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Macoveanu J, Petersen JZ, Mariegaard J, Jespersen AE, Cramer K, Bruun CF, Madsen HØ, Jørgensen MB, Vinberg M, Fisher PM, Knudsen GM, Hageman I, Ehrenreich H, Kessing LV, Miskowiak KW. Effects of erythropoietin on cognitive impairment and prefrontal cortex activity across affective disorders: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:362-374. [PMID: 38519416 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241237869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent cognitive impairment is frequent across bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), highlighting an urgent need for pro-cognitive treatments. AIM This study investigated effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on cognitive impairment and dorsal prefrontal cortex (dPFC) activity in affective disorders. METHODS In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, cognitively impaired patients with remitted BD or MDD received 1 weekly recombinant human EPO (40,000 IU/mL) or saline infusion for a 12-week period. Assessments were conducted at baseline, after 2 weeks of treatment (week 3), immediately after treatment (week 13) and at 6-months follow-up. Participants underwent functional MRI during performance on a n-back working memory (WM) task at baseline and week 3, and for a subgroup 6 weeks post-treatment (week 18). The primary outcome was a cognitive composite score at week 13, whereas secondary outcomes comprised sustained attention and functioning. WM-related dPFC activity was a tertiary outcome. RESULTS Data were analysed for 101 of the 103 included patients (EPO, n = 58; saline, n = 43). There were no effects of EPO over saline on any cognitive or functional outcomes or on WM-related dPFC activity. CONCLUSIONS The absence of treatment-related changes in cognition and neural activity was unexpected and contrasts with multiple previous preclinical and clinical studies. It is possible that the lack of effects resulted from a recent change in the manufacturing process for EPO. Nevertheless, the findings support the validity of dPFC target engagement as a biomarker model for pro-cognitive effects, according to which treatments that do not improve cognition should not modulate dPFC activity. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS EudraCT no.: 2016-004023-24; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03315897.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Macoveanu
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeff Zarp Petersen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johanna Mariegaard
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Elleby Jespersen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine Cramer
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Fussing Bruun
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helle Østergaard Madsen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Balslev Jørgensen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maj Vinberg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Early Multimodular Prevention and Intervention Research Institution, Mental Health Centre, Northern Zealand, Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick M Fisher
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte Moos Knudsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Hageman
- Mental Health Services, Copenhagen University Hospital, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hannelore Ehrenreich
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (City Campus), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lars Vedel Kessing
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Miskowiak KW, Petersen JZ, Macoveanu J, Ysbæk-Nielsen AT, Lindegaard IA, Cramer K, Mogensen MB, Hammershøj LG, Stougaard ME, Jørgensen JL, Schmidt LS, Vinberg M, Ehrenreich H, Hageman I, Videbech P, Gbyl K, Kellner CH, Kessing LV, Jørgensen MB. Effect of erythropoietin on cognitive side-effects of electroconvulsive therapy in depression: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 79:38-48. [PMID: 38128460 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective and rapid-acting treatment for severe depression but is associated with cognitive side-effects. Identification of add-on treatments that counteract these side-effects would be very helpful. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study investigated the effects of four add-on erythropoietin (EPO; 40,000 IU/ml) or saline (placebo) infusions over 2.5 weeks of ECT (eight ECT sessions) in severely depressed patients with unipolar or bipolar depression. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted pre-ECT, three days after the eighth ECT (week 4), and at a 3-month follow-up. Further, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was conducted after the eighth ECT. The primary outcome was change from pre- to post-ECT in a 'speed of complex cognitive processing' composite. Secondary outcomes were verbal and autobiographical memory. Of sixty randomized patients, one dropped out before baseline. Data were thus analysed for 59 patients (EPO, n = 33; saline, n = 26), of whom 28 had fMRI data. No ECT-related decline occurred in the primary global cognition measure (ps≥0.1), and no effect of EPO versus saline was observed on this outcome (ps≥0.3). However post-ECT, EPO-treated patients exhibited faster autobiographical memory recall than saline-treated patients (p = 0.02), which was accompanied by lower memory-related parietal cortex activity. The absence of global cognition changes with ECT and EPO, coupled with the specific impact of EPO on autobiographical memory recall speed and memory-related parietal cortex activity, suggests that assessing autobiographical memory may provide increased sensitivity in evaluating and potentially preventing cognitive side-effects of ECT. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03339596, EudraCT no.: 2016-002326-36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla W Miskowiak
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders Centre (NEAD), Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, and Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jeff Z Petersen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julian Macoveanu
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexander T Ysbæk-Nielsen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders Centre (NEAD), Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, and Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida A Lindegaard
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders Centre (NEAD), Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, and Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine Cramer
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Madel B Mogensen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisa G Hammershøj
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie E Stougaard
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Josefine L Jørgensen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lejla Sjanic Schmidt
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maj Vinberg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; The Early Multimodular Prevention and Intervention Research Institution (EMPIRI), Mental Health Centre, Northern Zealand, Copenhagen University Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Hannelore Ehrenreich
- Clincial Neuroscience, Max-Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ida Hageman
- Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Poul Videbech
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Psychiatric Centre Glostrup, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Krzysztof Gbyl
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Psychiatric Centre Glostrup, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charles H Kellner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Lars V Kessing
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin B Jørgensen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Rothschadl MJ, Sathyanesan M, Newton SS. Synergism of Carbamoylated Erythropoietin and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 in Immediate Early Gene Expression. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1826. [PMID: 37763230 PMCID: PMC10532867 DOI: 10.3390/life13091826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trophic factors are secreted proteins that can modulate neuronal integrity, structure, and function. Previous preclinical studies have shown synergistic effects on decreasing apoptosis and improving behavioral performance after stroke when combining two such trophic factors, erythropoietin (EPO) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). However, EPO can elevate the hematocrit level, which can be life-threatening for non-anemic individuals. A chemically engineered derivative of EPO, carbamoylated EPO (CEPO), does not impact hematological parameters but retains neurotrophic effects similar to EPO. To obtain insight into CEPO and IGF-1 combination signaling, we examined immediate early gene (IEG) expression after treatment with CEPO, IGF-1, or CEPO + IGF-1 in rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells and found that combining CEPO and IGF-1 produced a synergistic increase in IEG expression. An in vivo increase in the protein expression of Npas4 and Nptx2 was also observed in the rat hippocampus. We also examined which kinase signaling pathways might be mediating these effects and found that while AKT inhibition did not alter the pattern of IEG expression, both ERK and JAK2 inhibition significantly decreased IEG expression. These results begin to define the molecular effects of combining CEPO and IGF-1 and indicate the potential for these trophic factors to produce positive, synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samuel S. Newton
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA; (M.J.R.); (M.S.)
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Miskowiak KW, Simonsen AH, Meyer M, Poulsen HE, Wilkan M, Forman J, Hasselbalch SG, Kessing LV, Knorr U. Cerebrospinal fluid erythropoietin, oxidative stress, and cognitive functions in patients with bipolar disorder and healthy control participants: A longitudinal case-control study. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:240-246. [PMID: 37244061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Persistent cognitive impairments occur in a large proportion of patients with bipolar disorder (BD) but their underlying pathological cellular processes are unclear. The aims of this longitudinal study of BD and healthy control (HC) participants were to investigate (i) the association of brain erythropoietin (EPO) and oxidative stress with cognitive functions and (ii) the changes in brain EPO during and after affective episodes. Participants underwent neurocognitive testing, lumbar punctures for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling and provided urine spot tests at baseline (all), after an affective episode (patients) and after one year (all). EPO was assayed in the CSF and oxidative stress metabolites related to RNA and DNA damage (8-dihydroguanosine [8-oxo-Guo], 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine [8-oxo-dG]) were assayed in the CSF and spot urine. Data was available for analyses for 60 BD and 37 HC participants. In unadjusted primary analyses, verbal memory decreased with increasing concentrations of CSF EPO and oxidative stress. In unadjusted explorative analyses, poorer verbal memory and psychomotor speed were associated with higher levels of oxidative stress. However, no associations between cognitive functions and CSF levels of EPO or oxidative stress were observed after adjustment for multiple testing. CSF EPO concentrations were unchanged during and after affective episodes. While CSF EPO correlated negatively with CSF DNA damage marker 8-oxo-dG, this association rendered non-significant after adjusting for multiple testing. In conclusion, EPO and oxidative stress do not seem to be robustly related to cognitive status in BD. Further insight into the cellular processes involved in cognitive impairments in BD is necessary to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to improve patients' cognitive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla W Miskowiak
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Anja H Simonsen
- Department of Neurology, The Neuroscience Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Meyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Enghusen Poulsen
- Department of Endocrinology I, Bispebjerg Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark; Department of Cardiology, Nordsjællands Hospital Hillerød, Hillerød, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mira Wilkan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Forman
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen G Hasselbalch
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars V Kessing
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulla Knorr
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Knorr DY, Rodriguez Polo I, Pies HS, Schwedhelm-Domeyer N, Pauls S, Behr R, Heinrich R. The cytokine receptor CRLF3 is a human neuroprotective EV-3 (Epo) receptor. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1154509. [PMID: 37168680 PMCID: PMC10165946 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1154509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved orphan cytokine receptor-like factor 3 (CRLF3) has been implicated in human disease, vertebrate hematopoiesis and insect neuroprotection. While its specific functions are elusive, experimental evidence points toward a general role in cell homeostasis. Erythropoietin (Epo) is a major regulator of vertebrate hematopoiesis and a general cytoprotective cytokine. Erythropoietic functions mediated by classical Epo receptor are understood in great detail whereas Epo-mediated cytoprotective mechanisms are more complex due to involvement of additional Epo receptors and a non-erythropoietic splice variant with selectivity for certain receptors. In the present study, we show that the human CRLF3 mediates neuroprotection upon activation with the natural Epo splice variant EV-3. We generated CRLF3 knock-out iPSC lines and differentiated them toward the neuronal lineage. While apoptotic death of rotenone-challenged wild type iPSC-derived neurons was prevented by EV-3, EV-3-mediated neuroprotection was absent in CRLF3 knock-out neurons. Rotenone-induced apoptosis and EV-3-mediated neuroprotection were associated with differential expression of pro-and anti-apoptotic genes. Our data characterize human CRLF3 as a receptor involved in Epo-mediated neuroprotection and identify CRLF3 as the first known receptor for EV-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbra Y. Knorr
