EJ, Baron D, Bowirrat A, Brewer R, Steinberg B, Roy AK, Febo M, Badgaiyan RD, Gold MS. Epigenetic Repair of Terrifying Lucid Dreams by Enhanced Brain Reward Functional Connectivity and Induction of Dopaminergic Homeostatic Signaling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 10. [PMID: 34707968 DOI: 10.2174/2211556010666210215153513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
During Lucid Dreams, the dreamer is aware, experiences the dream as if fully awake, and may control the dream content. The dreamer can start, stop, and restart dreaming, depending on the nature and pleasantness of the dream. For patients with Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) behaviors, like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette's- Syndrome, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the dream content may be pleasant, unpleasant, or terrifying. A sample of psychiatric center patients identified as having RDS reported the effectiveness of a neuronutrient, dopamine agonist, KB200Z, in combating terrifying, lucid dreaming. These reports motivated the study of eight clinical cases with known histories of substance abuse, childhood abuse, and PTSD. The administration of KB200Z, associated with eliminating unpleasant or terrifying lucid dreams in 87.5% of the cases. Subsequently, other published cases have further established the possibility of the long-term elimination of terrifying dreams in PTSD and ADHD patients. Induction of dopamine homeostasis may mitigate the effects of neurogenetic and epigenetic changes in neuroplasticity, identified in the pathogenesis of PTSD and ADHD. The article explores how relief of terrifying lucid dreams may benefit from modulation of dopaminergic signaling activated by the administration of a neuronutrient. Recently, precision formulations of the KB220 neuronutrient guided by Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS) test results have been used to repair inheritable deficiencies within the brain reward circuitry. The proposition is that improved dopamine transmodulational signaling may stimulate positive cognitive recall and subsequently attenuate the harmful epigenetic insults from trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA., USA.,Department Psychiatry, Wright University, Boonshoff School of Medicine, Dayton, OH., USA.,Division of Neuroscience & Addiction Research Therapy, Pathway Healthcare, Birmingham, AL., USA.,Division of Nutrigenomics, Geneus Genomic Testing Center, Geneus Health, LLC., San Antonio, TX., USA.,Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - David Baron
- Department Psychiatry, Wright University, Boonshoff School of Medicine, Dayton, OH., USA
| | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Neuroscience and Genetics, Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Israel
| | - Raymond Brewer
- Division of Nutrigenomics, Geneus Genomic Testing Center, Geneus Health, LLC., San Antonio, TX., USA
| | | | - A Kenison Roy
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Tulane, New Orleans, LA., USA
| | - Marcello Febo
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, School of Medicine, Gainesville, FL.USA
| | - Rajendra D Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, Ichan School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY.& Department of Psychiatry, South Texas Veteran Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, San Antonio, TX, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Marks S Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo. USA
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Blum K, Raza A, Schultz T, Jalali R, Green R, Brewer R, Thanos PK, McLaughlin T, Baron D, Bowirrat A, Elman I, Downs BW, Bagchi D, Badgaiyan RD. Should We Embrace the Incorporation of Genetically Guided "Dopamine Homeostasis" in the Treatment of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RSD) as a Frontline Therapeutic Modality? ACTA SCIENTIFIC NEUROLOGY 2021; 4:17-24. [PMID: 33681869 PMCID: PMC7931265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention provided vital statistics related to drug overdoses in the United State1. They concluded that in the USA the number of deaths at almost 72,000 was due to 66.6% of opioid overdoses. In fact, the rate is alarming and increasing yearly. To make 2021 even more scary is the daunting effect on increased drug usage due to COVID 19 as a pandemic, albeit the new vaccines. Specifically, in 2020, the death rate from opioid overdoses rose to 13% nationally and in some sates 30%. The common neuromodulating aspects of neurotransmission, and its disruption via chronic exposure of drugs and behavioral addictions, requires further intense research focus on developing novel strategies to combat these unwanted genetic and epigenic infractions as accomplished with heroin addiction by our group. The take home message is the plausible acceptance of the well-established evidence for hypodopaminergia, a blunted reward processing system, reduced resting state functional connectivity, genetic antecedents, anti- reward symptomatology, poor compliance with MAT, and generalized RDS. With this evidence it is conceivable that pursuit through intensive future research should involve an approach that incorporates "dopamine homeostasis". This required paradigm shift may consist of many beneficial modalities including but not limited to: exercise, pro-dopamine regulation, nutrigenomics, cognitive behavioral therapy, hedonic hot spot targets brain, rTMRS, deep brain stimulation, diet, genetic edits, genetic guided therapeutics, epigenetic repair, amongst others. It is our opinion that nutrigenomics may assist the millions of people of getting out of a" hypodopaminergic ditch" WC 250.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
- Graduate College, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
- Division of Nutrigenomics, Center for Genomic Testing, Geneus Health, LLC., San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Ali Raza
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Tiffany Schultz
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Rehan Jalali
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Richard Green
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Raymond Brewer
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Panyotis K Thanos
- Department of Psychology, University of Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Thomas McLaughlin
