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Nicoletti F, Orlando R, Di Menna L, Cannella M, Notartomaso S, Mascio G, Iacovelli L, Matrisciano F, Fazio F, Caraci F, Copani A, Battaglia G, Bruno V. Targeting mGlu Receptors for Optimization of Antipsychotic Activity and Disease-Modifying Effect in Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:49. [PMID: 30890967 PMCID: PMC6413697 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are considered as candidate drug targets for the treatment of schizophrenia. These receptors form a family of eight subtypes (mGlu1 to -8), of which mGlu1 and -5 are coupled to Gq/11, and all other subtypes are coupled to Gi/o. Here, we discuss the possibility that selective ligands of individual mGlu receptor subtypes may be effective in controlling the core symptoms of schizophrenia, and, in some cases, may impact mechanisms underlying the progression of the disorder. Recent evidence indicates that activation of mGlu1 receptors inhibits dopamine release in the meso-striatal system. Hence, selective positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of mGlu1 receptors hold promise for the treatment of positive symptoms of schizophrenia. mGlu5 receptors are widely expressed in the CNS and regulate the activity of cells that are involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, such as cortical GABAergic interneurons and microglial cells. mGlu5 receptor PAMs are under development for the treatment of schizophrenia and cater the potential to act as disease modifiers by restraining neuroinflammation. mGlu2 receptors have attracted considerable interest because they negatively modulate 5-HT2A serotonin receptor signaling in the cerebral cortex. Both mGlu2 receptor PAMs and orthosteric mGlu2/3 receptor agonists display antipsychotic-like activity in animal models, and the latter drugs are inactive in mice lacking mGlu2 receptors. So far, mGlu3 receptors have been left apart as drug targets for schizophrenia. However, activation of mGlu3 receptors boosts mGlu5 receptor signaling, supports neuronal survival, and drives microglial cells toward an antiinflammatory phenotype. This strongly encourages research of mGlu3 receptors in schizophrenia. Finally, preclical studies suggest that mGlu4 receptors might be targeted by novel antipsychotic drugs, whereas studies of mGlu7 and mGlu8 receptors in animal models of psychosis are still at their infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Orlando
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Luisa Iacovelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Matrisciano
- Department of Psychiatry, The Psychiatric Institute, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute (IRCCS), Troina, Italy
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Bruno
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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Caraci F, Calabrese F, Molteni R, Bartova L, Dold M, Leggio GM, Fabbri C, Mendlewicz J, Racagni G, Kasper S, Riva MA, Drago F. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology CIV: The Neurobiology of Treatment-resistant Depression: From Antidepressant Classifications to Novel Pharmacological Targets. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:475-504. [PMID: 29884653 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.014977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent and life-threatening forms of mental illnesses and a major cause of morbidity worldwide. Currently available antidepressants are effective for most patients, although around 30% are considered treatment resistant (TRD), a condition that is associated with a significant impairment of cognitive function and poor quality of life. In this respect, the identification of the molecular mechanisms contributing to TRD represents an essential step for the design of novel and more efficacious drugs able to modify the clinical course of this disorder and increase remission rates in clinical practice. New insights into the neurobiology of TRD have shed light on the role of a number of different mechanisms, including the glutamatergic system, immune/inflammatory systems, neurotrophin function, and epigenetics. Advances in drug discovery processes in TRD have also influenced the classification of antidepressant drugs and novel classifications are available, such as the neuroscience-based nomenclature that can incorporate such advances in drug development for TRD. This review aims to provide an up-to-date description of key mechanisms in TRD and describe current therapeutic strategies for TRD before examining novel approaches that may ultimately address important neurobiological mechanisms not targeted by currently available antidepressants. All in all, we suggest that drug targeting different neurobiological systems should be able to restore normal function but must also promote resilience to reduce the long-term vulnerability to recurrent depressive episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Caraci
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - F Calabrese
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - R Molteni
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - L Bartova
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - M Dold
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - G M Leggio
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - C Fabbri
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - J Mendlewicz
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - G Racagni
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - S Kasper
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - M A Riva
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - F Drago
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
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Spampinato SF, Copani A, Nicoletti F, Sortino MA, Caraci F. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Glial Cells: A New Potential Target for Neuroprotection? Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:414. [PMID: 30483053 PMCID: PMC6243036 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation that finally lead to slow neuronal degeneration and death. Although neurons are the principal target, glial cells are important players as they contribute by either exacerbating or dampening the events that lead to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. A dysfunction of the glutamatergic system is a common event in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors belong to a large family of G protein-coupled receptors largely expressed in neurons as well as in glial cells. They often appear overexpressed in areas involved in neurodegeneration, where they can modulate glutamatergic transmission. Of note, mGlu receptor upregulation may involve microglia or, even more frequently, astrocytes, where their activation causes release of factors potentially able to influence neuronal death. The expression of mGlu receptors has been also reported on oligodendrocytes, a glial cell type specifically involved in the development of multiple sclerosis. Here we will provide a general overview on the possible involvement of mGlu receptors expressed on glial cells in the pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative disorders and the potential use of subtype-selective mGlu receptor ligands as candidate drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Negative allosteric modulators (NAM) of mGlu5 receptors might represent a relevant pharmacological tool to develop new neuroprotective strategies in these diseases. Recent evidence suggests that targeting astrocytes and microglia with positive allosteric modulators (PAM) of mGlu3 receptor or oligodendrocytes with mGlu4 PAMS might represent novel pharmacological approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neuromed, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Troina, Italy
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104
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Caraci F, Sultana J, Drago F, Spina E. Clinically Relevant Drug Interactions with Anti-Alzheimer's Drugs. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2018; 16:501-513. [PMID: 28260511 DOI: 10.2174/1871527316666170303144817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aging world population had led to an increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The drugs used to slow down the onset of AD, galantamine, donepezil, rivastigmine and memantine, are generally well-tolerated. However, drug interactions between these drugs and other drugs are an important aspect of patient safety that should be borne in mind, particularly given the high burden of polypharmacy in the elderly. The aim of this review is to provide an updated review of clinically significant drug-drug interactions concerning drugs approved for AD. METHOD PubMed was searched for relevant keywords. No time limit was imposed but only articles in English published in peer-reviewed journals were selected. Relevant literature was also identified from the references of identified articles. Further information was obtained from drug summary of product characteristics. RESULTS The major pharmacokinetic interactions identified concerned fluoxetine, paroxetine and ketoconazole when used with galantamine or donepezil. On the other hand, the major potential pharmacodynamic interactions concerned anti-dementia drugs and general anesthesia agents, anti-cholinergic drugs, conventional antipsychotics and bradycardia-inducing drugs. In clinical practice memantine shows a lower potential for pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions (DDIs) compared to other drug classes. CONCLUSION The concomitant use of anti-dementia drugs with other drugs can have variable clinical effects, making appropriate prescribing of these drugs very challenging. A simple and coherent way of presenting evidence on complex drug interaction information from heterogenous sources to clinicians is needed in order for the voluminous data available to have an impact on clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Janet Sultana
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Edoardo Spina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
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105
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Fresta CG, Chakraborty A, Wijesinghe MB, Amorini AM, Lazzarino G, Lazzarino G, Tavazzi B, Lunte SM, Caraci F, Dhar P, Caruso G. Non-toxic engineered carbon nanodiamond concentrations induce oxidative/nitrosative stress, imbalance of energy metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction in microglial and alveolar basal epithelial cells. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:245. [PMID: 29445138 PMCID: PMC5833425 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0280-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles are finding a wide spectrum of biomedical applications, including drug delivery and capacity to trigger cytotoxic phenomena, potentially useful against tumor cells. The full understanding of their biosafety and interactions with cell processes is mandatory. Using microglial (BV-2) and alveolar basal epithelial (A549) cells, in this study we determined the effects of engineered carbon nanodiamonds (ECNs) on cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as on energy metabolism. Particularly, we initially measured decrease in cell viability as a function of increasing ECNs doses, finding similar cytotoxic ECN effects in the two cell lines. Subsequently, using apparently non-cytotoxic ECN concentrations (2 µg/mL causing decrease in cell number < 5%) we determined NO and ROS production, and measured the concentrations of compounds related to energy metabolism, mitochondrial functions, oxido-reductive reactions, and antioxidant defences. We found that in both cell lines non-cytotoxic ECN concentrations increased NO and ROS production with sustained oxidative/nitrosative stress, and caused energy metabolism imbalance (decrease in high energy phosphates and nicotinic coenzymes) and mitochondrial malfunctioning (decrease in ATP/ADP ratio).These results underline the importance to deeply investigate the molecular and biochemical changes occurring upon the interaction of ECNs (and nanoparticles in general) with living cells, even at apparently non-toxic concentration. Since the use of ECNs in biomedical field is attracting increasing attention the complete evaluation of their biosafety, toxicity and/or possible side effects both in vitro and in vivo is mandatory before these highly promising tools might find the correct application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia G Fresta
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, KS, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Aishik Chakraborty
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Manjula B Wijesinghe
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, KS, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Angela M Amorini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, 94018, Catania, Italy.
| | - Barbara Tavazzi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Susan M Lunte
- Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, KS, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, KS, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, 94018, Troina, Italy.,Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Prajnaparamita Dhar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, KS, USA. .,Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Kansas, 66045, Lawrence, KS, USA.