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Debbra Y. Knorr,
| | - Ignacio Rodriguez Polo
- Department of Developmental Biology, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Developmental Models Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hanna S. Pies
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicola Schwedhelm-Domeyer
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Pauls
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Heinrich
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Ralf Heinrich,
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Colwell MJ, Tagomori H, Chapman S, Gillespie AL, Cowen PJ, Harmer CJ, Murphy SE. Pharmacological targeting of cognitive impairment in depression: recent developments and challenges in human clinical research. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:484. [PMID: 36396622 PMCID: PMC9671959 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02249-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired cognition is often overlooked in the clinical management of depression, despite its association with poor psychosocial functioning and reduced clinical engagement. There is an outstanding need for new treatments to address this unmet clinical need, highlighted by our consultations with individuals with lived experience of depression. Here we consider the evidence to support different pharmacological approaches for the treatment of impaired cognition in individuals with depression, including treatments that influence primary neurotransmission directly as well as novel targets such as neurosteroid modulation. We also consider potential methodological challenges in establishing a strong evidence base in this area, including the need to disentangle direct effects of treatment on cognition from more generalised symptomatic improvement and the identification of sensitive, reliable and objective measures of cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Colwell
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Hosana Tagomori
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Chapman
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Amy L Gillespie
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip J Cowen
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine J Harmer
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Susannah E Murphy
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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Ayerdem G, Bosma MJ, Vinke JSJ, Ziengs AL, Potgieser ARE, Gansevoort RT, Bakker SJL, De Borst MH, Eisenga MF. Association of Endogenous Erythropoietin Levels and Iron Status With Cognitive Functioning in the General Population. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:862856. [PMID: 35462689 PMCID: PMC9024369 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.862856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundEmerging data suggest that erythropoietin (EPO) promotes neural plasticity and that iron homeostasis is needed to maintain normal physiological brain function. Cognitive functioning could therefore be influenced by endogenous EPO levels and disturbances in iron status.ObjectiveTo determine whether endogenous EPO levels and disturbances in iron status are associated with alterations in cognitive functioning in the general population.Materials and MethodsCommunity-dwelling individuals from the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease (PREVEND) study, a general population-based cohort in Groningen, Netherlands, were surveyed between 2003 and 2006. Additionally, endogenous EPO levels and iron status, consisting of serum iron, transferrin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation were analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed by scores on the Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFFT), as a reflection of executive function, and the Visual Association Test (VAT), as a reflection of associative memory.ResultsAmong 851 participants (57% males; mean age 60 ± 13 years), higher endogenous EPO levels were independently associated with an improved cognitive function, reflected by RFFT scores (ß = 0.09, P = 0.008). In multivariable backward linear regression analysis, EPO levels were among the most important modifiable determinants of RFFT scores (ß = 0.09, P = 0.002), but not of VAT scores. Of the iron status parameters, only serum ferritin levels were inversely associated with cognitive function, reflected by VAT scores, in multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.63–0.95; P = 0.02 for high performance on VAT, i.e., ≥11 points). No association between iron status parameters and RFFT scores was identified.ConclusionThe findings suggest that endogenous EPO levels and serum ferritin levels are associated with specific cognitive functioning tests in the general population. Higher EPO levels are associated with better RFFT scores, implying better executive function. Serum ferritin levels, but not other iron status parameters, were inversely associated with high performance on the VAT score, implying a reduced ability to create new memories and recall recent past. Further research is warranted to unravel underlying mechanisms and possible benefits of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Ayerdem
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs J. Bosma
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Joanna Sophia J. Vinke
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Aaltje L. Ziengs
- Department of Neuropsychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Adriaan R. E. Potgieser
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ron T. Gansevoort
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Stephan J. L. Bakker
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Martin H. De Borst
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Michele F. Eisenga
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Michele F. Eisenga,
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Newton SS, Sathyanesan M. Erythropoietin and Non-Erythropoietic Derivatives in Cognition. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:728725. [PMID: 34552490 PMCID: PMC8450392 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.728725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are widespread in psychiatric disorders, including major depression and schizophrenia. These deficits are known to contribute significantly to the accompanying functional impairment. Progress in the development of targeted treatments of cognitive deficits has been limited and there exists a major unmet need to develop more efficacious treatments. Erythropoietin (Epo) has shown promising procognitive effects in psychiatric disorders, providing support for a neurotrophic drug development approach. Several preclinical studies with non-erythropoietic derivatives have demonstrated that the modulation of behavior is independent of erythropoiesis. In this review, we examine the molecular, cellular and cognitive actions of Epo and non-erythropoietic molecular derivatives by focusing on their neurotrophic, synaptic, myelin plasticity, anti-inflammatory and neurogenic mechanisms in the brain. We also discuss the role of receptor signaling in Epo and non-erythropoietic EPO-mimetic molecules in their procognitive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Newton
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States.,Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Monica Sathyanesan
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States.,Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
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Haider T, Diaz V, Albert J, Alvarez-Sanchez M, Thiersch M, Maggiorini M, Hilty MP, Spengler CM, Gassmann M. A Single 60.000 IU Dose of Erythropoietin Does Not Improve Short-Term Aerobic Exercise Performance in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial. Front Physiol 2020; 11:537389. [PMID: 33117187 PMCID: PMC7550763 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.537389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) boosts exercise performance through increase in oxygen transport capacity following regular administration of EPO but preclinical study results suggest that single high dose of EPO also may improve exercise capacity. Twenty-nine healthy subjects (14 males/15 females; age: 25 ± 3 years) were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study to assess peak work load and cardiopulmonary variables during submaximal and maximal cycling tests following a single dose of 60.000 IU of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) or placebo (PLA). Submaximal exercise at 40%/60% of peak work load revealed no main effect of EPO on oxygen uptake (27.9 ± 8.7 ml min–1⋅kg–1/ 37.1 ± 13.2 ml min–1⋅kg–1) versus PLA (25.2 ± 3.7 ml min–1⋅kg–1/ 33.1 ± 5.3 ml min–1⋅kg–1) condition (p = 0.447/p = 0.756). During maximal exercise peak work load (PLA: 3.5 ± 0.6 W⋅kg–1 vs. EPO: 3.5 ± 0.6 W kg–1, p = 0.892) and peak oxygen uptake (PLA: 45.1 ± 10.4 ml⋅min–1 kg–1 vs. EPO: 46.1 ± 14.2 ml⋅min–1 kg–1, p = 0.344) reached comparable values in the two treatment conditions. Other cardiopulmonary variables (ventilation, cardiac output, heart rate) also reached similar levels in the two treatment conditions. An interaction effect was found between treatment condition and sex resulting in higher peak oxygen consumption (p = 0.048) and ventilation (p = 0.044) in EPO-treated males. In conclusion, in a carefully conducted study using placebo-controlled design the present data failed to support the hypothesis that a single high dose of EPO has a measurable impact on work capacity in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Haider
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Victor Diaz
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jamie Albert
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Sport, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Alvarez-Sanchez
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Thiersch
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Maggiorini
- Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Hilty
- Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina M Spengler
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Human Movement Science and Sport, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Max Gassmann
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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Wu T, Chen C, Spagna A, Wu X, Mackie M, Russell‐Giller S, Xu P, Luo Y, Liu X, Hof PR, Fan J. The functional anatomy of cognitive control: A domain‐general brain network for uncertainty processing. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:1265-1292. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wu
- Department of Psychology, Queens CollegeThe City University of New York Queens New York
| | - Caiqi Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, School of PsychologySouth China Normal University Guangzhou China
| | - Alfredo Spagna
- Department of PsychologyColumbia University in the City of New York New York New York
| | - Xia Wu
- Faculty of PsychologyTianjin Normal University Tianjin China
| | - Melissa‐Ann Mackie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago Illinois
| | - Shira Russell‐Giller
- Department of Psychology, Queens CollegeThe City University of New York Queens New York
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Neuroscience, Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive NeuroscienceShenzhen University Shenzhen China
| | - Yue‐jia Luo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Neuroscience, Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive NeuroscienceShenzhen University Shenzhen China
| | - Xun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York
| | - Jin Fan
- Department of Psychology, Queens CollegeThe City University of New York Queens New York
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11