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - David Baron
- Graduate College, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Neuroscience and Genetics, Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Israel
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard University College of Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - B William Downs
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Debasis Bagchi
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Texas University College of Pharmacy, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rajendra D Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, South Texas Veteran Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, San Antonio, TX, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Blum K, Modestino EJ, Badgaiyan RD, Baron D, Thanos PK, Elman I, Siwicki D, Febo M, Gold MS. Analysis of Evidence for the Combination of Pro-dopamine Regulator (KB220PAM) and Naltrexone to Prevent Opioid Use Disorder Relapse. EC PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY 2018; 7:564-579. [PMID: 30417173 PMCID: PMC6226033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Blum's laboratory first showed the benefits of naloxone or narcotic antagonists in the treatment of alcohol dependence. This seminal work published in Nature in the early 70's, in conjunction with many other studies, later served as the basis for the development of the narcotic antagonist (NTX) now used to treat both alcohol and opioid dependence. In 2006 an extended-release injectable of Naltrexone (XR-NTX) was approved by the FDA. Naltrexone is a relatively weak antagonist of κ- and δ-receptors and is also a potent μ-receptor antagonist. Dosages of naltrexone that effectively reduce opioid and alcohol consumption also actively block μ-receptors, but chronically down-regulate mesolimbic dopamine release. While studies show benefit especially in the short term, there is ongoing evidence that the retention and compliance with NTX are not sufficient to characterize adherence as high. However, extended-release NTX opioid treatment is associated with superior outcomes including less likely relapse (defined as daily use), and much longer time to relapse despite higher rates of concurrent non-opioid substance use like cocaine. Regarding long-term extended-release injectable (XR-NTX) for opioid dependence; there was higher compliance with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) than for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD.). Consideration of modalities in combination with XR-NTX is imperative. Research by Blum., et al. showed that a combination of Naltrexone and a pro-dopamine regulator neuro-nutrient (KB220) significantly prevented opioid relapse. Thus, early identification of addiction vulnerability with the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS™) a panel of polymorphic risk alleles from ten reward circuitry genes will provide valuable information especially as it relates to genetically guided therapy with the KB220 neuro nutrient termed 'Precision Addiction Management".
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville FL. USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton VA Medical Center, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, School of Medicine, Burlington, VM., USA
- Division of Addictive Services, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC, North Kingston, RI, USA
- Division of Precision Addiction Management, Geneus Health, LLC, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Psychology, Eotvos Loránd University, Institute of Psychology, Budapest, Hungary
- Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
- Division of Neurogenetic Research and Addiction Therapy, The Florida House Experience, Deerfield Beach, FL, USA
| | | | - Rajendra D Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, Ichan at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Baron
- Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Department of Psychology, and Institute of Addiction Research, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Cooper University School of Medicine, Camden NJ, USA
| | - David Siwicki
- Division of Precision Addiction Management, Geneus Health, LLC, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville FL. USA
| | - Mark S Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Blum K, Gondré-Lewis M, Steinberg B, Elman I, Baron D, Modestino EJ, Badgaiyan RD, Gold MS. Our evolved unique pleasure circuit makes humans different from apes: Reconsideration of data derived from animal studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 4. [PMID: 30956812 PMCID: PMC6446569 DOI: 10.15761/jsin.1000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The brain regions tied to pleasure can be triggered by engaging in sex, eating tasty food, watching a movie, accomplishments at school and athletics, consuming drugs, and noble efforts to help the community, the country, and the world. It is noteworthy that research suggests that the latter type of satisfaction, supporting the community, may result in the most substantial positive effects on our immune system. However, these pathways for these effects are not understood. Berridge and Kringelbach have suggested that pleasure is mediated by well-developed mesocorticolimbic circuitry and serves adaptive functions. In affective disorders, anhedonia (lack of pleasure) or dysphoria (negative affect) can result from a breakdown of that hedonic system. Most importantly, human neuroimaging investigations indicate that surprisingly similar circuitry is activated by quite diverse pleasures, suggesting a common neural pathway shared by all rewarding stimuli and behaviors. Over many years the controversy of dopamine involvement in pleasure/reward has led to confusion in terms, such as trying to separate motivation from pure pleasure (i.e., wanting versus liking). We take the position that animal studies cannot provide real clinical information that is described by self-reports in humans. On November 23rd, 2017, evidence for our concerns was revealed. A brain system involved in everything from addiction to autism appears to have evolved differently in humans than in apes, as reported by a large research team in the journal Science. To reiterate, the new findings by Sousa et al., also suggest the importance of not over-relying on rodent and even non-human primate studies. Extrapolations, when it comes