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Caraci F, Nicoletti F, Copani A. Metabotropic glutamate receptors: the potential for therapeutic applications in Alzheimer's disease. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 38:1-7. [PMID: 29278824 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A dysfunction of glutamate signaling is implicated at several levels in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Currently, metabotropic glutamate receptors, which have a wide distribution in the central nervous system and activate a multitude of cell signaling pathways, are pursued as targets for therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer's disease. Research is still limited, but results underscore the relevance of ongoing studies. Here we discuss the latest updates regarding metabotropic glutamate receptors and their role in Alzheimer's disease, as well as promising metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands that have been investigated in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging (IRCCS), Troina, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy; Neuromed (IRCCS), Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Catania, Italy.
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108
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Caraci F, Iulita MF, Pentz R, Flores Aguilar L, Orciani C, Barone C, Romano C, Drago F, Cuello AC. Searching for new pharmacological targets for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 817:7-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Guéant-Rodriguez RM, Anello G, Spada R, Romano A, Fajardo A, Caraci F, Ferri R, Guéant JL, Bosco P. Association of homocysteine (but not of MTHFR 677 C>T, MTR 2756 A>G, MTRR 66 A>G and TCN2 776 C>G) with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease in Sicily. Thromb Haemost 2017. [DOI: 10.1160/th06-02-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryAssociation between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism (MTHFR 677 C>T), a determinant of homocysteine plasma level (t-Hcys), with ischaemc cerebrovascular disease (iCVD) seems to be neutral in North Europe and North America. The association of 2756 A>G of methionine synthase (MTR), 66 A>G of methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) and 776 C>G of transcobalamin (TCN2) needs to be evaluated further. It was the objective of this study to evaluate the association of these polymorphisms, t-Hcys, vitamin B12 and folate levels with iCVD, in an Italian population from Sicily. We investigated the association of these polymorphisms, t-Hcys, vitamin B12 and folate with iCVD in 252 subjects, including 131 cases and 121 sexand agematched healthy controls. t-Hcys was higher in the iCVD group than in controls [15.3 (11.5–17.9) vs. 11.6 (9.4–14.5) µM; P=0. 0007] and also in subjects withTCN2 776CG genotype, compared to homozygous genotypes [13.5 (9.9± 16.9) vs. 11.7 (9.6 ± 14.4) µM; P=0. 0327]. The folate level in cases and controls was consistent with an adequate dietary intake [12.7 (9.0–15.3) vs. 12.5 (9.6–16.9) nM; P=0. 7203]. In multivariate analysis, t-Hcys was a significant independent predictor of iCVD with an odds ratio of 1.14 (95% C.I. : 1.06–1.24; P=0. 0006). No association was found between MTHFR, MTR, MTRR and TCN2 polymorphisms and iCVD risk. We have found an influence of t-Hcys and a neutral effect of MTHFR, MTR, MTRR and TCN2 on iCVD risk in Sicily. The neutral influence of these polymorphisms may be explained by adequate status in folate and vitamin B12. Other factors underlying the increased t-Hcys need further investigations.
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Di Menna L, Joffe ME, Iacovelli L, Orlando R, Lindsley CW, Mairesse J, Gressèns P, Cannella M, Caraci F, Copani A, Bruno V, Battaglia G, Conn PJ, Nicoletti F. Functional partnership between mGlu3 and mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors in the central nervous system. Neuropharmacology 2017; 128:301-313. [PMID: 29079293 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
mGlu5 receptors are involved in mechanisms of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, and are targeted by drugs developed for the treatment of CNS disorders. We report that mGlu3 receptors, which are traditionally linked to the control of neurotransmitter release, support mGlu5 receptor signaling in neurons and largely contribute to the robust mGlu5 receptor-mediated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in the early postnatal life. In cortical pyramidal neurons, mGlu3 receptor activation potentiated mGlu5 receptor-mediated somatic Ca2+ mobilization, and mGlu3 receptor-mediated long-term depression in the prefrontal cortex required the endogenous activation of mGlu5 receptors. The interaction between mGlu3 and mGlu5 receptors was also relevant to mechanisms of neuronal toxicity, with mGlu3 receptors shaping the influence of mGlu5 receptors on excitotoxic neuronal death. These findings shed new light into the complex role played by mGlu receptors in physiology and pathology, and suggest reconsideration of some of the current dogmas in the mGlu receptor field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Max E Joffe
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-0697, USA
| | - Luisa Iacovelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza of Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Orlando
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza of Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-0697, USA
| | - Jèrome Mairesse
- PROTECT, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 1141 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Gressèns
- PROTECT, INSERM, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 1141 Paris, France; Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Health and Imaging, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, King's Health Partners, St. Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; I.R.C.C.S. Oasi Maria SS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Bruno
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza of Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | | | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-0697, USA
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza of Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy.
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111
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Torrisi SA, Salomone S, Geraci F, Caraci F, Bucolo C, Drago F, Leggio GM. Buspirone Counteracts MK-801-Induced Schizophrenia-Like Phenotypes through Dopamine D 3 Receptor Blockade. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:710. [PMID: 29046641 PMCID: PMC5632784 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several efforts have been made to develop effective antipsychotic drugs. Currently, available antipsychotics are effective on positive symptoms, less on negative symptoms, but not on cognitive impairment, a clinically relevant dimension of schizophrenia. Drug repurposing offers great advantages over the long-lasting, risky and expensive, de novo drug discovery strategy. To our knowledge, the possible antipsychotic properties of buspirone, an azapirone anxiolytic drug marketed in 1986 as serotonin 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) partial agonist, have not been extensively investigated despite its intriguing pharmacodynamic profile, which includes dopamine D3 (D3R) and D4 receptor (D4R) antagonist activity. Multiple lines of evidence point to D3R as a valid therapeutic target for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that buspirone, behaving as dopamine D3R antagonist, may have antipsychotic-like activity. Materials and Methods: Effects of acute administration of buspirone was assessed on a wide-range of schizophrenia-relevant abnormalities induced by a single administration of the non-competitive NMDAR antagonist MK-801, in both wild-type mice (WT) and D3R-null mutant mice (D3R-/-). Results: Buspirone (3 mg⋅kg-1, i.p.) was devoid of cataleptogenic activity in itself, but resulted effective in counteracting disruption of prepulse inhibition (PPI), hyperlocomotion and deficit of temporal order recognition memory (TOR) induced by MK-801 (0.1 mg⋅kg-1, i.p.) in WT mice. Conversely, in D3R-/- mice, buspirone was ineffective in preventing MK-801-induced TOR deficit and it was only partially effective in blocking MK-801-stimulated hyperlocomotion. Conclusion: Taken together, these results indicate, for the first time, that buspirone, might be a potential therapeutic medication for the treatment of schizophrenia. In particular, buspirone, through its D3R antagonist activity, may be a useful tool for improving the treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia that still represents an unmet need of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Alfio Torrisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Geraci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging (IRCCS), Troina, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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112
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Leggio GM, Di Marco R, Torrisi SA, Giurdanella G, Dahl K, Caraci F, Bucolo C, Aitta-aho T, Korpi E, Drago F, Salomone S. S11-3DOPAMINE D3 RECEPTOR-DEPENDENT CHANGES IN GABAA RECEPTOR ALPHA 6 SUBUNIT EXPRESSION CONTROL VOLUNTARY ETHANOL INTAKE. Alcohol Alcohol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agx075.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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113
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Platania CBM, Fisichella V, Fidilio A, Geraci F, Lazzara F, Leggio GM, Salomone S, Drago F, Pignatello R, Caraci F, Bucolo C. Topical Ocular Delivery of TGF-β1 to the Back of the Eye: Implications in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102076. [PMID: 28973964 PMCID: PMC5666758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/selected small mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD) pathway can be implicated in development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and the delivery of TGF-β1 could be beneficial for AMD. We developed a new ophthalmic formulation of TGF-β1 assessing the ocular pharmacokinetic profile of TGF-β1 in the rabbit eye. Small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) loaded with TGF-β1 were complemented with Annexin V and Ca2+, and the vitreous bioavailability of TGF-β1 was assessed after topical ocular administration by a commercial ELISA kit. We detected high levels of TGF-β1 (Cmax 114.7 ± 12.40 pg/mL) in the vitreous after 60 min (Tmax) from the topical application of the liposomal suspension. Ocular tolerability was also assessed by a modified Draize’s test. The new formulation was well tolerated. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the novel formulation was able to deliver remarkable levels of TGF-β1 into the back of the eye after topical administration. Indeed, this TGF-β1 delivery system may be useful in clinical practice to manage ophthalmic conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, skipping invasive intraocular injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Fisichella
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Federica Geraci
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Filippo Drago
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosario Pignatello
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
- NANO-i-Research Center on Ocular Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
- IRCSS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, 94018 Troina, Italy.