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Petersen JZ, Nilsson M, Rungby J, Miskowiak KW. Characteristics influencing expected cognitive performance during hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 110:104431. [PMID: 31536941 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute hypoglycaemia is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, there is limited understanding of the relationship between patients' expected cognitive difficulties and their objectively-measured deficits during non-severe hypoglycaemia. OBJECTIVE This report investigates demographic and clinical factors associated with the discrepancy between expected (i.e., self-evaluated) and measurable (i.e., neuropsychological) cognitive functions in patients with type 2 diabetes during acute non-severe hypoglycaemia. METHODS We performed an analysis of factors associated with the relationship between expected and measurable cognitive performance for data collected from a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes (N = 25). Patients attended two experimental visits during which we performed hyper-insulinaemic glucose clamping; (i) non-severe hypoglycaemic clamp (plasma glucose (PG): 3.1 ± 0.3 mmol/L) and (ii) normoglycaemic clamp (PG: 5.8 ± 0.3 mmol/L), as part of a double-blinded cross-over study. During hypoglycaemia, patients' expected cognitive performance was assessed with a visual analogue scale after which objective cognitive functions were assessed with a neuropsychological test battery. We computed a global 'cognitive discrepancy' composite variable with score values on a scale between -10 and +10 using a novel statistical formula that creates a discrepancy score between subjective and objective cognition. Positive values reflect more expected than objectively-measured difficulties, while negative values reflect disproportionately more objectively-measured than expected cognitive difficulties. We used paired samples t-tests to compare degree of cognitive discrepancy between conditions of hypo- and normoglycaemia, while multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the degree and direction of the cognitive discrepancy. The significance level for the analyses was p ≤ 0.05 (two-tailed). RESULTS Patients generally underestimated their cognitive abilities (M = 1.6, SD = 3.3) during hypoglycaemia compared to normoglycaemia (M = -1.0, SD = 3.5) (p = 0.2), t(23) = 2.9, p < 0.01. Underestimation of cognitive capacity during hypoglycaemia was more pronounced for patients with younger age (β = 0.5, p = 0.02), higher verbal IQ (β = 0.5, p = 0.03), and more hypoglycaemia-related shakiness (β = 0.4, p = 0.03). LIMITATIONS The modest sample size limits the generalizability of the findings. CONCLUSIONS Patients with type 2 diabetes underestimated their cognitive abilities during non-severe hypoglycaemic states, especially those with younger age, higher IQ, and more hypoglycaemia-related shakiness. These patients may thus have excessive preoccupations with their cognitive difficulties in relation to cognitively challenging daily life situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Z Petersen
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Dep. 6233, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, DK-1353, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - M Nilsson
- Bispebjerg University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - J Rungby
- Bispebjerg University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen, Denmark; Copenhagen Center for Translational Research, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - K W Miskowiak
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Dep. 6233, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, DK-1353, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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12
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Dmytriyeva O, Belmeguenai A, Bezin L, Soud K, Drucker Woldbye DP, Gøtzsche CR, Pankratova S. Short erythropoietin-derived peptide enhances memory, improves long-term potentiation, and counteracts amyloid beta–induced pathology. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 81:88-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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13
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Effects of recombinant human erythropoietin on cognition and neural activity in remitted patients with mood disorders and first-degree relatives of patients with psychiatric disorders: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:611. [PMID: 30400939 PMCID: PMC6220567 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2995-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bipolar disorder (BD) and unipolar disorder (UD) are associated with cognitive deficits and abnormal neural activity in a “cognitive control network.” There is an increased prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in psychiatric patients’ first-degree relatives, which constitutes a risk factor for psychiatric illness onset. However, there is no treatment with enduring pro-cognitive efficacy. We found preliminary evidence for beneficial effects of eight weekly doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) on cognition in BD in a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT). The present RCT consists of two sub-studies that extend our previous work by investigating important novel aspects: (1) the effects of 12 weekly doses of EPO on cognition in first-degree relatives of patients with BD, UD, or schizophrenia; and (2) the effects of extending the treatment schedule from 8 to 12 weeks in remitted patients with BD or UD; and (3) assessment of early treatment-associated neural activity changes that may predict cognitive improvement. Methods The trial comprises two parallel sub-studies with randomized, controlled, double-blinded, parallel group designs. First-degree relatives (sub-study 1; n = 52) and partially or fully remitted patients with BD or UD (sub-study 2; n = 52) with objectively verified cognitive dysfunction are randomized to receive weekly high-dose EPO (40,000 IU/mL) or placebo (saline) infusions for 12 weeks. Assessments of cognition and mood are conducted at baseline, after two weeks of treatment, after treatment completion, and at six-month follow-up. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is conducted at baseline and after two weeks of treatment. Psychosocial function is assessed at baseline, after treatment completion and six-month follow-up. The primary outcome is change in a cognitive composite score of attention, verbal memory, and executive functions. Statistical power of ≥ 80% is reached to detect a clinically relevant between-group difference by including 52 first-degree relatives and 52 patients with BD or UD, respectively. Behavioral data are analyzed with an intention-to-treat approach using mixed models. fMRI data are analyzed with the FMRIB Software Library. Discussion If this trial reveals pro-cognitive effects of EPO, this may influence future treatment of mood disorders and/or preventive strategies in at-risk populations. The fMRI analyses may unravel key neurobiological targets for pro-cognitive treatment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03315897. Registered on 20 October 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2995-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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14
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Miskowiak KW, Petersen NA, Harmer CJ, Ehrenreich E, Kessing LV, Vinberg M, Macoveanu J, Siebner HR. Neural correlates of improved recognition of happy faces after erythropoietin treatment in bipolar disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2018; 138:336-347. [PMID: 29882276 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bipolar disorder is associated with impairments in social cognition including the recognition of happy faces. This is accompanied by imbalanced cortico-limbic response to emotional faces. We found that EPO improved the recognition of happy faces in patients with bipolar disorder. This randomized, controlled, longitudinal fMRI study explores the neuronal underpinnings of this effect. METHOD Forty-four patients with bipolar disorder in full or partial remission were randomized to eight weekly erythropoietin (EPO; 40 000 IU) or saline (NaCl 0.9%) infusions in a double-blind, parallel-group design. Participants underwent whole-brain fMRI at 3T, mood ratings and blood tests at baseline and week 14. During fMRI, participants viewed happy and fearful faces and performed a gender discrimination task. RESULTS Thirty-four patients had complete pre- and post-treatment fMRI data (EPO: N = 18, saline: N = 16). Erythropoietin vs. saline increased right superior frontal response to happy vs. fearful faces. This correlated with improved happiness recognition in the EPO group. Erythropoietin also enhanced gender discrimination accuracy for happy faces. These effects were not influenced by medication, mood, red blood cells or blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Together with previous findings, the present observation suggests that increased dorsal prefrontal attention control is a common mechanism of EPO-associated improvements across several cognitive domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- K W Miskowiak
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N A Petersen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C J Harmer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - E Ehrenreich
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Denmark
| | - L V Kessing
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Vinberg
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Macoveanu
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H R Siebner
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Antonsen KK, Klausen MK, Brunchmann AS, le Dous N, Jensen ME, Miskowiak KW, Fisher PM, Thomsen GK, Rindom H, Fahmy TP, Vollstaedt-Klein S, Benveniste H, Volkow ND, Becker U, Ekstrøm C, Knudsen GM, Vilsbøll T, Fink-Jensen A. Does glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist stimulation reduce alcohol intake in patients with alcohol dependence: study protocol of a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019562. [PMID: 30012779 PMCID: PMC6082448 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol dependence is a major public health problem. It is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Even when treated, more than 2/3 of patients in abstinence-oriented treatment will relapse within the first year. Thus, there is an urgent need for efficacious medical treatment of alcohol dependence. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor stimulation has proven to reduce alcohol consumption in preclinical experiments. However, the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists in humans has to our knowledge, not yet been investigated. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Design, participants and intervention: The effect of the once-weekly GLP-1-receptor-agonist exenatide will be investigated in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial. 114 outpatients will be recruited and randomised to treatment with either placebo or exenatide once weekly for 26 weeks as a supplement to cognitive-behavioural therapy. The primary endpoint is reduction in number of 'heavy drinking days'. The secondary endpoints include changes in total alcohol consumption, days without consumption, changes in brain activity and function, smoking status, cognition, measures of quality of life and changes in phosphatidylethanol as a biomarker of alcohol consumption from baseline to follow-up at week 26. Status: Currently recruiting patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained. Before screening, all patients will be provided oral and written information about the trial. The study results will be disseminated by peer-review publications and conference presentations and has the potential to reveal a completely new medical treatment of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin K Antonsen
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette K Klausen
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amanda S Brunchmann
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina le Dous
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mathias E Jensen
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick M Fisher
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gerda K Thomsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Rindom
- The Novavì Outpatient Clinics Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas P Fahmy
- The Novavì Outpatient Clinics Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sabine Vollstaedt-Klein
- Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim/Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Helene Benveniste
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ulrik Becker
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Claus Ekstrøm
- Department of Public Health, Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte Moos Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Vilsbøll
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Anders Fink-Jensen
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Carbamoylated erythropoietin modulates cognitive outcomes of social defeat and differentially regulates gene expression in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:113. [PMID: 29884778 PMCID: PMC5993867 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are widespread in psychiatric disorders and frequently as debilitating as the affective component. Widely prescribed antidepressants for treating depressive disorders have limited efficacy in normalizing cognitive function. Erythropoietin (Epo) has been shown to improve cognitive function in schizophrenia and treatment resistant depressed patients. However, the potent elevation of red blood cell counts by Epo can cause hematological complications in non-anemic patients. We investigated a chemically engineered, posttranslational modification of Epo, carbamoylation, which renders it non-erythropoietic. We conducted mass-spectrometry-based peptide mapping of carbamoylated Epo (Cepo) and tested its ability to improve cognitive function after social defeat stress. Gene expression analysis in discrete brain regions was performed to obtain mechanistic insight of Cepo action. Cepo reversed stress-induced spatial working memory deficits while affecting long-term (24 h) novel object recognition in these rats. Contextual fear conditioning following defeat was enhanced by Cepo, but attenuated in controls. However, Cepo improved fear extinction in all rats compared to vehicle treatment. Cepo induced differential gene expression of BDNF, VGF, Arc, TH. and neuritin in the mPFC and discrete hippocampal subfields, with strongest induction in the dorsal hippocampus. Analysis of gene-brain region-behavior interactions showed that Cepo-induced neurotrophic mechanisms influence cognitive function. Carbamoylated erythropoietin can be developed as a therapeutic neurotrophic agent to treat cognitive dysfunction in neuropsychiatric diseases. Due to its distinct mechanism of action, it is unlikely to cross react with the activity of currently prescribed small molecule drugs and can be used as an add-on biologic drug.