to the concept of pleasure, dopamine, and reinforcement, are not supported by these data. Human experience and study are now much more critical and important. Extrapolations from non-humans to humans may be more fiction than fact. While this statement is bold it should not at all suggest that animal date is unimportant, that is not the case. It is extremely valuable in many aspects and we must encourage the development of animal models for disease. However, we must be cautious in our interpretation of results without leaping to conclusions that may be explained by follow-up human experiments and subsequent data. We are further proposing that in terms of overcoming a never –ending battle related to the current drug epidemic, the scientific community should realize that disturbing dopamine homeostasis by taking drugs or having a system compromised by genes or other epigenetic experiences, should be treated by alternative therapeutic modalities, expressed in this article as a realistic key goal. Application of genetic addiction risk (GARS™) testing and pro-dopamine regulation (KB220) should be considered along with other promising technologies including cognitive behavioral therapy, mind fullness, brain spotting and trauma therapy. Basic scientists have worked very hard to dis-entangle pleasure from incentive salience and learning signals in brain reward circuitry, but this work may be limited to animal models and rodents. A different consideration regarding the human reward systems is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Department of Psychiatry, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton VA Medical Center, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck Medicine University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Applied Clinical Research & Education, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC, North Kingstown, RI, USA.,Department of Precision Medicine, Geneus Health LLC, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Department of Addiction Research & Therapy, Nupathways Inc., Innsbrook, MO, USA.,Department of Clinical Neurology, Path Foundation, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Neuroscience-Based Addiction Therapy, The Shores Treatment & Recovery Center, Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA.,Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,Division of Addiction Research, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC. North Kingston, RI, USA.,Victory Nutrition International, Lederach, PA., USA.,National Human Genome Center at Howard University, Washington, DC., USA
| | - Marjorie Gondré-Lewis
- National Human Genome Center at Howard University, Washington, DC., USA.,Departments of Anatomy and Psychiatry, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC USA
| | - Bruce Steinberg
- Division of Applied Clinical Research & Education, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC, North Kingstown, RI, USA
| | - Igor Elman
- Department Psychiatry, Cooper University School of Medicine, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - David Baron
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck Medicine University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Mark S Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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8
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Abstract
Sitting too much kills. Epidemiological, physiological and molecular data suggest that sedentary lifestyle can explain, in part, how modernity is associated with obesity, more than 30 chronic diseases and conditions and high healthcare costs. Excessive sitting--sitting disease--is not innate to the human condition. People were designed to be bipedal and, before the industrial revolution, people moved substantially more throughout the day than they do presently. It is encouraging that solutions exist to reverse sitting disease. Work environments, schools, communities and cities can be re-imagined and re-invented as walking spaces, and people thereby offered more active, happier, healthier and more productive lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Levine
- Mayo Clinic, 13400 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, USA,
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Blum K, Simpatico T, Badgaiyan RD, Demetrovics Z, Fratantonio J, Agan G, Febo M, Gold MS. Coupling Neurogenetics (GARS™) and a Nutrigenomic Based Dopaminergic Agonist to Treat Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS): Targeting Polymorphic Reward Genes for Carbohydrate Addiction Algorithms. JOURNAL OF REWARD DEFICIENCY SYNDROME 2015; 1:75-80. [PMID: 27617300 PMCID: PMC5013730 DOI: 10.17756/jrds.2015-012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Earlier work from our laboratory, showing anti-addiction activity of a nutraceutical consisting of amino-acid precursors and enkephalinase inhibition properties and our discovery of the first polymorphic gene (Dopamine D2 Receptor Gene [DRD2]) to associate with severe alcoholism serves as a blue-print for the development of "Personalized Medicine" in addiction. Prior to the later genetic finding, we developed the concept of Brain Reward Cascade, which continues to act as an important component for stratification of addiction risk through neurogenetics. In 1996 our laboratory also coined the term "Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS)" to define a common genetic rubric for both substance and non-substance related addictive behaviors. Following many reiterations we utilized polymorphic targets of a number of reward genes (serotonergic, Opioidergic, GABAergic and Dopaminergic) to customize KB220 [Neuroadaptogen- amino-acid therapy (NAAT)] by specific algorithms. Identifying 1,000 obese subjects in the Netherlands a subsequent small subset was administered various KB220Z formulae customized according to respective DNA polymorphisms individualized that translated to significant decreases in both Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight in pounds. Following these experiments, we have been successfully developing a panel of genes known as "Genetic Addiction Risk Score" (GARSpDX)™. Selection of 10 genes with appropriate variants, a statistically significant association between the ASI-Media Version-alcohol and drug severity scores and GARSpDx was found A variant of KB220Z in abstinent heroin addicts increased resting state functional connectivity