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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114
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Caraci F, Enna SJ, Zohar J, Racagni G, Zalsman G, van den Brink W, Kasper S, Koob GF, Pariante CM, Piazza PV, Yamada K, Spedding M, Drago F. A new nomenclature for classifying psychotropic drugs. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:1614-1616. [PMID: 28401576 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The Neuroscience-based Nomenclature (NbN) for psychotropic drugs was developed as an alternative to the current Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) indication-based classification in order to provide more precise designations for this drug class. The ATC nomenclature for psychotherapeutics is limited in that it fails to specify either pharmacological domains or mechanism of action and also does not describe all the potential uses of a particular agent. The disconnect between the drug classification and its clinical use is not very useful for scientific purposes and is confusing for patients and caregivers, often leading to a misunderstanding of the intended effects of the prescribed medication and, most importantly, to low treatment adherence. The NbN classifies psychopharmacological agents on the basis of contemporary scientific information on their pharmacology and mechanisms of action so as to provide physicians clear alternatives when selecting or altering therapeutic regimens. The classification of each psychotropic drug includes four additional dimensions: approved indications; efficacy and side effects; practical note; neurobiology. By emphasizing the pharmacology and the molecular mechanism of action, NbN provides a vehicle for clinicians and basic scientists to improve the understanding and clinical use of this important drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging (IRCCS), Troina, Italy
| | - Sam J Enna
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Joseph Zohar
- Department of Psychiatry, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Giorgio Racagni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecolar Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gil Zalsman
- Geha Mental Health Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel, 18-201090, Vienna, Austria
| | - George F Koob
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Pier Vincenzo Piazza
- Inserm U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathology of Addiction Group, Bordeaux, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Michael Spedding
- Spedding Research Solutions SAS, 6 Rue Ampere, Le Vesinet, 78110, France
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Unifarm Research Centre, Catania, Italy
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115
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Abstract
The approval of psychotropic drugs with novel mechanisms of action has been rare in recent years. To address this issue, further analysis of the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders is essential for identifying new pharmacological targets for psychotropic medications. In this report, we detail drug candidates being examined as treatments for psychiatric disorders. Particular emphasis is placed on agents with novel mechanisms of action that are being tested as therapies for depression, schizophrenia, or Alzheimer’s disease. All of the compounds considered were recently approved for human use or are in advanced clinical trials. Drugs included here are new antipsychotic medications endowed with a preferential affinity at dopamine D3 receptor (cariprazine) or at glutamatergic or cannabinoid receptors, as well as vortioxetine, a drug approved for managing the cognitive deficits associated with major depression. New mechanistic approaches for the treatment of depression include intravenous ketamine or esketamine or intranasal esketamine. As for Alzheimer’s disease, the possible value of passive immunotherapy with agents such as aducanumab is considered to be a potential disease-modifying approach that could slow or halt the progressive decline associated with this devastating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina (EN), Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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116
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Simoni E, Caporaso R, Bergamini C, Fiori J, Fato R, Miszta P, Filipek S, Caraci F, Giuffrida ML, Andrisano V, Minarini A, Bartolini M, Rosini M. Polyamine Conjugation as a Promising Strategy To Target Amyloid Aggregation in the Framework of Alzheimer's Disease. ACS Med Chem Lett 2016; 7:1145-1150. [PMID: 27994754 PMCID: PMC5150688 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.6b00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
![]()
Spermine
conjugates 2–6, carrying
variously decorated 3,5-dibenzylidenepiperidin-4-one as bioactive
motives, were designed to direct antiaggregating properties into mitochondria,
using a polyamine functionality as the vehicle tool. The study confirmed
mitochondrial import of the catechol derivative 2, which
displayed effective antiaggregating activity and neuroprotective effects
against Aβ-induced toxicity. Notably, a key functional role
for the polyamine motif in Aβ molecular recognition was also
unraveled. This experimental readout, which was supported by in silico
studies, gives important new insight into the polyamine’s action.
Hence, we propose polyamine conjugation as a promising strategy for
the development of neuroprotectant leads that may contribute to decipher
the complex picture of Aβ toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Simoni
- Department of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Caporaso
- Department of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Christian Bergamini
- Department of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jessica Fiori
- Department of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Romana Fato
- Department of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Przemyslaw Miszta
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological & Chemical Research Centre University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Filipek
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological & Chemical Research Centre University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filippo Caraci
- IRCCS
Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Enna, Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A.
Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Giuffrida
- Institute
of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenza Andrisano
- Department
for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto
237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Anna Minarini
- Department of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Malaguarnera G, Bertino G, Chisari G, Motta M, Vecchio M, Vacante M, Caraci F, Greco C, Drago F, Nunnari G, Malaguarnera M. Silybin supplementation during HCV therapy with pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin reduces depression and anxiety and increases work ability. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:398. [PMID: 27842532 PMCID: PMC5109776 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-1115-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus infection and interferon treatment are often associated with anxiety, depressive symptoms and poor health-related quality of life. To evaluate the Silybin-vitamin E-phospholipids complex effect on work ability and whether health related factors (anxiety and depression) were associated with work ability in subjects with chronic hepatitis C treated with Pegylated-Interferon-α2b (Peg-IFN) and Ribavirin (RBV). METHODS Thirty-one patients (Group A) with chronic hepatitis and other 31 subjects in Group B were recruited in a randomized, prospective, placebo controlled, double blind clinical trial. Group A received 1.5 mg/kg per week of Peg-IFN plus RBV and placebo, while Group B received the same dosage of Peg-IFN plus RBV plus association of Silybin 94 mg + vitamin E 30 mg + phospholipids 194 mg in pills for 12 months. All subjects underwent to laboratory exams and questionnaires to evaluate depression (Beck Depression Inventory - BDI), anxiety (State-trait anxiety inventory - STAI) and work ability (Work ability Index - WAI). RESULTS The comparison between group A and group B showed significant differences after 6 months in ALT (P < 0.001), and viremia (P < 0.05), after 12 months in ALT (P < 0.001), and AST (P < 0.001), at follow up in AST (P < 0.05), and ALT (P < 0.001). Significant difference were observed after 1 month in WAI (p < 0.001) and BDI (P < 0.05), after 6 months in WAI (P < 0.05) and STAI (P < 0.05), after 12 months and at follow up in WAI, STAI and BDI (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The supplementation with Silybin-vitamin E -phospholipids complex increased work ability and reduced depression and anxiety in patients treated with Peg-IFN and RBV. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01957319 , First received: September 25, 2013. Last updated: September 30, 2013 (retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Malaguarnera
- Research Center "The Great Senescence", University of Catania, Catania, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Bertino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Chisari
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Motta
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy ,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Vecchio
- U.O.C Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Vacante
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy ,IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Carmela Greco
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Malaguarnera
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy ,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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118
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Iulita MF, Ower A, Barone C, Pentz R, Gubert P, Romano C, Cantarella RA, Elia F, Buono S, Recupero M, Romano C, Castellano S, Bosco P, Di Nuovo S, Drago F, Caraci F, Cuello AC. An inflammatory and trophic disconnect biomarker profile revealed in Down syndrome plasma: Relation to cognitive decline and longitudinal evaluation. Alzheimers Dement 2016; 12:1132-1148. [PMID: 27452424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given that Alzheimer's pathology develops silently over decades in Down syndrome (DS), prognostic biomarkers of dementia are a major need. METHODS We investigated the plasma levels of Aβ, proNGF, tPA, neuroserpin, metallo-proteases and inflammatory molecules in 31 individuals with DS (with and without dementia) and in 31 healthy controls. We examined associations between biomarkers and cognitive decline. RESULTS Aβ40 and Aβ42 were elevated in DS plasma compared to controls, even in DS individuals without dementia. Plasma Aβ correlated with the rate of cognitive decline across 2 years. ProNGF, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 activity, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were higher in DS plasma, even at AD-asymptomatic stages. Declining plasma Aβ42 and increasing proNGF levels correlated with cognitive decline. A combined measure of Aβ and inflammatory molecules was a strong predictor of prospective cognitive deterioration. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the combination of plasma and cognitive assessments for the identification of DS individuals at risk of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Florencia Iulita
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alison Ower
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Concetta Barone
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Rowan Pentz
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Palma Gubert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Corrado Romano
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | | | - Flaviana Elia
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Serafino Buono
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Marilena Recupero
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Romano
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Bosco