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17
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Schmidt LS, Petersen JZ, Vinberg M, Hageman I, Olsen NV, Kessing LV, Jørgensen MB, Miskowiak KW. Erythropoietin as an add-on treatment for cognitive side effects of electroconvulsive therapy: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:234. [PMID: 29673379 PMCID: PMC5909268 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2627-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for severe depression, but its use is impeded by its cognitive side effects. Novel treatments that can counteract these side effects may therefore improve current treatment strategies for depression. The present randomized trial investigates (1) whether short-term add-on treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) can reduce the cognitive side -effects of ECT and (2) whether such effects are long-lasting. Further, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be used to explore the neural underpinnings of such beneficial effects of EPO. Finally, the trial examines whether potential protective effects of EPO on cognition are accompanied by changes in markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroplasticity. Methods/design The trial has a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group design. Patients with unipolar or bipolar disorder with current moderate to severe depression referred to ECT (N = 52) are randomized to receive four high-dose infusions of EPO (40,000 IU/ml) or placebo (saline). The first EPO/saline infusion is administered within 24 h before the first ECT. The following three infusions are administered at weekly intervals immediately after ECT sessions 1, 4, and 7. Cognition assessments are conducted at baseline, after the final EPO/saline infusion (3 days after eight ECT sessions), and at a 3 months follow-up after ECT treatment completion. The neuronal substrates for potential cognitive benefits of EPO are investigated with structural and functional MRI after the final EPO/saline infusion. The primary outcome is change from baseline to after EPO treatment (3 days after eight ECT sessions) in a cognitive composite score spanning attention, psychomotor speed, and executive functions. With a sample size of N = 52 (n = 26 per group), we have ≥ 80% power to detect a clinically relevant between-group difference in the primary outcome measure at an alpha level of 5% (two-sided test). Behavioral, mood, and blood-biomarker data will be analyzed using repeated measures analysis of covariance. Functional MRI data will be preprocessed and analyzed using the FMRIB Software Library. Discussion If EPO is found to reduce the cognitive side effects of ECT, this could have important implications for future treatment strategies for depression and for the scientific understanding of the neurobiological etiology of cognitive dysfunction in patients treated with ECT. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03339596. Registered on 10 November 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2627-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lejla Sjanic Schmidt
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorder (NEAD) Group, Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center, Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeff Zarp Petersen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, DK-1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maj Vinberg
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Hageman
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Vidiendal Olsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Neuroanaesthesia, The Neuroscience Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Vedel Kessing
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Balslev Jørgensen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, DK-1353, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorder (NEAD) Group, Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center, Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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18
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Ostrowski D, Heinrich R. Alternative Erythropoietin Receptors in the Nervous System. J Clin Med 2018; 7:E24. [PMID: 29393890 PMCID: PMC5852440 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its regulatory function in the formation of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) in vertebrates, Erythropoietin (Epo) contributes to beneficial functions in a variety of non-hematopoietic tissues including the nervous system. Epo protects cells from apoptosis, reduces inflammatory responses and supports re-establishment of compromised functions by stimulating proliferation, migration and differentiation to compensate for lost or injured cells. Similar neuroprotective and regenerative functions of Epo have been described in the nervous systems of both vertebrates and invertebrates, indicating that tissue-protective Epo-like signaling has evolved prior to its erythropoietic function in the vertebrate lineage. Epo mediates its erythropoietic function through a homodimeric Epo receptor (EpoR) that is also widely expressed in the nervous system. However, identification of neuroprotective but non-erythropoietic Epo splice variants and Epo derivatives indicated the existence of other types of Epo receptors. In this review, we summarize evidence for potential Epo receptors that might mediate Epo's tissue-protective function in non-hematopoietic tissue, with focus on the nervous system. In particular, besides EpoR, we discuss three other potential neuroprotective Epo receptors: (1) a heteroreceptor consisting of EpoR and common beta receptor (βcR), (2) the Ephrin (Eph) B4 receptor and (3) the human orphan cytokine receptor-like factor 3 (CRLF3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ostrowski
- Department of Biology, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA.
| | - Ralf Heinrich
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany.
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Sgrò P, Sansone M, Sansone A, Romanelli F, Di Luigi L. Effects of erythropoietin abuse on exercise performance. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2018; 46:105-115. [PMID: 29113535 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2018.1402663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The present review provides a comprehensive overview on the erythropoietic and non-erythropoietic effects of rHuEpo on human sport performance, paying attention to quantifying numerically how rHuEpo affects exercise performance and describing physiological changes regarding the most important exercise variables. Much attention has been paid to treatment schedules, in particular, to assess the effects of microdoses of rHuEpo and the prolonged effects on sport performance following withdrawal. Moreover, the review takes into account non-erythropoietic ergogenic effects of rHuEpo, including cognitive benefits of rHuEpo. A significant increase in both Vo2max and maximal cycling power was evidenced in studies taken into account for this review. rHuEpo, administered at clinical dosage, may have significant effects on haematological values, maximal and submaximal physiological variables, whereas few reports show positive effects on exercise perfomance. However, the influence of micro-dose rHuEpo on endurance performance in athletes is still unclear and further studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Sgrò
- a Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology , Università degli Studi di Roma "Foro Italico" Piazza Lauro de Bosis , Rome , Italy
| | - Massimiliano Sansone
- b Department of Experimental Medicine , "Sapienza" Università di Roma , Rome , Italy
| | - Andrea Sansone
- b Department of Experimental Medicine , "Sapienza" Università di Roma , Rome , Italy
| | - Francesco Romanelli
- b Department of Experimental Medicine , "Sapienza" Università di Roma , Rome , Italy
| | - Luigi Di Luigi
- a Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology , Università degli Studi di Roma "Foro Italico" Piazza Lauro de Bosis , Rome , Italy
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Miskowiak KW, Burdick KE, Martinez‐Aran A, Bonnin CM, Bowie CR, Carvalho AF, Gallagher P, Lafer B, López‐Jaramillo C, Sumiyoshi T, McIntyre RS, Schaffer A, Porter RJ, Torres IJ, Yatham LN, Young AH, Kessing LV, Vieta E. Methodological recommendations for cognition trials in bipolar disorder by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Targeting Cognition Task Force. Bipolar Disord 2017; 19:614-626. [PMID: 28895274 PMCID: PMC6282834 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To aid the development of treatment for cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder, the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) convened a task force to create a consensus-based guidance paper for the methodology and design of cognition trials in bipolar disorder. METHODS The task force was launched in September 2016, consisting of 18 international experts from nine countries. A series of methodological issues were identified based on literature review and expert opinion. The issues were discussed and expanded upon in an initial face-to-face meeting, telephone conference call and email exchanges. Based upon these exchanges, recommendations were achieved. RESULTS Key methodological challenges are: lack of consensus on how to screen for entry into cognitive treatment trials, define cognitive impairment, track efficacy, assess functional implications, and manage mood symptoms and concomitant medication. Task force recommendations are to: (i) enrich trials with objectively measured cognitively impaired patients; (ii) generally select a broad cognitive composite score as the primary outcome and a functional measure as a key secondary outcome; and (iii) include remitted or partly remitted patients. It is strongly encouraged that trials exclude patients with current substance or alcohol use disorders, neurological disease or unstable medical illness, and keep non-study medications stable. Additional methodological considerations include neuroimaging assessments, targeting of treatments to illness stage and using a multimodal approach. CONCLUSIONS This ISBD task force guidance paper provides the first consensus-based recommendations for cognition trials in bipolar disorder. Adherence to these recommendations will likely improve the sensitivity in detecting treatment efficacy in future trials and increase comparability between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- KW Miskowiak
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research CentrePsychiatric Centre CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - KE Burdick
- Department of PsychiatryBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - A Martinez‐Aran
- Clinical Institute of NeuroscienceHospital ClinicUniversity of BarcelonaIDIBAPSCIBERSAMBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | - CM Bonnin
- Clinical Institute of NeuroscienceHospital ClinicUniversity of BarcelonaIDIBAPSCIBERSAMBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | - CR Bowie
- Department of PsychologyQueen's UniversityKingstonCanada
| | - AF Carvalho
- Department of Clinical MedicineFederal University of CearáFortalezaBrazil
| | - P Gallagher
- Institute of NeuroscienceNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - B Lafer
- Bipolar Disorder Research ProgramInstitute of PsychiatryUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
| | - C López‐Jaramillo
- Research Group in PsychiatryDepartment of PsychiatryUniversidad de AntioquiaMedellínColombia
| | - T Sumiyoshi
- Department of Clinical EpidemiologyNational Center of Neurology and PsychiatryTokyoJapan
| | - RS McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - A Schaffer
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - RJ Porter
- Department of Psychological MedicineUniversity of OtagoChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - IJ Torres
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - LN Yatham
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - AH Young
- Department of Psychological MedicineInstitute of PsychiatryPsychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - LV Kessing
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research CentrePsychiatric Centre CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - E Vieta
- Clinical Institute of NeuroscienceHospital ClinicUniversity of BarcelonaIDIBAPSCIBERSAMBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
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21
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Kim SB, Kim JS, Kim SJ, Cho SH, Suh DC. Altitude Stress During Participation of Medical Congress. Neurointervention 2016; 11:73-7. [PMID: 27621942 PMCID: PMC5018551 DOI: 10.5469/neuroint.2016.11.2.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical congresses often held in highlands. We reviewed several medical issues associated with altitude stress especially while physicians have participated medical congress held in high altitude. Altitude stress, also known as an acute mountain sickness (AMS), is caused by acute exposure to low oxygen level at high altitude which is defined as elevations at or above 1,200 m and AMS commonly occurs above 2,500 m. Altitude stress with various symptoms including insomnia can also be experienced in airplane. AMS and drunken state share many common features in symptoms, neurologic manifestations and even show multiple microbleeds in corpus callosum and white matter on MRI. Children are more susceptible to altitude stress than adults. Gradual ascent is the best method for the prevention of altitude stress. Adequate nutrition (mainly carbohydrates) and hydration are recommended. Consumption of alcohol can exacerbate the altitude-induced impairments in judgment and the visual senses and promote psychomotor dysfunction. For prevention or treatment of altitude stress, acetazolamide, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, dexamethasone and erythropoietin are helpful. Altitude stress can be experienced relatively often during participation of medical congress. It is necessary to remind the harmful effect of AMS because it can cause serious permanent organ damage even though the symptoms are negligible in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Bae Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Sung Kim
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Jun Kim
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Hee Cho
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Chul Suh
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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22
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Miskowiak KW, Vinberg M, Glerup L, Paulson OB, Knudsen GM, Ehrenreich H, Harmer CJ, Kessing LV, Siebner HR, Macoveanu J. Neural correlates of improved executive function following erythropoietin treatment in mood disorders. Psychol Med 2016; 46:1679-1691. [PMID: 26996196 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716000209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive dysfunction in depression and bipolar disorder (BD) is insufficiently targeted by available treatments. Erythropoietin (EPO) increases neuroplasticity and may improve cognition in mood disorders, but the neuronal mechanisms of these effects are unknown. This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated the effects of EPO on neural circuitry activity during working memory (WM) performance. METHOD Patients with treatment-resistant major depression, who were moderately depressed, or with BD in partial remission, were randomized to eight weekly infusions of EPO (40 000 IU) (N = 30) or saline (N = 26) in a double-blind, parallel-group design. Patients underwent fMRI, mood ratings and blood tests at baseline and week 14. During fMRI patients performed an n-back WM task. RESULTS EPO improved WM accuracy compared with saline (p = 0.045). Whole-brain analyses revealed that EPO increased WM load-related activity in the right superior frontal gyrus (SFG) compared with saline (p = 0.01). There was also enhanced WM load-related deactivation of the left hippocampus in EPO-treated compared to saline-treated patients (p = 0.03). Across the entire sample, baseline to follow-up changes in WM performance correlated positively with changes in WM-related SFG activity and negatively with hippocampal response (r = 0.28-0.30, p < 0.05). The effects of EPO were not associated with changes in mood or red blood cells (p ⩾0.08). CONCLUSIONS The present findings associate changes in WM-load related activity in the right SFG and left hippocampus with improved executive function in EPO-treated patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00916552.