in a putative network including: dorsal anterior cingulate, medial frontal gyrus, nucleus accumbens, posterior cingulate, occipital cortical areas, and cerebellum. In addition, we show that KB220Z significantly activates, above placebo, seed regions of interest including the left nucleus accumbens, cingulate gyrus, anterior thalamic nuclei, hippocampus, pre-limbic and infra-limbic loci. KB220Z demonstrates significant functional connectivity, increased brain volume recruitment and enhanced dopaminergic functionality across the brain reward circuitry. We propose a Reward Deficiency System Solution that promotes early identification and stratification of risk alleles by utilizing GARSDx, allowing for customized nutrigenomic targeting of these risk alleles by altering KB220Z ingredients as an algorithmic function of carrying these polymorphic DNA-SNPS, potentially yielding the first ever nutrigenomic solution for addiction and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Department of Psychiatry & McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Nutrigenomics, RD Solutions Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Addiction Research & Therapy, Malibu Beach Recovery Center, Malibu Beach, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Human Integrated Services Unit, University of Vermont Center for Clinical & Translational Science, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
- Department of Personalized Addiction Medicine IGENE, LLC, Austin, TX, USA
- Division of Applied Research & Education and Addition Services, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC., North Kingstown RI, USA
- Department of Nutrigenetic & Nutrigenomic Research, Victory Nutrition International, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Personalized Medicine, Path Foundation, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Simpatico
- Department of Addiction Research & Therapy, Malibu Beach Recovery Center, Malibu Beach, CA, USA
- Division of Applied Research & Education and Addition Services, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC., North Kingstown RI, USA
| | | | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Eotvos Lorand University, Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Addiction, Izabella utca, Budapest, Hungary
| | - James Fratantonio
- Division of Applied Research & Education and Addition Services, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC., North Kingstown RI, USA
| | - Gozde Agan
- Division of Applied Research & Education and Addition Services, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC., North Kingstown RI, USA
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry & McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mark S. Gold
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine. St. Louis, MO, USA
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Blum K, Febo M, Smith DE, Roy AK, Demetrovics Z, Cronjé FJ, Femino J, Agan G, Fratantonio JL, Pandey SC, Badgaiyan RD, Gold MS. Neurogenetic and epigenetic correlates of adolescent predisposition to and risk for addictive behaviors as a function of prefrontal cortex dysregulation. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2015; 25:286-92. [PMID: 25919973 PMCID: PMC4442554 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2014.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
As addiction professionals, we are becoming increasingly concerned about preteenagers and young adults' involvement with substance abuse as a way of relieving stress and anger. The turbulent underdeveloped central nervous system, especially in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), provides impetus to not only continue important neuroimaging studies in both human and animal models, but also to encourage preventive measures and cautions embraced by governmental and social media outlets. It is well known that before people reach their 20s, PFC development is undergoing significant changes and, as such, hijacks appropriate decision making in this population. We are further proposing that early genetic testing for addiction risk alleles will offer important information that could potentially be utilized by their parents and caregivers prior to use of psychoactive drugs by these youth. Understandably, family history, parenting styles, and attachment may be modified by various reward genes, including the known bonding substances oxytocin/vasopressin, which effect dopaminergic function. Well-characterized neuroimaging studies continue to reflect region-specific differential responses to drugs and food (including other non-substance-addictive behaviors) via either "surfeit" or "deficit." With this in mind, we hereby propose a "reward deficiency solution system" that combines early genetic risk diagnosis, medical monitoring, and nutrigenomic dopamine agonist modalities to combat this significant global dilemma that is preventing our youth from leading normal productive lives, which will in turn make them happier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.,Division of Addiction Services, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC, North Kingstown, Rhode Island.,Department of Addiction Research & Therapy, Malibu Beach Recovery Center, Malibu Beach, California.,Human Integrative Services & Translational Science, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - David E. Smith
- Division of Addiction Services, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC, North Kingstown, Rhode Island.,Institute of Health & Aging, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Addiction, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - John Femino
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Meadows Edge Recovery Center, North Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Gozde Agan
- Division of Addiction Services, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
| | - James L. Fratantonio
- Division of Applied Clinical Research, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
| | - Subhash C. Pandey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rajendra D. Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota College of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Mark S. Gold
- Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.,Department of Addiction Research & Therapy, Malibu Beach Recovery Center, Malibu Beach, California
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