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy; Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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Caraci F, Tascedda F, Merlo S, Benatti C, Spampinato SF, Munafò A, Leggio GM, Nicoletti F, Brunello N, Drago F, Sortino MA, Copani A. Fluoxetine Prevents Aβ 1-42-Induced Toxicity via a Paracrine Signaling Mediated by Transforming-Growth-Factor-β1. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:389. [PMID: 27826242 PMCID: PMC5078904 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and sertraline, increase circulating Transforming-Growth-Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in depressed patients, and are currently studied for their neuroprotective properties in Alzheimer’s disease. TGF-β1 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that exerts neuroprotective effects against β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced neurodegeneration. In the present work, the SSRI, fluoxetine, was tested for the ability to protect cortical neurons against 1 μM oligomeric Aβ1-42-induced toxicity. At therapeutic concentrations (100 nM–1 μM), fluoxetine significantly prevented Aβ-induced toxicity in mixed glia-neuronal cultures, but not in pure neuronal cultures. Though to a lesser extent, also sertraline was neuroprotective in mixed cultures, whereas serotonin (10 nM–10 μM) did not mimick fluoxetine effects. Glia-conditioned medium collected from astrocytes challenged with fluoxetine protected pure cortical neurons against Aβ toxicity. The effect was lost in the presence of a neutralizing antibody against TGF-β1 in the conditioned medium, or when the specific inhibitor of type-1 TGF-β1 receptor, SB431542, was added to pure neuronal cultures. Accordingly, a 24 h treatment of cortical astrocytes with fluoxetine promoted the release of active TGF-β1 in the culture media through the conversion of latent TGF-β1 to mature TGF-β1. Unlike fluoxetine, both serotonin and sertraline did not stimulate the astrocyte release of active TGF-β1. We conclude that fluoxetine is neuroprotective against Aβ toxicity via a paracrine signaling mediated by TGF-β1, which does not result from a simplistic SERT blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of CataniaCatania, Italy; Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Oasi Maria SantissimaTroina, Italy
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Merlo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Benatti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena, Italy
| | - Simona F Spampinato
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Munafò
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico NeuromedPozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome SapienzaRome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Brunello
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Oasi Maria Santissima Troina, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of CataniaCatania, Italy; Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research CouncilCatania, Italy
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Castellano S, Ventimiglia A, Salomone S, Ventimiglia A, Vivo S, Signorelli M, Bellelli E, Santagati M, Cantarella R, Fazio E, Aguglia E, Drago F, Nuovo S, Caraci F. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors Improve Cognitive Function in Partial Responders Depressed Patients: Results from a Prospective Observational Cohort Study. CNSNDDT 2016; 15:1290-1298. [DOI: 10.2174/1871527315666161003170312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Sinopoli A, Giuffrida A, Tomasello MF, Giuffrida ML, Leone M, Attanasio F, Caraci F, De Bona P, Naletova I, Saviano M, Copani A, Pappalardo G, Rizzarelli E. Corrigendum: Ac-LPFFD-Th: A Trehalose-Conjugated Peptidomimetic as a Strong Suppressor of Amyloid-β Oligomer Formation and Cytotoxicity. Chembiochem 2016; 17:1993. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201600502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Sinopoli A, Giuffrida A, Tomasello MF, Giuffrida ML, Leone M, Attanasio F, Caraci F, De Bona P, Naletova I, Saviano M, Copani A, Pappalardo G, Rizzarelli E. Ac-LPFFD-Th: A Trehalose-Conjugated Peptidomimetic as a Strong Suppressor of Amyloid-β Oligomer Formation and Cytotoxicity. Chembiochem 2016; 17:1541-9. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201600243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Sinopoli
- PhD Program in Translational Biomedicine; University of Catania; Viale A. Doria 6 95125 Catania Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuffrida
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging; CNR; Via P. Gaifami 18 95126 Catania Italy
| | | | - Maria Laura Giuffrida
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging; CNR; Via P. Gaifami 18 95126 Catania Italy
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging; CNR; Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Naples Italy
| | - Francesco Attanasio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging; CNR; Via P. Gaifami 18 95126 Catania Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences; University of Catania; Viale A. Doria 6 95125 Catania Italy
| | - Paolo De Bona
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics; Washington University School of Medicine; 660 S. Euclid Avenue Box 8231 St. Louis MO 63110 USA
| | - Irina Naletova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Catania; Viale A. Doria 6 95125 Catania Italy
| | - Michele Saviano
- Institute of Crystallography; CNR; Via G. Amendola 122/O 70126 Bari Italy
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences; University of Catania; Viale A. Doria 6 95125 Catania Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pappalardo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging; CNR; Via P. Gaifami 18 95126 Catania Italy
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging; CNR; Via P. Gaifami 18 95126 Catania Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences; University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6; 95125 Catania Italy
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Bruno V, Caraci F, Copani A, Matrisciano F, Nicoletti F, Battaglia G. The impact of metabotropic glutamate receptors into active neurodegenerative processes: A "dark side" in the development of new symptomatic treatments for neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Neuropharmacology 2016; 115:180-192. [PMID: 27140693 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor ligands are under clinical development for the treatment of CNS disorders with high social and economic burden, such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), and are promising drug candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). So far, clinical studies have shown symptomatic effects of mGlu receptor ligands, but it is unknown whether these drugs act as disease modifiers or, at the opposite end, they accelerate disease progression by enhancing neurodegeneration. This is a fundamental issue in the treatment of PD and AD, and is also an emerging theme in the treatment of schizophrenia and MDD, in which neurodegeneration is also present and contribute to disease progression. Moving from in vitro data and preclinical studies, we discuss the potential impact of drugs targeting mGlu2, mGlu3, mGlu4 and mGlu5 receptor ligands on active neurodegeneration associated with AD, PD, schizophrenia, and MDD. We wish to highlight that our final comments on the best drug candidates are not influenced by commercial interests or by previous or ongoing collaborations with drug companies. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors, 5 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Bruno
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; I.R.C.C.S. Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (IBB-CNR), 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Matrisciano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
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Caraci F, Kamal MA. Editorial: Linkage of CNS and Immunology with Psychology: Searching for New Pharmacological Targets. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2016; 15:378-80. [PMID: 27040760 DOI: 10.2174/187152731504160328164607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad A Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center King Abdulaziz University P.O. Box 80216 Jeddah 21589 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Florencia Iulita M, Caraci F, Claudio Cuello A. A Link Between Nerve Growth Factor Metabolic Deregulation and Amyloid-β-Driven Inflammation in Down Syndrome. CNSNDDT 2016; 15:434-47. [DOI: 10.2174/1871527315666160321104916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Albert U, Brugnoli R, Caraci F, Dell'Osso B, Di Sciascio G, Tortorella A, Vampini C, Cataldo N, Pegoraro V. Italian psychiatrists' perception on cognitive symptoms in major depressive disorder. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2016; 20:2-9. [PMID: 26523906 DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2015.1093147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Differently than Schizophrenia, the investigation of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD) attracted the interest of research only recently. Therefore, it is worth understanding clinicians' perception about cognitive dysfunction in MDD and raising awareness about this issue. METHODS Between December 2014 and January 2015, 128 Italian psychiatrists participated in an on-line survey aiming at understanding psychiatrists' perception about cognitive symptoms in MDD. The questionnaire comprised three sections: the first investigating psychiatrists' socio-demographic profile, the second assessing cognitive symptoms relevance without mentioning that they represented the study focus and the third explicitly investigating cognitive symptoms. RESULTS Cognitive symptoms were considered as a relevant dimension of MDD and appeared among the most frequently cited residual symptoms influencing patients' work and relapse risk. About 70% of psychiatrists declared that cognitive symptoms significantly influence antidepressant choice. However, in the second questionnaire section cognitive symptoms appeared less frequently considered for antidepressant choice. CONCLUSIONS Results revealed a clear understanding of cognitive symptoms relevance in MDD. Nevertheless, the discrepancy between psychiatrists' perception and their therapeutical choices underlines the presence of an unmet-need that should be addressed increasing the awareness about the positive effects on cognitive symptoms of existing drugs, which could allow a more symptom-oriented therapeutical intervention. Key points Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder often associated with deficits in cognitive function. Psychiatrists considered cognitive symptoms among the most relevant residual symptoms in MDD patients that compromise patients working and influence the relapse risk. The importance given to residual cognitive symptoms seemed not to be reflected by psychiatrists' therapeutical choice. There is a gap between what psychiatrists know and what psychiatrists apply to their clinical practice reflecting the feeling of a therapeutical unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Albert
- a Mood and Anxiety Disorders Unit, Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience , University of Turin , Turin , Italy
| | - Roberto Brugnoli
- b Ne.S.M.O.S. Department , Sapienza University of Rome - Azienda Ospedaliera Sant'Andrea , Rome , Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- c Department of Drug Sciences (DSF) , University of Catania , Catania , Italy.,d IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging , Troina , Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- e Department of Medical-Surgical Pathophysiology and Transplant , University of Milan - Ospedale Policlinico , Milan , Italy.,f Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Stanford Medical School, Stanford University , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Guido Di Sciascio
- g Department of Psychiatry , Policlinico Hospital Bari , Bari , Italy
| | - Alfonso Tortorella
- h Department of Mental Health , University of Naples , SUN, Caserta , Italy
| | - Claudio Vampini
- i Department of Mental Health , Ospedale Civile Maggiore , Verona , Italy
| | - Nazarena Cataldo
- j IMS Health Information Solutions Medical Research srl , Milan , Italy
| | - Valeria Pegoraro
- j IMS Health Information Solutions Medical Research srl , Milan , Italy
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Praticò AD, Caraci F, Pavone P, Falsaperla R, Drago F, Ruggieri M. Propranolol: Effectiveness and Failure in Infantile Cutaneous Hemangiomas. Drug Saf Case Rep 2015; 2:6. [PMID: 27747719 PMCID: PMC5005742 DOI: 10.1007/s40800-015-0009-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) occur in early infancy and are considered to be one of the most frequent childhood tumors. Poor responsiveness to the treatment and complications are reported in about 10 % of patients. For years, the most common treatments for cutaneous and complicated IHs were corticosteroids, interferon-α, vincristine, laser therapy, or surgical intervention. More recently, treatment with propranolol has been reported with high success rates, both in the cutaneous and complicated form of IHs, and it is now considered to be the first-line treatment for IHs. Herein we report five cases of cutaneous IHs who presented at our unit between January 2011 and June 2012: in three of five patients, the lesion improved soon after the beginning of propranolol treatment; one case presented slow but complete resolution; and in one patient the treatment was unsuccessful. Patients who do not respond to propranolol have been seldom reported in the literature. However, the failure of propranolol treatment in childhood hemangiomas has been more frequent in our experience than that reported in previous case series. More attention should be given to the cases that poorly or negatively respond to treatment, and to the mechanisms underlying the failure to respond to treatment with propranolol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Domenico Praticò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, Catania, Italy.