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Affiliation(s)
- K W Miskowiak
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen,Copenhagen University Hospital,Rigshospitalet,Copenhagen,Denmark
| | - M Vinberg
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen,Copenhagen University Hospital,Rigshospitalet,Copenhagen,Denmark
| | - L Glerup
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen,Copenhagen University Hospital,Rigshospitalet,Copenhagen,Denmark
| | - O B Paulson
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR),Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research,Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen,Copenhagen,Denmark
| | - G M Knudsen
- Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging,Rigshospitalet,Copenhagen,Denmark
| | - H Ehrenreich
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience,Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine,Göttingen,Germany
| | - C J Harmer
- Department of Psychiatry,University of Oxford,Oxford,UK
| | - L V Kessing
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen,Copenhagen University Hospital,Rigshospitalet,Copenhagen,Denmark
| | - H R Siebner
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR),Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research,Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen,Copenhagen,Denmark
| | - J Macoveanu
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen,Copenhagen University Hospital,Rigshospitalet,Copenhagen,Denmark
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23
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder (MDD) encompasses several domains, including but not limited to executive function, verbal memory, and attention. Furthermore, cognitive dysfunction is a frequent residual manifestation in depression and may persist during the remitted phase. Cognitive deficits may also impede functional recovery, including workforce performance, in patients with MDD. The overarching aims of this opinion article are to critically evaluate the effects of available antidepressants as well as novel therapeutic targets on neurocognitive dysfunction in MDD. DISCUSSION Conventional antidepressant drugs mitigate cognitive dysfunction in some people with MDD. However, a significant proportion of MDD patients continue to experience significant cognitive impairment. Two multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported that vortioxetine, a multimodal antidepressant, has significant precognitive effects in MDD unrelated to mood improvement. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate was shown to alleviate executive dysfunction in an RCT of adults after full or partial remission of MDD. Preliminary evidence also indicates that erythropoietin may alleviate cognitive dysfunction in MDD. Several other novel agents may be repurposed as cognitive enhancers for MDD treatment, including minocycline, insulin, antidiabetic agents, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, S-adenosyl methionine, acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, melatonin, modafinil, galantamine, scopolamine, N-acetylcysteine, curcumin, statins, and coenzyme Q10. The management of cognitive dysfunction remains an unmet need in the treatment of MDD. However, it is hoped that the development of novel therapeutic targets will contribute to 'cognitive remission', which may aid functional recovery in MDD.
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24
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Wüstefeld L, Winkler D, Janc OA, Hassouna I, Ronnenberg A, Ostmeier K, Müller M, Brose N, Ehrenreich H, Wojcik SM. Selective expression of a constitutively active erythropoietin receptor in GABAergic neurons alters hippocampal network properties without affecting cognition. J Neurochem 2016; 136:698-705. [PMID: 26613978 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) improves cognition in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders as well as in healthy mice, and that transgenic expression of a constitutively active form of the EPO receptor (cEPOR) in glutamatergic neurons boosts higher cognitive functions in mice. In the present work, we examined whether selective activation of EPOR signaling in GABAergic neurons would also modulate cognitive performance. We generated transgenic mice that express cEPOR under the control of the vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter (Viaat) promoter and subjected them to comprehensive behavioral, cognitive, and electrophysiological analyses. We demonstrate that transgenic expression of cEPOR in GABAergic neurons alters hippocampal gamma-oscillations and enhances long-term potentiation but neither impairs nor improves cognition. To conclude, constitutively active EPOR in GABAergic neurons changes hippocampal network properties without affecting cognition, which suggests that the effect of EPO on cognition is dominated by its effect on the glutamatergic system. Treatment with EPO improves cognitive performance. We previously demonstrated that this effect is replicated by constitutive autoactivation of cEPOR in glutamatergic neurons. By contrast, cEPOR in GABAergic neurons changes hippocampal network properties but neither impairs nor enhances cognition. Thus, EPO modulates neuronal plasticity, and the cognitive benefits may be mainly attributable to its effect on the glutamatergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liane Wüstefeld
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniela Winkler
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,DFG Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliwia A Janc
- Department of Neurophysiology and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Imam Hassouna
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Physiology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Anja Ronnenberg
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katrin Ostmeier
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Müller
- DFG Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurophysiology and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nils Brose
- DFG Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hannelore Ehrenreich
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,DFG Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sonja M Wojcik
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
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25
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Miskowiak KW, Vinberg M, Christensen EM, Bukh JD, Harmer CJ, Ehrenreich H, Kessing LV. Recombinant human erythropoietin for treating treatment-resistant depression: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:1399-408. [PMID: 24322509 PMCID: PMC3988543 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological treatments for depression have insufficient efficacy in 30-40% of patients and fail to reverse cognitive deficits. Erythropoietin (EPO) has neurotrophic actions and aids neurocognitive function. The aim of this exploratory study was to determine whether recombinant human EPO improves mood and memory in treatment-resistant depression. Forty treatment-resistant depressed unipolar patients with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) score ≥ 17 were randomized to eight weekly EPO (Eprex; 40,000 IU) or saline infusions in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design. Patients were assessed at baseline and at weeks 5, 9, and 14. Primary outcome was reduction in HDRS-17 score. Global assessment of function (GAF) was reported in addition. Secondary outcome was remission rate, and tertiary outcomes were changes in Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Beck Depression Inventory-21 (BDI-21), and World Health Organization Quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Exploratory outcomes were depression and cognition composite scores. HDRS-17, GAF, and remission rates showed no effects of EPO over saline at week 9 (P-value ≥ 0.09). However, EPO improved BDI (P=0.02) and WHOQOL-BREF (P=0.01), and this was maintained at follow-up week 14 (P-values ≤ 0.04). EPO enhanced verbal recall (P=0.02) and recognition (P=0.03), which was sustained at follow-up (P-values ≤ 0.04). Exploratory analysis in patients fulfilling depression severity criteria at trial start revealed ameliorated HDRS-17 in EPO (N=14) vs saline groups (N=17), which was sustained at week 14 (P-values ≤ 0.05). Exploratory analysis in the complete cohort showed that EPO reduced depression composite at weeks 9 and 14 (P-values=0.02). The findings of this exploratory study highlight EPO as an interesting compound for treatment-resistant depression, which deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla W Miskowiak
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark,Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark, Tel: +45 3864 7087, Fax: +45 3864 7077,E-mail:
| | - Maj Vinberg
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ellen M Christensen
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens D Bukh
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Hannelore Ehrenreich
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lars V Kessing
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Heo K, Kang JK, Choi CM, Lee MS, Noh KW, Kim SB. Prophylactic effect of erythropoietin injection to prevent acute mountain sickness: an open-label randomized controlled trial. J Korean Med Sci 2014; 29:416-22. [PMID: 24616593 PMCID: PMC3945139 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.3.416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to evaluate whether increasing hemoglobin before ascent by prophylactic erythropoietin injections prevents acute mountain sickness (AMS). This open-label, randomized, controlled trial involved 39 healthy volunteers with hemoglobin ≤ 15.5 g/dL who were divided randomly into erythropoietin (n=20) and control (n=19) groups. Epoetin alpha 10,000 IU injections were given weekly for four consecutive weeks. On day 1, and 7 days after the last injection (day 29), oxygen saturation (SaO2), and hemoglobin were measured. The subjects departed Seoul on day 30 and arrived at Annapurna base camp (ABC, 4,130 m) on day 34. AMS was diagnosed when headache and Lake Louise score (LLS) of ≥ 3 were present. Immediate descent criteria followed US Army recommendations. Two groups differ in hemoglobin levels on day 29 (15.4 ± 1.1 vs 14.2 ± 1.0 g/dL, P=0.001). At ABC, erythropoietin group had a significantly lower mean LLS, AMS incidence, and number of subjects who met immediate descent criteria. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that SaO2<87% and control group, but not hemoglobin<15.0 g/dL, independently predicted satisfaction of immediate descent criteria. Erythropoietin-related adverse effects were not observed. In conclusion, erythropoietin may be an effective prophylaxis for AMS.(Clinical Trial Registry Number; NCT 01665781).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Heo
- Department of Neurology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joong Koo Kang
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Min Choi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moo Song Lee
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Woo Noh
- Division of Nephrology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon Bae Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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27
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Jang W, Park J, Shin KJ, Kim JS, Kim JS, Youn J, Cho JW, Oh E, Ahn JY, Oh KW, Kim HT. Safety and efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol Sci 2013; 337:47-54. [PMID: 24289887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous animal studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that erythropoietin (EPO) has therapeutic effects in ischemic and degenerative diseases. However, few clinical trials have investigated the effect of EPO in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This study was an exploratory pilot study to investigate the effects of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) on motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS) in PD patients. METHODS A total of 26 PD patients at the Hanyang University Hospital were enrolled in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to rhEPO and placebo groups. The rhEPO group was infused intravenously (40,000 IU each) twice a week for 5 weeks. Clinical improvement was estimated using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III (UPDRS-III), the NMS Scale (NMSS) and the 39-Item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). [(18)F] N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2β-carbon ethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane (FP-CIT) photon emission tomography (PET) scanning was performed on each participant at baseline and again after 12 months. RESULTS The rhEPO administration significantly improved the NMSS and PDQ-39 scores at 12 months. The UPDRS-III, which reflects motor function, did not change significantly after the rhEPO treatment. With the NMSS, the domains of cardiovascular autonomic function, sleep/fatigue, mood/cognition and attention/memory showed significant changes. None of the participants experienced any serious adverse effects. DISCUSSION We found that rhEPO had beneficial effects on NMS but not on motor function. Dopaminergic refractory NMS, such as cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and cognition, showed improvement after the administration of rhEPO. Our results suggest that rhEPO might be a good candidate for the treatment of NMS in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wooyoung Jang
- Department of Neurology, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Republic of Korea; Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinse Park
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Jin Shin
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong-Seok Kim
- Department of Neurology, The Catholic University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Youn
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Whan Cho
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eungseok Oh
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Ahn
- Department of Neurology, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Wook Oh
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Tae Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Kristensen PL, Pedersen-Bjergaard U, Kjær TW, Olsen NV, Dela F, Holst JJ, Faber J, Tarnow L, Thorsteinsson B. Influence of erythropoietin on cognitive performance during experimental hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a randomized cross-over trial. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59672. [PMID: 23577069 PMCID: PMC3618268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The incidence of severe hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes has not decreased over the past decades. New treatment modalities minimizing the risk of hypoglycemic episodes and attenuating hypoglycemic cognitive dysfunction are needed. We studied if treatment with the neuroprotective hormone erythropoietin (EPO) enhances cognitive function during hypoglycemia. Materials and Methods Eleven patients with type 1 diabetes, hypoglycemia unawareness and recurrent severe hypoglycemia completed the study. In a double-blind, randomized, balanced, cross-over study using clamped hypoglycemia they were treated with 40,000 IU of EPO or placebo administered intravenously six days before the two experiments. Cognitive function (primary endpoint), hypoglycemic symptoms, and counter-regulatory hormonal response were recorded. Results Compared with placebo, EPO treatment was associated with a significant reduction in errors in the most complex reaction time task (−4.7 (−8.1 to −1.3), p = 0.01) and a less reaction time prolongation (−66 (−117 to −16) msec, p = 0.02). EPO treatment did not change performance in other measures of cognition. Hypoglycemic symptoms, EEG-changes, and counter-regulatory hormone concentrations did not differ between EPO and placebo treatment. Conclusion In patients with type 1 diabetes and hypoglycemia unawareness, treatment with EPO is associated with a beneficial effect on cognitive function in a complex reaction time task assessing sustained attention/working memory. Hypoglycemic symptoms and hormonal responses were not changed by EPO treatment. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00615368
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lommer Kristensen
- Endocrinology Section, Department of Cardiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology, Hillerød Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark.