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Enna, Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency "Costanza Gravina", University-Hospital "Vittorio Emanuele-Policlinic", Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Falsaperla
- Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency "Costanza Gravina", University-Hospital "Vittorio Emanuele-Policlinic", Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, Catania, Italy
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Malaguarnera M, Motta M, Vacante M, Malaguarnera G, Caraci F, Nunnari G, Gagliano C, Greco C, Chisari G, Drago F, Bertino G. Silybin-vitamin E-phospholipids complex reduces liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon α and ribavirin. Am J Transl Res 2015; 7:2510-2518. [PMID: 26807195 PMCID: PMC4697727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C is both a virologic and a fibrotic disease, with mortality resulting mainly from the complications of cirrhosis and HCC. The aim was to evaluate the impact on of supplementation with a new pharmaceutical complex of silybinvitamin E-phospholipids in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with Pegylated-Interferon-α2b plus Ribavirin. In this prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, double blind clinical trial, 32 subjects with chronic hepatitis, received Pegylated-Interferon-α2b (1.5 mg/kg per week) plus Ribavirin and placebo, while 32 subjects received the same dosage of Pegylated-Interferon-α2b plus Ribavirin plus association of Silybin 47 mg + vitamin E 15 mg + phospholipids 97 mg in two pill for 12 months. Serum levels of the following markers of liver fibrosis were evaluated: transforming growth factor beta, hyaluronic acid, metalloproteinase 2, amino-terminal pro-peptide of type III procollagen, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase type I. The comparison between group A and group B showed a significant difference in ALT (P<0.001), and viremia (P<0.05) after 12 months; in TGF beta levels after 12 months and at follow up (P<0.05); in MMP-2 after 6 months (P<0.05); in PIIINP after 6, 12 months and at follow up (P<0.05); in TIMP-1 after 6, 12 months and at follow up (P<0.001). In conclusion, the supplementation with silybin-vitamin E-phosholipids complex ameliorated the response to Peg-IFN plus RBV treatment and reduced serum levels of markers of liver fibrosis. The ameliorative effect of the complex maybe related to a direct effect on the activation of hepatic stellate cells, or mediated via antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Malaguarnera
- Research Center, The Great Senescence, University of CataniaItaly
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of CataniaItaly
| | - Massimo Motta
- Research Center, The Great Senescence, University of CataniaItaly
| | - Marco Vacante
- Research Center, The Great Senescence, University of CataniaItaly
| | - Giulia Malaguarnera
- Research Center, The Great Senescence, University of CataniaItaly
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of CataniaItaly
| | - Filippo Caraci
- IRCCS Oasi Maria S.S. Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain AgingTroina, Enna, Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of CataniaItaly
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of CataniaItaly
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Research Center, The Great Senescence, University of CataniaItaly
- Neurovisual Science Technology (NEST) CataniaItaly
| | - Carmela Greco
- Research Center, The Great Senescence, University of CataniaItaly
| | - Giuseppe Chisari
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of CataniaItaly
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of CataniaItaly
| | - Gaetano Bertino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of CataniaItaly
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Carta MG, Moro MF, Aguglia E, Balestrieri M, Caraci F, Dell'Osso L, Di Sciascio G, Drago F, Hardoy MC, D'Aloja E, Machado S, Roncone R, Faravelli C. The attributable burden of panic disorder in the impairment of quality of life in a national survey in Italy. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2015; 61:693-9. [PMID: 25770204 DOI: 10.1177/0020764015573848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE The aim was to measure the lifetime prevalence of panic disorder (PD) in an Italian community sample, and to estimate the burden attributable to PD in compromising the quality of life (QoL) of people diagnosed with it. METHODS Community survey was conducted on a sample of 4,999 randomly selected adult subjects. Instruments used were semi-structured clinical interview Advanced Neuropsychiatric Tools and Assessment Schedule (ANTAS), administered by clinicians and allowing diagnosis according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (4th ed.; DSM-IV); Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). RESULTS The lifetime prevalence of PD was 3.6% (4.4% in females, 2.5% in males; p = .002). People with PD had a lower SF-12 score than the standardized community sample (35.5 ± 6.5 vs. 38.4 ± 5.9; p < .0001) with a mean difference (attributable burden) of 2.9 ± 0.7, that is, lower than PD with agoraphobia (AP; 4.2 ± 2.4). Wilson Disease (WD), Multiple Sclerosis, Major Depressive Disorder and Eating Disorders (ED) show a higher attributable burden in impaired QoL than PD, while the attributable burden of PD with AP is not lower than in ED and WD. CONCLUSIONS The burden attributable to the impairment of QoL following a lifetime diagnosis of PD was found to be not so great compared to the impairment caused by Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or neurological conditions. The comorbidity of PD with AP worsens QoL significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sergio Machado
- Panic and Respiration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Leggio GM, Torrisi SA, Castorina A, Platania CBM, Impellizzeri AAR, Fidilio A, Caraci F, Bucolo C, Drago F, Salomone S. Dopamine D3 receptor-dependent changes in alpha6 GABAA subunit expression in striatum modulate anxiety-like behaviour: Responsiveness and tolerance to diazepam. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:1427-36. [PMID: 25482686 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that central dopamine (DA) neurotransmission is involved in pathophysiology of anxiety, in particular the DA receptor subtype 3 (D3R). We previously reported that D3R null mice (D3R(-/-)) exhibit low baseline anxiety levels and that acutely administrated diazepam is more effective in D3R(-/-) than in wild type (WT) when tested in the elevated plus maze test (EPM). Here we tested the hypothesis that genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of D3R affect GABAA subunit expression, which in turn modulates anxiety-like behaviour as well as responsiveness and tolerance to diazepam. D3R(-/-) mice exhibited tolerance to diazepam (0.5mg/kg, i.p.), assessed by EPM, as fast as after 3 day-treatment, performing similarly to untreated D3R(-/-) mice; conversely, WT exhibited tolerance to diazepam after a 14-21 day-treatment. Analysis of GABAA α6 subunit mRNA expression by qPCR in striatum showed that it was about 15-fold higher in D3R(-/-) than in WT. Diazepam treatment did not modify α6 expression in D3R(-/-), but progressively increased α6 expression in WT, to the level of untreated D3R(-/-) after 14-21 day-treatment. BDNF mRNA expression in striatum was remarkably (>10-fold) increased after 3 days of diazepam-treatment in both WT and D3R(-/-); such expression level, however, slowly declined below control levels, by 14-21 days. Following a 7 day-treatment with the selective D3R antagonist SB277011A, WT exhibited a fast tolerance to diazepam accompanied by a robust increase in α6 subunit expression. In conclusion, genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of D3R accelerate the development of tolerance to repeated administrations of diazepam and increase α6 subunit expression, a GABAA subunit that has been linked to diazepam insensitivity. Modulation of GABAA receptor by DA transmission may be involved in the mechanisms of anxiety and, if occurring in humans, may have therapeutic relevance following repeated use of drugs targeting D3R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Alfio Torrisi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Antonia Rita Impellizzeri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Educational Sciences, Catania University, Catania, Italy; IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Catania University, Catania, Italy.
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Carta MG, Norcini-Pala A, Moro MF, Balestrieri M, Caraci F, Dell'Osso L, Sciascio GD, Faravelli C, Hardoy MC, Aguglia E, Roncone R, Nardi AE, Drago F. Does Mood Disorder Questionnaire identify sub-threshold bipolarity? Evidence studying worsening of quality of life. J Affect Disord 2015; 183:173-8. [PMID: 26021966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.04.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is debated whether the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) can generate false positives by screening other disorders as bipolar, or identify sub-threshold bipolarity. The aim is to verify if Quality of Life (QoL) impairment in MQD positives in the community is due to MDQ positivity itself, or to psychiatric diagnosis associated with MDQ positivity (supporting the former hypothesis). METHOD Community survey. Sample randomized after stratification of the adult population in the records of seven Italian regions. TOOLS MDQ; Short Form Health Survey (SF-12); semi-structured clinical interview carried out by clinicians. RESULTS Positives at MDQ show worsening QoL with an attributable burden of 2.8 ± 1.8 lower than in MDD (5.6 ± 3.6, p < 0.001) or Eating Disorders (4.4 ± 6.6, p < 0.03) and similar to Panic Disorder (2.9 ± 0.9, p = 0.44). The burden is lower in the middle-aged (25-59 years) than in the young (18-24) (4.65 ± 4.5 vs 2.58 ± 2.0, p=0.007) or in the elderly (≥60) (4.12 ± 3.2; p = 0.024). In the elderly the burden is independent from comorbid psychiatric disorders. LIMITATIONS This is a preliminary study based on one survey not designed to test this specific hypothesis, thus its results have a heuristic value only. CONCLUSIONS The worsening of QoL due to positivity at MDQ is largely independent from comorbid conditions, supporting the hypothesis that MDQ positivity identifies a specific area of suffering that is "subthreshold" to the psychiatric diagnosis, and relevant for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Francesca Moro
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Institute of Psychiatry, University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Carlo Faravelli
- Department of Health Sciences, Psychology and Psychiatry Unit, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Maria Carolina Hardoy
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Roncone
- Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Psychiatry, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Malaguarnera G, Gagliano C, Salomone S, Giordano M, Bucolo C, Pappalardo A, Drago F, Caraci F, Avitabile T, Motta M. Folate status in type 2 diabetic patients with and without retinopathy. Clin Ophthalmol 2015; 9:1437-42. [PMID: 26300625 PMCID: PMC4536839 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s77538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Folate deficiency is associated with cardiovascular disease, megaloblastic anemia, and with hyperhomocysteinemia. This study has been undertaken to investigate the role of folate status during the progression of the diabetic retinopathy. Methods We measured the plasma levels of homocysteine, folic acid, and red cell folate in 70 diabetic type 2 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 65 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), 96 without diabetic retinopathy, and 80 healthy subjects used as a control group. Results We found higher plasma levels of homocysteine in the NPDR group compared to the control group (P<0.001) and in the PDR group compared to control group (P<0.001) and NPDR group (P<0.01). The severity of diabetic retinopathy was associated with lower folic acid and red cell folate levels, and a significant difference was observed between PDR and NPDR groups (P<0.05). Conclusion The folate status could play a role in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy ; Neurovisual Science Technology (NEST), Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Giordano
- Gerontology and Bone Metabolic Disease Section, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy ; IRCCS Association Oasi Maria S.S.-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Enna, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Motta
- Department of Medical and Paediatric Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
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Giuffrida ML, Tomasello MF, Pandini G, Caraci F, Battaglia G, Busceti C, Di Pietro P, Pappalardo G, Attanasio F, Chiechio S, Bagnoli S, Nacmias B, Sorbi S, Vigneri R, Rizzarelli E, Nicoletti F, Copani A. Monomeric ß-amyloid interacts with type-1 insulin-like growth factor receptors to provide energy supply to neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:297. [PMID: 26300732 PMCID: PMC4528168 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ß-amyloid (Aß1−42) is produced by proteolytic cleavage of the transmembrane type-1 protein, amyloid precursor protein. Under pathological conditions, Aß1−42self-aggregates into oligomers, which cause synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss, and are considered the culprit of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, Aß1−42 is mainly monomeric at physiological concentrations, and the precise role of monomeric Aß1−42 in neuronal function is largely unknown. We report that the monomer of Aß1−42 activates type-1 insulin-like growth factor receptors and enhances glucose uptake in neurons and peripheral cells by promoting the translocation of the Glut3 glucose transporter from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. In neurons, activity-dependent glucose uptake was blunted after blocking endogenous Aß production, and re-established in the presence of cerebrospinal fluid Aß. APP-null neurons failed to enhance depolarization-stimulated glucose uptake unless exogenous monomeric Aß1−42 was added. These data suggest that Aß1−42 monomers were critical for maintaining neuronal glucose homeostasis. Accordingly, exogenous Aß1−42 monomers were able to rescue the low levels of glucose consumption observed in brain slices from AD mutant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Giuffrida
- National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging Catania, Italy
| | - Marianna F Tomasello
- National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging Catania, Italy ; PhD Program in Neuropharmacology, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pandini
- National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging Catania, Italy ; Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy ; IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging Troina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Carla Busceti
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Paola Di Pietro
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pappalardo
- National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Attanasio
- National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging Catania, Italy
| | - Santina Chiechio
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandro Sorbi
- NEUROFARBA, University of Florence Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo Vigneri
- National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging Catania, Italy ; Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed Pozzilli, Italy ; Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University "La Sapienza" Rome, Italy
| | - Agata Copani
- National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging Catania, Italy ; Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
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Carta MG, Preti A, Moro MF, Aguglia E, Balestrieri M, Caraci F, Dell'Osso L, Di Sciascio G, Drago F, Faravelli C, Hardoy MC, D'Aloja E, Cossu G, Calò S, Palumbo G, Bhugra D. Eating disorders as a public health issue: prevalence and attributable impairment of quality of life in an Italian community sample. Int Rev Psychiatry 2014; 26:486-92. [PMID: 25137115 DOI: 10.3109/09540261.2014.927753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of eating disorders (ED) in the community is still under debate, as well as the measure of their impact on the well-being of individuals. It was decided to evaluate the prevalence of eating disorders in an Italian community sample as well as to measure the burden of the quality of life of people and to compare it to those attributable to other chronic illnesses. A community survey of 4,999 people using a questionnaire on health services utilization, the Advanced Neuropsychiatric Tools and Assessment Schedule (ANTAS), a semi-structured clinical interview derived from the non-patient version of the DSM-IV (SCID/NP) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) was conducted. A total of 3,398 individuals were interviewed (68% of those recruited). Lifetime prevalence for overall ED was 1.7%; for anorexia 0.7%; for bulimia 0.6% and for binge eating disorder 0.5%. ED was more frequent in women than in men. No cases of anorexia in men were identified. ED showed an attributable burden in impairing quality of life with no statistically significant differences with those due to major depressive disorder, bipolar spectrum disorders and Wilson's disease. Of the pathological conditions considered, only multiple sclerosis showed a worsening attributable burden. ED thus has a non-negligible frequency in Italy, with severe impact on quality of life comparable to that produced by severe chronic psychiatric and general medical conditions. These elements emphasize that ED is a serious public health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Public Health and Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari , Italy
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Orlando R, Borro M, Motolese M, Molinaro G, Scaccianoce S, Caruso A, di Nuzzo L, Caraci F, Matrisciano F, Pittaluga A, Mairesse J, Simmaco M, Nisticò R, Monn JA, Nicoletti F. Levels of the Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI) are altered in the prenatal restrain stress mouse model of schizophrenia and are differentially regulated by the mGlu2/3 receptor agonists, LY379268 and LY354740. Neuropharmacology 2014; 86:133-44. [PMID: 25063582 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
LY379268 and LY354740, two agonists of mGlu2/3 metabotropic glutamate receptors, display different potencies in mouse models of schizophrenia. This differential effect of the two drugs remains unexplained. We performed a proteomic analysis in cultured cortical neurons challenged with either LY379268 or LY354740. Among the few proteins that were differentially influenced by the two drugs, Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor-β (Rab GDIβ) was down-regulated by LY379268 and showed a trend to an up-regulation in response to LY354740. In cultured hippocampal neurons, LY379268 selectively down-regulated the α isoform of Rab GDI. Rab GDI inhibits the activity of the synaptic vesicle-associated protein, Rab3A, and is reduced in the brain of schizophrenic patients. We examined the expression of Rab GDI in mice exposed to prenatal stress ("PRS mice"), which have been described as a putative model of schizophrenia. Rab GDIα protein levels were increased in the hippocampus of PRS mice at postnatal days (PND)1 and 21, but not at PND60. At PND21, PRS mice also showed a reduced depolarization-evoked [(3)H]d-aspartate release in hippocampal synaptosomes. The increase in Rab GDIα levels in the hippocampus of PRS mice was reversed by a 7-days treatment with LY379268 (1 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.), but not by treatment with equal doses of LY354740. These data strengthen the validity of PRS mice as a model of schizophrenia, and show for the first time a pharmacodynamic difference between LY379268 and LY354740 which might be taken into account in an attempt to explain the differential effect of the two drugs across mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Orlando