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Duman CH, Newton SS. Evaluating effects of EPO in rodent behavioral assays related to depression. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 982:127-40. [PMID: 23456866 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-308-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The cytokine erythropoietin (EPO) is an important regulator of hematopoesis and has well-known tissue protective properties. Neurotrophic action is implicated as mechanistically important in the treatment of depression, and neurotrophic actions of EPO suggest potential therapeutic utility of an EPO-like mechanism in depressive disorder. Rodent behavioral models that are responsive to clinically used antidepressants as well as to neurotrophic compounds can be used to assess potential antidepressant properties of EPO and EPO-like compounds. Rodent models described here are the forced-swim test (FST), a hyponeophagia test and the novel object recognition test. Each of these models provides different information and relevance to depression and each can be tested with EPO and similar compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharine H Duman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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30
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Robertson CS, Garcia R, Gaddam SSK, Grill RJ, Cerami Hand C, Tian TS, Hannay HJ. Treatment of mild traumatic brain injury with an erythropoietin-mimetic peptide. J Neurotrauma 2012; 30:765-74. [PMID: 22827443 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2012.2431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) results in an estimated 75-90% of the 1.7 million TBI-related emergency room visits each year. Post-concussion symptoms, which can include impaired memory problems, may persist for prolonged periods of time in a fraction of these cases. The purpose of this study was to determine if an erythropoietin-mimetic peptide, pyroglutamate helix B surface peptide (pHBSP), would improve neurological outcomes following mTBI. Sixty-four rats were randomly assigned to pHBSP or control (inactive peptide) 30 μg/kg IP every 12 h for 3 days, starting at either 1 hour (early treatment) or 24 h (delayed treatment), after mTBI (cortical impact injury 3 m/sec, 2.5 mm deformation). Treatment with pHBSP resulted in significantly improved performance on the Morris water maze task. Rats that received pHBSP required 22.3±1.3 sec to find the platform, compared to 26.3±1.3 sec in control rats (p=0.022). The rats that received pHBSP also traveled a significantly shorter distance to get to the platform, 5.0±0.3 meters, compared to 6.1±0.3 meters in control rats (p=0.019). Motor tasks were only transiently impaired in this mTBI model, and no treatment effect on motor performance was observed with pHBSP. Despite the minimal tissue injury with this mTBI model, there was significant activation of inflammatory cells identified by labeling with CD68, which was reduced in the pHBSP-treated animals. The results suggest that pHBSP may improve cognitive function following mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia S Robertson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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31
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Simonsen LO, Harbak H, Bennekou P. Cobalt metabolism and toxicology--a brief update. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 432:210-5. [PMID: 22732165 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 05/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cobalt metabolism and toxicology are summarized. The biological functions of cobalt are updated in the light of recent understanding of cobalt interference with the sensing in almost all animal cells of oxygen deficiency (hypoxia). Cobalt (Co(2+)) stabilizes the transcriptional activator hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and thus mimics hypoxia and stimulates erythropoietin (Epo) production, but probably also by the same mechanism induces a coordinated up-regulation of a number of adaptive responses to hypoxia, many with potential carcinogenic effects. This means on the other hand that cobalt (Co(2+)) also may have beneficial effects under conditions of tissue hypoxia, and possibly can represent an alternative to hypoxic preconditioning. Cobalt is acutely toxic in larger doses, and in mammalian in vitro test systems cobalt ions and cobalt metal are cytotoxic and induce apoptosis and at higher concentrations necrosis with inflammatory response. Cobalt metal and salts are also genotoxic, mainly caused by oxidative DNA damage by reactive oxygen species, perhaps combined with inhibition of DNA repair. Of note, the evidence for carcinogenicity of cobalt metal and cobalt sulfate is considered sufficient in experimental animals, but is as yet considered inadequate in humans. Interestingly, some of the toxic effects of cobalt (Co(2+)) have recently been proposed to be due to putative inhibition of Ca(2+) entry and Ca(2+)-signaling and competition with Ca(2+) for intracellular Ca(2+)-binding proteins. The tissue partitioning of cobalt (Co(2+)) and its time-dependence after administration of a single dose have been studied in man, but mainly in laboratory animals. Cobalt is accumulated primarily in liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart, with the relative content in skeleton and skeletal muscle increasing with time after cobalt administration. In man the renal excretion is initially rapid but decreasing over the first days, followed by a second, slow phase lasting several weeks, and with a significant long-term retention in tissues for several years. In serum cobalt (Co(2+)) binds to albumin, and the concentration of free, ionized Co(2+) is estimated at 5-12% of the total cobalt concentration. In human red cells the membrane transport pathway for cobalt (Co(2+)) uptake appears to be shared with calcium (Ca(2+)), but with the uptake being essentially irreversible as cobalt is effectively bound in the cytosol and is not itself extruded by the Ca-pump. It is tempting to speculate that this could perhaps also be the case in other animal cells. If this were actually the case, the tissue partitioning and biokinetics of cobalt in cells and tissues would be closely related to the uptake of calcium, with cobalt partitioning primarily into tissues with a high calcium turn-over, and with cobalt accumulation and retention in tissues with a slow turn-over of the cells. The occupational cobalt exposure, e.g. in cobalt processing plants and hard-metal industry is well known and has probably been somewhat reduced in more recent years due to improved work place hygiene. Of note, however, adverse reactions to heart and lung have recently been demonstrated following cobalt exposure near or slightly under the current occupational exposure limit. Over the last decades the use of cobalt-chromium hard-metal alloys in orthopedic joint replacements, in particular in metal-on-metal bearings in hip joint arthroplasty, has created an entirely new source of internal cobalt exposure. Corrosion and wear produce soluble metal ions and metal debris in the form of huge numbers of wear particles in nanometric size, with systemic dissemination through lymph and systemic vascular system. This may cause adverse local reactions in peri-prosthetic soft-tissues, and in addition systemic toxicity. Of note, the metal nanoparticles have been demonstrated to be clearly more toxic than larger, micrometer-sized particles, and this has made the concept of nanotoxicology a crucial, new discipline. As another new potential source of cobalt exposure, suspicion has been raised that cobalt salts may be misused by athletes as an attractive alternative to Epo doping for enhancing aerobic performance. The cobalt toxicity in vitro seems to reside mainly with ionized cobalt. It is tempting to speculate that ionized cobalt is also the primary toxic form for systemic toxicity in vivo. Under this assumption, the relevant parameter for risk assessment would be the time-averaged value for systemic cobalt ion exposure that from a theoretical point of view might be obtained by measuring the cobalt content in red cells, since their cobalt uptake reflects uptake only of free ionized cobalt (Co(2+)), and since the uptake during their 120 days life span is practically irreversible. This clearly calls for future clinical studies in exposed individuals with a systematic comparison of concurrent measurements of cobalt concentration in red cells and in serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Ole Simonsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, August Krogh Building, 13 Universitetsparken, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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Erythropoietin: a candidate treatment for mood symptoms and memory dysfunction in depression. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 219:687-98. [PMID: 21947319 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2511-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current pharmacological treatments for depression have a significant treatment-onset-response delay, an insufficient efficacy for many patients and fail to reverse cognitive dysfunction. Erythropoietin (EPO) has neuroprotective and neurotrophic actions and improves cognitive function in animal models of acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions and in patients with cognitive decline. METHODS We systematically reviewed the published findings from animal and human studies exploring the potential of EPO to treat depression-related cognitive dysfunction and depression. RESULTS We identified five animal studies (two in male rats, two in male mice and one in male rats and mice) and seven human proof-of-concept studies (five in healthy volunteers and two in depressed patients) that investigated the above. All of the reviewed animal studies but one and all human studies demonstrated beneficial effects of EPO on hippocampus-dependent memory and antidepressant-like effects. These effects appear to be mediated through direct neurobiological actions of EPO rather than upregulation of red cell mass. CONCLUSIONS The reviewed studies demonstrate beneficial effects of EPO on hippocampus-dependent memory function and on depression-relevant behavior, thus highlighting EPO as a candidate agent for future management of cognitive dysfunction and mood symptoms in depression. Larger-scale clinical trials of EPO as a treatment for mood and neurocognitive symptoms in patients with mood disorder are therefore warranted.