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Enna, Italy
| | - Marina Borro
- NESMOS Department, Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Sapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Sergio Scaccianoce
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Caruso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi di Nuzzo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Enna, Italy; Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jerome Mairesse
- Neural Plasticity Team, Université Lille 1, International Associated Laboratory (LIA), France
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- NESMOS Department, Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Sapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert Nisticò
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - James A Monn
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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Grosso G, Pajak A, Marventano S, Castellano S, Galvano F, Bucolo C, Drago F, Caraci F. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of depressive disorders: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96905. [PMID: 24805797 PMCID: PMC4013121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation in depressed patients have been suggested to improve depressive symptomatology, previous findings are not univocal. Objectives To conduct an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of omega-3 PUFA treatment of depressive disorders, taking into account the clinical differences among patients included in the studies. Methods A search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Database of RCTs using omega-3 PUFA on patients with depressive symptoms published up to August 2013 was performed. Standardized mean difference in clinical measure of depression severity was primary outcome. Type of omega-3 used (particularly eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and omega-3 as mono- or adjuvant therapy was also examined. Meta-regression analyses assessed the effects of study size, baseline depression severity, trial duration, dose of omega-3, and age of patients. Results Meta-analysis of 11 and 8 trials conducted respectively on patients with a DSM-defined diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) and patients with depressive symptomatology but no diagnosis of MDD demonstrated significant clinical benefit of omega-3 PUFA treatment compared to placebo (standardized difference in random-effects model 0.56 SD [95% CI: 0.20, 0.92] and 0.22 SD [95% CI: 0.01, 0.43], respectively; pooled analysis was 0.38 SD [95% CI: 0.18, 0.59]). Use of mainly EPA within the preparation, rather than DHA, influenced final clinical efficacy. Significant clinical efficacy had the use of omega-3 PUFA as adjuvant rather than mono-therapy. No relation between efficacy and study size, baseline depression severity, trial duration, age of patients, and study quality was found. Omega-3 PUFA resulted effective in RCTs on patients with bipolar disorder, whereas no evidence was found for those exploring their efficacy on depressive symptoms in young populations, perinatal depression, primary disease other than depression and healthy subjects. Conclusions The use of omega-3 PUFA is effective in patients with diagnosis of MDD and on depressive patients without diagnosis of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrzej Pajak
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Studies, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Stefano Marventano
- Department “G.F. Ingrassia”, Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S. – Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Enna, Italy
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Malaguarnera G, Pennisi M, Gagliano C, Vacante M, Malaguarnera M, Salomone S, Drago F, Bertino G, Caraci F, Nunnari G, Malaguarnera M. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplementation During HCV Therapy With Pegylated Interferon-α 2b Plus Ribavirin: Effect on Work Performance; A Randomized Clinical Trial. Hepat Mon 2014; 14:e11608. [PMID: 24910702 PMCID: PMC4030263 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.11608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health status of employees with chronic hepatitis C has major implications for organizations and labour market. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine administration on work productivity, daily activity, and fatigue in subjects with chronic hepatitis C treated with Pegylated-Interferon-α2b and Ribavirin. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, double blind clinical trial, 30 subjects (Group A) with chronic hepatitis, received Pegylated-Interferon-α2b (1.5 mg/kg per week) plus Ribavirin and placebo, while 32 subjects (Group B) received the same dosage of Pegylated-Interferon-α2b plus Ribavirin plus 2g Acetyl-L-Carnitine twice per day, for 12 months. Work productivity loss, impairment in daily activities, presenteeism, absenteeism, have been assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. We also evaluated severity of fatigue, mental fatigue and physical fatigue. RESULTS Significant difference were observed in physical fatigue, mental fatigue and severity of fatigue, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and viremia after 12 months treatment. In Group B we observed a significant decrease of presenteeism and daily activity impairment after 6 months, 12 months and at follow up. A significant increase of work productivity was observed after 12 months and at follow up. CONCLUSIONS Office workers with chronic hepatitis C, treated with Pegylated-Interferon-α2b plus Ribavirin, had work performance loss. In subjects treated with Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplementation we observed increased daily activity and reduced presenteeism and fatigue. Acetyl-L-Carnitinegroup had a smaller reduction of productivity comparing to placebo group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Malaguarnera
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- The Great Senescence Research Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Vacante
- The Great Senescence Research Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Malaguarnera
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- The Great Senescence Research Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Corresponding Author: Michele Malaguarnera, The Great Senescence Research Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. Tel: +39-957262008, Fax: +39-957262011, E-mail:
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bertino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Malaguarnera G, Gagliano C, Giordano M, Salomone S, Vacante M, Bucolo C, Caraci F, Reibaldi M, Drago F, Avitabile T, Motta M. Homocysteine serum levels in diabetic patients with non proliferative, proliferative and without retinopathy. Biomed Res Int 2014; 2014:191497. [PMID: 24877066 PMCID: PMC4022262 DOI: 10.1155/2014/191497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Homocysteine has been associated with extracellular matrix changes. The diabetic retinopathy is a neurovascular complication of diabetes mellitus and it is the leading cause of vision loss among working adults worldwide. In this study, we evaluate the role of homocysteine in diabetic retinopathy analyzing the plasma levels of homocysteine in 63 diabetic type 2 patients with nonproliferative retinopathy (NPDR), 62 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), 50 healthy subjects used as control group, and 75 randomly selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Malaguarnera
- International Ph.D. programme in Neuropharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Giordano
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- International Ph.D. programme in Neuropharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Vacante
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- International Ph.D. programme in Neuropharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- International Ph.D. programme in Neuropharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- IRCCS, Oasi Maria S.S.-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Teatro Greco 84, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- International Ph.D. programme in Neuropharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Teresio Avitabile
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Motta
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Grosso G, Galvano F, Marventano S, Malaguarnera M, Bucolo C, Drago F, Caraci F. Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scientific evidence and biological mechanisms. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2014; 2014:313570. [PMID: 24757497 PMCID: PMC3976923 DOI: 10.1155/2014/313570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The changing of omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the food supply of Western societies occurred over the last 150 years is thought to promote the pathogenesis of many inflammatory-related diseases, including depressive disorders. Several epidemiological studies reported a significant inverse correlation between intake of oily fish and depression or bipolar disorders. Studies conducted specifically on the association between omega-3 intake and depression reported contrasting results, suggesting that the preventive role of omega-3 PUFA may depend also on other factors, such as overall diet quality and the social environment. Accordingly, tertiary prevention with omega-3 PUFA supplement in depressed patients has reached greater effectiveness during the last recent years, although definitive statements on their use in depression therapy cannot be yet freely asserted. Among the biological properties of omega-3 PUFA, their anti-inflammatory effects and their important role on the structural changing of the brain should be taken into account to better understand the possible pathway through which they can be effective both in preventing or treating depression. However, the problem of how to correct the inadequate supply of omega-3 PUFA in the Westernized countries' diet is a priority in order to set food and health policies and also dietary recommendations for individuals and population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Marventano
- Department of "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 85, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Malaguarnera
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Teatro Greco 84, 95124 Catania, Italy ; IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S.-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Via Conte Ruggiero 73, Enna, 94018 Troina, Italy
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140
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Caraci F, Bosco P, Leggio GM, Malaguarnera M, Drago F, Bucolo C, Salomone S. Clinical pharmacology of novel anti-Alzheimer disease modifying medications. Curr Top Med Chem 2014; 13:1853-63. [PMID: 23931438 DOI: 10.2174/15680266113139990141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, efforts have been directed to develop "disease-modifying" medications to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), able to halt or slow the pathological process. Because the earlier the treatment starts, the greater is the possibility of efficacy, it is important to set up biomarkers for early diagnosis of functional brain abnormalities, before the clinical manifestation of the overt disease. Up to now, strategies to develop disease-modifying drugs have mainly targeted β amyloid (Aβ, accumulation, aggregation, clearance) and/or tau protein (phosphorylation and aggregation). Active and passive immunotherapy is the main strategy aimed at increasing Aβ clearance. Unfortunately several candidate diseasemodifying drugs have failed in phase III clinical trials conducted in mild to moderate AD. More recently, in phase III studies, bapineuzumab has been discontinued because it did not prove clinically effective (despite its significant effect on biomarkers), while solaneuzumab has been found effective in slowing AD progression. Several methological problems have been recently pointed out to explain the lack of clinical efficacy of novel disease-modifying drug-treatments; moreover, new insights in pathophysiology of AD give the premise to develop novel drug targeting. Clinical trials recently completed and/or still ongoing are discussed in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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141