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Seeger N, Zellinger C, Rode A, Roloff F, Bicker G, Russmann V, Fischborn S, Wendt H, Potschka H. The erythropoietin-derived peptide mimetic pHBSP affects cellular and cognitive consequences in a rat post-status epilepticus model. Epilepsia 2011; 52:2333-43. [PMID: 22050420 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.03302.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The selection of a minimal active sequence of erythropoietin allowed the design of peptide mimetics that exert beneficial effects in the central nervous system but lack an erythropoietic effect. Erythropoietin has been suggested as a promising therapeutic and prophylactic for epilepsies based on its neuroprotective, neuroregenerative, and antiinflammatory potency. Therefore, it is of particular interest to evaluate whether the nonerythropoietic erythropoietin-derived peptide pHBSP can affect epileptogenesis. METHODS In a post-status epilepticus model in rats, we determined the effects of pHBSP and of recombinant human erythropoietin with short-term administration following status epilepticus. KEY FINDINGS Both pHBSP and erythropoietin further enhanced the status epilepticus-associated increase in hippocampal cell proliferation. Thereby, pHBSP seemed to promote neuronal differentiation and survival resulting in a significant increase in neurogenesis. Neither pHBSP nor erythropoietin affected the number of animals exhibiting spontaneous recurrent seizures as well as the seizure frequency in the chronic phase. In the Morris water maze, pHBSP attenuated cognitive deficits in epileptic animals. SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, the helix B-derived erythropoietin peptide pHBSP can modulate the cellular and cognitive consequences of a status epilepticus. The impact of pHBSP on spatial learning might indicate that the peptide allows beneficial effects on epileptogenesis-associated cognitive deficits. However, it needs to be considered that learning deficits were not abolished by pHBSP and that the effects were not observed consistently until the end of the study. Therefore, adjustment of timing, duration, and dose of peptide administration might be necessary to further evaluate the efficacy of pHBSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Seeger
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Pierce K. Early functional brain development in autism and the promise of sleep fMRI. Brain Res 2011; 1380:162-74. [PMID: 20869953 PMCID: PMC3050065 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 09/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a powerful tool for examining brain function but has yet to be systematically applied to the study of brain development in autism. Recently, however, scientists have begun to apply fMRI during natural sleep as a mechanism to study function in the developing brain. When considering the study of autism, this method opens considerable doors because it eliminates biases of past studies which only sampled from high-functioning, older populations. This paper describes the application of sleep fMRI as a way to study both extrinsic and intrinsic brain functions in autism between 12 and 36 months. Preliminary studies that use sleep fMRI method show that defects in the superior temporal gyrus (STG) in response to language are early emerging in autism and can be found in as young as 14 months in age. As such indices of abnormal early development of the STG may prove useful in the search for a biomarker of autism detectable during the infancy period. From a theoretical standpoint, examining sleep fMRI studies in autism gains some clarity when placed in context of the more established literature on structural brain development of autism which suggests that autism involves early brain overgrowth. Studies of plasticity in autism have yet to be done, but it is likely that the window of opportunity for altering the course of brain development in autism begins within the first year of life. The ability to do so relies on improving and streamlining early identification and thus early treatment efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Pierce
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Goetghebeur PJD, Lerdrup L, Sylvest A, Dias R. Erythropoietin reverses the attentional set-shifting impairment in a rodent schizophrenia disease-like model. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2010; 212:635-42. [PMID: 20734030 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-1990-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Executive function impairment, as classically assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sort Test or intradimensional/extradimensional tests, is a key feature of schizophrenia but remains inadequately treated by existing therapies. Recently, however, erythropoietin has been shown to improve attentional set-shifting performance in schizophrenic patients. OBJECTIVE The present study utilized the rat intradimensional/extradimensional task to investigate the potential of erythropoietin to reverse a phencyclidine-induced extradimensional shift impairment when given alone or in combination with subchronic haloperidol treatment. METHODS Rats were subjected to a subchronic systemic administration (7 days, b.i.d) of either saline vehicle or phencyclidine (5 mg/kg) followed by a 7-day washout period during which haloperidol was given. Subsequently, rats were trained to dig in baited bowls for a food reward and to discriminate on the basis of digging media or bowl odor. In experiment 1, rats performed a series of discriminations following acute administration of vehicle, erythropoietin, or modafinil. In a second experiment, rats receiving either haloperidol in the drinking water or just normal drinking water were run in the attentional set-shifting task after acute administration of erythropoietin (1,000 or 10,000 IU/ml i.p., selected from experiment 1). RESULTS The subchronic phencyclidine-induced extradimensional deficit was ameliorated by both erythropoietin and modafinil. When combined with subchronic haloperidol, the higher dose of erythropoietin tested was able to reverse the extradimensional shift impairment. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings further support the use of erythropoietin as an adjunct to antipsychotic therapy in order to address, at least part of, the cognitive dysfunction associated with schizophrenia.
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Sargin D, Friedrichs H, El-Kordi A, Ehrenreich H. Erythropoietin as neuroprotective and neuroregenerative treatment strategy: comprehensive overview of 12 years of preclinical and clinical research. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2010; 24:573-94. [PMID: 21619868 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO), originally discovered as hematopoietic growth factor, has direct effects on cells of the nervous system that make it a highly attractive candidate drug for neuroprotection/neuroregeneration. Hardly any other compound has led to so much preclinical work in the field of translational neuroscience than EPO. Almost all of the >180 preclinical studies performed by many independent research groups from all over the world in the last 12 years have yielded positive results on EPO as a neuroprotective drug. The fact that EPO was approved for the treatment of anemia >20 years ago and found to be well tolerated and safe, facilitated the first steps of translation from preclinical findings to the clinic. On the other hand, the same fact, naturally associated with loss of patent protection, hindered to develop EPO as a highly promising therapeutic strategy for application in human brain disease. Therefore, only few clinical neuroprotection studies have been concluded, all with essentially positive and stimulating results, but no further development towards the clinic has occurred thus far. This article reviews the preclinical and clinical work on EPO for the indications neuroprotection/neuroregeneration and cognition, and hopefully will stimulate new endeavours promoting development of EPO for the treatment of human brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Sargin
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein Str. 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Miskowiak KW, Vinberg M, Harmer CJ, Ehrenreich H, Knudsen GM, Macoveanu J, Hansen AR, Paulson OB, Siebner HR, Kessing LV. Effects of erythropoietin on depressive symptoms and neurocognitive deficits in depression and bipolar disorder. Trials 2010; 11:97. [PMID: 20942940 PMCID: PMC2967509 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-11-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Depression and bipolar disorder are associated with reduced neural plasticity and deficits in memory, attention and executive function. Drug treatments for these affective disorders have insufficient clinical effects in a large group and fail to reverse cognitive deficits. There is thus a need for more effective treatments which aid cognitive function. Erythropoietin (Epo) is involved in neuroplasticity and is a candidate for future treatment of affective disorders. The investigators have demonstrated that a single dose of Epo improves cognitive function and reduces neurocognitive processing of negative emotional information in healthy and depressed individuals similar to effects seen with conventional antidepressants. The current study adds to the previous findings by investigating whether repeated Epo administration has antidepressant effects in patients with treatment resistant depression and reverses cognitive impairments in these patients and in patients with bipolar disorder in remission. Methods/design The trial has a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design. 40 patients with treatment-resistant major depression and 40 patients with bipolar disorder in remission are recruited and randomised to receive weekly infusions of Epo (Eprex; 40,000 IU) or saline (NaCl 0.9%) for 8 weeks. Randomisation is stratified for age and gender. The primary outcome parameters for the two studies are: depression severity measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 items (HDRS-17) [1] in study 1 and, in study 2, verbal memory measured with the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) [2,3]. With inclusion of 40 patients in each study we obtain 86% power to detect clinically relevant differences between intervention and placebo groups on these primary outcomes. Trial registration The trial is approved by the Local Ethics Committee: H-C-2008-092, Danish Medicines Agency: 2612-4020, EudraCT: 2008-04857-14, Danish Data Agency: 2008-41-2711 and ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT 00916552.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla W Miskowiak
- Clinic for Affective Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Kristensen PL, Pedersen-Bjergaard U, Schalkwijk C, Olsen NV, Thorsteinsson B. Erythropoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor as risk markers for severe hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes. Eur J Endocrinol 2010; 163:391-8. [PMID: 20566589 DOI: 10.1530/eje-10-0464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Circulating erythropoietin (EPO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increase during hypoglycaemia and may represent protective hormonal counter-regulatory responses. We tested the hypothesis that low levels of EPO and VEGF are associated with a higher frequency of severe hypoglycaemia in a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes. DESIGN Prospective observational follow-up study. METHODS Totally 219 patients with type 1 diabetes (41% females, age 46+/-13 years (mean+/-s.d.), duration of diabetes 21+/-12 years, and HbAlc 8.5+/-1.1%) were followed in a 1-year observational study. Plasma EPO and serum VEGF levels were measured at baseline with ELISA. Events of severe hypoglycaemia defined by third party assistance were recorded and validated in telephone interviews within 24 h. RESULTS Totally 235 episodes of severe hypoglycaemia (1.1 episodes per patient-year) were reported by 82 patients (37%). At baseline, plasma EPO was 8.6 (3.1-34.3) U/l (median (range)), and serum VEGF was 52.2 (6.6-337) pg/ml. The levels of EPO and VEGF were not associated with frequency of severe and mild hypoglycaemia. The levels of EPO were not associated with age, sex, duration of diabetes, body mass index, HbAlc, C-peptide level or hypoglycaemia awareness status. The levels of VEGF were positively associated with age and female sex. CONCLUSIONS Although several studies suggest that VEGF and EPO may affect brain function during hypoglycaemia, this study does not support random VEGF or EPO levels to determine future risk of severe hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Kristensen
- Endocrinology Section, Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, Hillerød Hospital, Dyrehavevej 29, DK-3400 Hillerød, Denmark.
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Abstract
This review describes some of the physiological effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) in healthy humans. At the blood level EPO increases the arterial O(2) content not only by increasing red blood cell volume, but also by an equally important decrease in plasma volume. Well before that, EPO causes a prompt decrease in plasma levels of renin and aldosterone. Renal clearance studies suggest that EPO decreases renal proximal tubular reabsorption rate leading to activation of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism and a fall in glomerular filtration rate. Thus, treatment with EPO may result in suppression of endogenous EPO production through a decrease in intrarenal oxygen consumption. EPO elevates the arterial blood pressure even in healthy subjects. The receptor for EPO is present in many tissues. However, the functional effects of EPO in the skeletal muscle seem limited, and although it has been speculated that non-erythropoietic effects of EPO (angiogenesis, shift in muscle fibre types, cognitive effects) may be responsible for the increase in exercise performance, this has not been confirmed. EPO-induced haemodynamic effects call for careful monitoring during the administration period. The metabolic, hormonal and renal effects of EPO do not seem to range beyond physiologically acceptable limits and are reversible. Taken together, EPO seems safe to use for experimental purposes in healthy volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Lundby
- Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Institute of Physiology, Room 23 H 6, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
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40
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Rasmussen P, Foged EM, Krogh-Madsen R, Nielsen J, Nielsen TR, Olsen NV, Petersen NC, Sørensen TA, Secher NH, Lundby C. Effects of erythropoietin administration on cerebral metabolism and exercise capacity in men. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2010; 109:476-83. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00234.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) increases exercise capacity by stimulating erythropoiesis and subsequently enhancing oxygen delivery to the working muscles. In a large dose, EPO crosses the BBB and may reduce central fatigue and improve cognition. In turn, this would augment exercise capacity independent of erythropoiesis. To test this hypothesis, 15 healthy young men (18–34 years old, 74 ± 7 kg) received either 3 days of high-dose (30,000 IU/day; n = 7) double-blinded placebo controlled or 3 mo of low-dose (5,000 IU/wk; n = 8) counter-balanced open but controlled administration of EPO. We recorded exercise capacity, transcranial ultrasonography-derived middle cerebral artery blood velocity, and arterial-internal jugular venous concentration differences of glucose and lactate. In addition, cognitive function, ratings of perceived exertion, ventilation, and voluntary activation by transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced twitch force were evaluated. Although EPO in a high dose increased cerebrospinal fluid EPO concentration ∼20-fold and affected ventilation and cerebral glucose and lactate metabolism ( P < 0.05), 3 days of high-dose EPO administration had no effect on cognition, voluntary activation, or exercise capacity, but ratings of perceived exertion increased ( P < 0.05). We confirmed that 3 mo of administration of EPO increases exercise capacity, but the improvement could not be accounted for by other mechanisms than enhanced oxygen delivery. In conclusion, EPO does not attenuate central fatigue or change cognitive performance strategy, suggesting that EPO enhances exercise capacity exclusively by increased oxygen delivery to the working muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Rasmussen
- Departments of 1Anesthesia, and
- Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, and
- Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - R. Krogh-Madsen
- Infectious Diseases,
- Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen
| | | | | | - N. V. Olsen
- Departments of 1Anesthesia, and
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, and
| | - N. C. Petersen
- Exercise Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; and
| | | | - N. H. Secher
- Departments of 1Anesthesia, and
- Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, and
| | - C. Lundby
- Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, and
- Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kajitani K, Thorne M, Samson M, Robertson GS. Nitric oxide synthase mediates the ability of darbepoetin alpha to improve the cognitive performance of STOP null mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2010; 35:1718-28. [PMID: 20336057 PMCID: PMC3055482 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2010.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
STOP (stable tubule only polypeptide) null mice display neurochemical and behavioral abnormalities that resemble several well-recognized features of schizophrenia. Recent evidence suggests that the hematopoietic growth factor erythropoietin improves the cognitive performance of schizophrenics. The mechanism, however, by which erythropoietin is able to improve the cognition of schizophrenics is unclear. To address this question, we first determined whether acute administration of the erythropoietin analog known as darbepoetin alpha (D. alpha) improved performance deficits of STOP null mice in the novel objective recognition task (NORT). NORT performance of STOP null mice, but not wild-type littermates, was enhanced 3 h after a single injection of D. alpha (25 microg/kg, i.p.). Improved NORT performance was accompanied by elevated NADPH diaphorase staining in the ventral hippocampus as well as medial and cortical aspects of the amygdala, indicative of increased nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in these structures. NOS generates the intracellular messenger nitric oxide (NO) implicated in learning and memory. In keeping with this hypothesis, D. alpha significantly increased NO metabolite levels (nitrate and nitrite, NOx) in the hippocampus of both wild-type and STOP null mice. The NOS inhibitor, N (G)-nitro-L- arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 25 mg/kg, i.p.), completely reversed the increase in hippocampal NOx levels produced by D. alpha. Moreover, L-NAME also inhibited the ability of D. alpha to improve the NORT performance of STOP null mice. Taken together, these observations suggest D. alpha enhances the NORT performance of STOP null mice by increasing production of NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Kajitani
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michael Thorne
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michel Samson
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - George S Robertson
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada,Department of Pharmacology, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada,Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 1X5, Tel: +1 902 494 1528, Fax: +1 902 494 1388, E-mail:
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Rørth M, Madsen KR, Burmølle SH, Midtgaard J, Andersen C, Nielsen B, Stage M, Adamsen L. Effects of Darbepoetin Alfa with exercise in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: an explorative study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2010; 21:369-77. [PMID: 20136754 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01066.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fatigue is frequent in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Erythropoietins (EPO) have shown well-documented effects on these patients, and administered in pharmacological doses, may reduce the need for transfusion of blood cells and improve quality of life (QoL). An explorative, descriptive, non-randomised intervention study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with the aim to gain an insight into the effects and experiences associated with EPO treatment in combination with a structured 6-week physical exercise intervention. Sixteen cancer patients with evidence of disease, who had received at least one cycle chemotherapy, participated. Participants received 500 μg Darbepoetin Alfa (DA) every 3 weeks during the intervention. Four typologies of patients were identified with regard to DA effects. The interviews revealed that eleven patients experienced some kind of immediate improvement in cognitive and emotional functioning, and subjective daily well-being. Furthermore physical improvement and changes in QoL outcomes showed no significant differences between the study group and a reference group. A significant increase in the hemoglobin concentration (7.14-7.87 mmol/L, P<0.05) was found in the study group. The future use of EPO in cancer patients is hampered by the reported negative influence of EPO on the prognosis in some diagnoses and should be based on randomized studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rørth
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Kristensen PL, Høi-Hansen T, Olsen NV, Pedersen-Bjergaard U, Thorsteinsson B. Erythropoietin during hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes: relation to basal renin-angiotensin system activity and cognitive function. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2009; 85:75-84. [PMID: 19211168 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Revised: 01/02/2009] [Accepted: 01/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Preservation of cognitive function during hypoglycaemic episodes is crucial for patients with insulin-treated diabetes to avoid severe hypoglycaemic events. Erythropoietin has neuroprotective potential. However, the role of erythropoietin during hypoglycaemia is unclear. The aim of the study was to explore plasma erythropoietin response to hypoglycaemia and the relationship to basal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity and cognitive function. METHODS We performed a single-blinded, controlled, cross-over study with induced hypoglycaemia or maintained glycaemic level. Nine patients with type 1 diabetes with high and nine with low activity in RAS were studied. Hypoglycaemia was induced using a standardized insulin-infusion. RESULTS Overall, erythropoietin concentrations increased during hypoglycaemia. In the high RAS group erythropoietin rose 29% (p=0.032) whereas no significant response was observed in the low RAS group (7% increment; p=0.43). Independently, both hypoglycaemia and high RAS activity were associated with higher levels of erythropoietin (p=0.02 and 0.04, respectively). Low plasma erythropoietin at baseline was associated with poorer cognitive performance during hypoglycaemia. CONCLUSIONS Hypoglycaemia triggers a rise in plasma erythropoietin in patients with type 1 diabetes. The response is influenced by basal RAS activity. Erythropoietin may carry a neuroprotective potential during hypoglycaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lommer Kristensen
- Endocrinology Section, Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, Hillerød Hospital, Dyrehavevej 29, DK-3400, Hillerød, Denmark.
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Rabie T, Marti HH. Brain protection by erythropoietin: a manifold task. Physiology (Bethesda) 2008; 23:263-74. [PMID: 18927202 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00016.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many hematopoietic growth factors are produced locally in the brain. Among these, erythropoietin (Epo), has a dominant role for neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and acting as a neurotrophic factor in the central nervous system. These functions make erythropoietin a good candidate for treating diseases associated with neuronal cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Rabie
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Nonerythropoietic, tissue-protective peptides derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:10925-30. [PMID: 18676614 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0805594105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO), a member of the type 1 cytokine superfamily, plays a critical hormonal role regulating erythrocyte production as well as a paracrine/autocrine role in which locally produced EPO protects a wide variety of tissues from diverse injuries. Significantly, these functions are mediated by distinct receptors: hematopoiesis via the EPO receptor homodimer and tissue protection via a heterocomplex composed of the EPO receptor and CD131, the beta common receptor. In the present work, we have delimited tissue-protective domains within EPO to short peptide sequences. We demonstrate that helix B (amino acid residues 58-82) of EPO, which faces the aqueous medium when EPO is bound to the receptor homodimer, is both neuroprotective in vitro and tissue protective in vivo in a variety of models, including ischemic stroke, diabetes-induced retinal edema, and peripheral nerve trauma. Remarkably, an 11-aa peptide composed of adjacent amino acids forming the aqueous face of helix B is also tissue protective, as confirmed by its therapeutic benefit in models of ischemic stroke and renal ischemia-reperfusion. Further, this peptide simulating the aqueous surface of helix B also exhibits EPO's trophic effects by accelerating wound healing and augmenting cognitive function in rodents. As anticipated, neither helix B nor the 11-aa peptide is erythropoietic in vitro or in vivo. Thus, the tissue-protective activities of EPO are mimicked by small, nonerythropoietic peptides that simulate a portion of EPO's three-dimensional structure.
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Abstract
In the haematopoietic system, the principal function of erythropoietin (Epo) is the regulation of red blood cell production, mediated by its specific cell surface receptor (EpoR). Following the cloning of the Epo gene (EPO) and characterization of the selective haematopoietic action of Epo in erythroid lineage cells, recombinant Epo forms (epoetin-alfa, epoetin-beta and the long-acting analogue darbepoetin-alfa) have been widely used for treatment of anaemia in chronic kidney disease and chemotherapy-induced anaemia in cancer patients. Ubiquitous EpoR expression in non-erythroid cells has been associated with the discovery of diverse biological functions for Epo in non-haematopoietic tissues. During development, Epo-EpoR signalling is required not only for fetal liver erythropoiesis, but also for embryonic angiogenesis and brain development. A series of recent studies suggest that endogenous Epo-EpoR signalling contributes to wound healing responses, physiological and pathological angiogenesis, and the body's innate response to injury in the brain and heart. Epo and its novel derivatives have emerged as major tissue-protective cytokines that are being investigated in the first human studies involving neurological and cardiovascular diseases. This review focuses on the scientific evidence documenting the biological effects of Epo in non-haematopoietic tissues and discusses potential future applications of Epo and its derivatives in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat O Arcasoy
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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