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Carta MG, Massidda D, Moro MF, Aguglia E, Balestrieri M, Caraci F, Dell'Osso L, Di Sciascio G, Drago F, Faravelli C, Hardoy MC, Calò S, Pollice R, Fortezzo A, Akiskal H. Comparing factor structure of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ): In Italy sexual behavior is euphoric but in Asia mysterious and forbidden. J Affect Disord 2014; 155:96-103. [PMID: 24238869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2013] [Revised: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of screening questionnaires, such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), has stimulated clinical and epidemiological studies on bipolar disorders. In this work, we studied the item response pattern of the MDQ in the Italian population and compared the results with those of the validation of the MDQ in Asian studies (Chinese and Korean), analyzing similarities and differences among the populations studied. METHODS The sample was made up of 2278 participants, distributed as follows: 56.6% females, 50.8% living in the north-central Italy, and 33.7% living in rural areas. The factor analysis was run on the matrix of tetrachoric correlations. The psychometric properties of the MDQ were also studied using the Rasch logistic model. RESULTS The parallel analysis found two significant components. The first includes symptoms referring to acceleration, danger and irritability as risky behaviors, social interaction problems and mental flow. The second includes symptoms referring to self-confidence and energy. With respect to the Korean/Chinese results, the Italian sample, item 11 ("much more sex"), appears related to self-confidence and energy, while in Asia it is connected with items expressing risky behaviors and irritability. LIMITATIONS Differences in the frequency of comorbid disorders in Asian and Italian populations should be considered. The results should be confirmed and compared with those of other populations. CONCLUSIONS Cultural differences appear to be associated with a different symptomatic expression of bipolar spectrum disorders. Future research will investigate the role of gene-environment interaction in the genesis of these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Audrey Fortezzo
- International Mood Center, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Hagop Akiskal
- International Mood Center, University of California, San Diego, USA
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142
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Caraci F, Castellano S, Salomone S, Drago F, Bosco P, Nuovo S. Searching for Disease-Modifying Drugs in AD: Can We Combine Neuropsychological Tools with Biological Markers? CNSNDDT 2014; 13:173-86. [DOI: 10.2174/18715273113129990103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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143
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Caraci F, Drago F. New definition of addiction proposed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine: which implications for the treatment of tobacco dependence? Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:1-4. [PMID: 23778079 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, 94018 Troina, Enna, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Leggio GM, Salomone S, Bucolo C, Platania C, Micale V, Caraci F, Drago F. Dopamine D3 receptor as a new pharmacological target for the treatment of depression. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 719:25-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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145
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Bosco P, Ferri R, Salluzzo MG, Castellano S, Signorelli M, Nicoletti F, Nuovo SD, Drago F, Caraci F. Role of the Transforming-Growth-Factor-β1 Gene in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease: Implications for the Treatment. Curr Genomics 2013; 14:147-56. [PMID: 24082824 PMCID: PMC3637679 DOI: 10.2174/1389202911314020007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. LOAD has a complex and largely unknown etiology with strong genetic determinants. Genetics of LOAD is known to involve several genetic risk factors among which the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene seems to be the major recognized genetic determinant. Recent efforts have been made to identify other genetic factors involved in the pathophysiology of LOAD such as genes associated with a deficit of neurotrophic factors in the AD brain. Genetic variations of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and transforming-growth-factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are known to increase the risk to develop LOAD and have also been related to depression susceptibility in LOAD. Transforming-Growth-Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a neurotrophic factor that exerts neuroprotective effects against ß-amyloid-induced neurodegeneration. Recent evidence suggests that a specific impairment in the signaling of TGF-β is an early event in the pathogenesis of AD. TGF-β1 protein levels are predominantly under genetic control, and the TGF-β1 gene, located on chromosome 19q13.1–3, con-tains several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) upstream and in the transcript region, such as the SNP at codon +10 (T/C) and +25 (G/C), which is known to influence the level of expression of TGF-β1. In the present review, we summarize the current literature on genetic risk factors for LOAD, focusing on the role of the TGF-β1 gene, finally discussing the possible implications of these genetic studies for the selection of patients eligible for neuroprotective strategies in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bosco
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S. - Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, 94018 Troina, Enna, Italy
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146
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Caraci F, Leggio GM, Drago F, Salomone S. Epigenetic drugs for Alzheimer's disease: hopes and challenges. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2013; 75:1154-5. [PMID: 22905960 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04443.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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147
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Salemi M, Barone C, Romano C, Salluzzo R, Caraci F, Cantarella RA, Salluzzo MG, Drago F, Romano C, Bosco P. Pericentrin expression in Down's syndrome. Neurol Sci 2013; 34:2023-5. [PMID: 23979692 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-013-1529-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Down's syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability and is a chromosomal abnormality of chromosome 21 trisomy. The pericentrin gene (PCNT) has sequenced in 21q22.3 inside of the minimal critical region for Down's syndrome. Alterations of PCNT gene are associated with dwarfism, cardiomyopathy and other pathologies. In this study, we have evaluated the possible differential expression of PCNT mRNA, by qRT-PCR, in peripheral blood leukocytes of DS subjects compared with the normal population. In the present case-control study, PCNT gene expression was increased by 72.72% in 16 out 22 DS samples compared with normal subjects. Our data suggest that changes in the expression levels of PCNT in DS subjects may be involved into the molecular mechanism of Down's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Salemi
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, EN, Italy,
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Malaguarnera
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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149
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Giuffrida ML, Tomasello F, Caraci F, Chiechio S, Nicoletti F, Copani A. Beta-amyloid monomer and insulin/IGF-1 signaling in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurobiol 2012; 46:605-13. [PMID: 22886436 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8313-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among older people and is still untreatable. While β-amyloid protein is recognized as the disease determinant with a pivotal role in inducing neuronal loss and dementia, an impaired brain insulin signaling seems to account in part for the cognitive deficit associated with the disease. The origin of this defective signaling is uncertain. Accumulating toxic species of β-amyloid, the so-called oligomers, has been proposed to be responsible for downregulation of neuronal insulin receptors. We have found that the nontoxic form of β-amyloid, the monomer, is able to activate insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor signaling and thus behaves as a neuroprotectant agent. Our suggestion is that depletion of β-amyloid monomers, occurring in the preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease, might be the cause of early insulin/IGF-1 signaling disturbances that anticipate cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura Giuffrida
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Viale Andrea Doria, Catania 95125, Italy
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150
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Salomone S, Caraci F, Leggio GM, Fedotova J, Drago F. New pharmacological strategies for treatment of Alzheimer's disease: focus on disease modifying drugs. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2012; 73:504-17. [PMID: 22035455 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.04134.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Current approved drug treatments for Alzheimer disease (AD) include cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine. These drugs provide symptomatic relief but poorly affect the progression of the disease. Drug discovery has been directed, in the last 10 years, to develop 'disease modifying drugs' hopefully able to counteract the progression of AD. Because in a chronic, slow progressing pathological process, such as AD, an early start of treatment enhances the chance of success, it is crucial to have biomarkers for early detection of AD-related brain dysfunction, usable before clinical onset. Reliable early biomarkers need therefore to be prospectively tested for predictive accuracy, with specific cut off values validated in clinical practice. Disease modifying drugs developed so far include drugs to reduce β amyloid (Aβ) production, drugs to prevent Aβ aggregation, drugs to promote Aβ clearance, drugs targeting tau phosphorylation and assembly and other approaches. Unfortunately none of these drugs has demonstrated efficacy in phase 3 studies. The failure of clinical trials with disease modifying drugs raises a number of questions, spanning from methodological flaws to fundamental understanding of AD pathophysiology and biology. Recently, new diagnostic criteria applicable to presymptomatic stages of AD have been published. These new criteria may impact on drug development, such that future trials on disease modifying drugs will include populations susceptible to AD, before clinical onset. Specific problems with completed trials and hopes with ongoing trials are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry Department of Formative Processes, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania, Italy
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