TNIP2 mediates GRβ-promoted inflammation and is associated with severity of major depressive disorder

Targeting TNIP1 as a new therapeutic avenue for major depressive disorder

TNFAIP3-interacting protein 1 (TNIP1) is a polyubiquitin-binding protein that functions as a negative regulator of NF-κB pathway and alleviates inflammation, but little is known about its role in major depressive disorder (MDD). After discovering an elevated TNIP1 expression in monocytes from individuals with MDD after antidepressant treatment, our analyses further uncovered a significant rise in TNIP1 mRNA expression among patients experiencing remission after antidepressant treatment, particularly in those who received duloxetine. We aimed to explore the potential of TNIP1 as a potential therapeutic target for treatment of MDD. In vitro cell line studies showed that TNIP1 is induced by duloxetine to suppress TNF-α through increasing PPAR-γ receptor expression as anti-inflammatory effects and combined treatment of PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone and duloxetine exerts synergistic effects on TNIP1 expression. Furthermore, an animal study also demonstrated duloxetine-induced TNIP1 expression in CA3 region of hippocampus, suggesting the TNIP1 expression is up-regulated by antidepressants. We further investigated the potential effect of TNIP1 as a therapeutic target in alleviating depressive-like behavior in chronic mild stress model C57BL/6 mice overexpressing TNIP1 in the hippocampal CA3 region. The results showed that overexpression of TNIP1 in the CA3 region of the hippocampus through cerebral microdialysis significantly reduces depressive-like behavior in mice. In contrast, TNIP1 knockdown in the CA3 region of the hippocampus causes depressive-like behavior and Duloxetine failed to rescue depressive-like behavior in TNIP1-knockdown mice. Together, these data suggest targeting TNIP1 as a novel therapeutic regiment may provide a promising future for pharmacological development of antidepressants in remitting MDD.

Immune-neuroendocrine crosstalk in mood and psychotic disorders: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Background

Bidirectional interactions between immune and neuroendocrine mechanisms are involved in mood and psychotic disorders, although individual studies report inconsistent and even contradictory findings on the nature of this crosstalk. Our objective was to perform an up to date systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and immune system functioning in mood and psychotic disorders.

Methods

We searched the Pubmed, Web of Science and Embase databases for studies reporting correlations between one or more HPA- and immune markers (IM) in patients with mood or psychotic disorders. We analyzed unchallenged correlations as well as challenge studies investigating the HPA-immune interaction through dexamethasone (DEX) and/or CRH suppression, HPA-mediated challenge of immune cell proliferation, immune challenges, or psychological stressors. Finally, genetic studies focusing on HPA x immune interrelation were evaluated. For meta-analyzable data, three primary outcome measures were defined for immune functioning, namely the pro-inflammatory index (PII) and anti-inflammatory index (AII) for the molecular IM and a composite cellular immune marker score (CCIM) for the cellular IM. Secondary analyses were performed for the individual molecular and cellular IM. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic. Meta-regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of potential covariates (publication year, gender, age, symptom severity) on the primary outcome analyses.

Results

93 studies (n = 8226) were included, of which 50 (n = 5649) contained meta-analyzable data. The majority of the included studies (k = 72) investigated major depressive disorder (MDD) patients, nineteen schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and six bipolar disorder (BD). Under physiological conditions, a poor association was found between cortisol and the PII only in the unmedicated subsample of MDD (k = 8; n = 425; r = .205; z = 2.151; p = .031) and the medicated subsample of SSD (k = 4; n = 152; r = .0.237; z = 2.314; p = .021). No significant correlation was found in MDD between the AII and cortisol (k = 3; n = 1243; r = .005; z = .188; p = .851). Similar results were found for the association between immune cell numbers and cortisol in both MDD (k = 10; n = 773; r = -.005; z = -.113; p = .894) and SSD (k = 4; n = 99; r = .167; z = 1.356; p = .175). A total of 42 studies discussed post-challenge associations between immune alterations and HPA disturbances, of which 12 (n = 389; all MDD) contained meta-analyzable data and 37 entered the systematic review (n = 1783). No post-DEX correlations were found between cortisol and PII (k = 3; n = 105; r = .074; z = .355; p = .722) or CCIM (k = 5; n = 259; r = -.153; z = -1.294; p = .196). However, a significant association was found between post-DEX cortisol/ACTH and PII produced by stimulated blood cells in vitro (k = 3; n = 61; r = .508; z = 4.042; p < .001) as well as for cortisol and CCIM score in MDD after in vitro mitogen stimulation (k = 4; n = 90; r = -.309; z = -2498; p = .012). Following a psychological stressor (k = 6; n = 121), cortisol responses tended to be blunted in all included pathologies, while immune activation was comparable to healthy controls. Genetic studies (k = 7; n = 464) demonstrate altered gene expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in peripheral immune cells in MDD. Heterogeneity over studies tended to be moderate to high.

Discussion

The main limitations are the heterogeneity of outcome measures (both HPA and IM) and small sample sizes of the included studies. We conclude that, in physiological conditions, associations between HPA-axis and molecular or cellular IM are absent or poor in both MDD and SSD and psychotropic medication may influence this crosstalk differently in both patient groups. Studies using challenge paradigms in MDD populations did reveal differences in the HPA-immune crosstalk. The normally expected decrease in lymphocytes after DEX distribution tended to be less pronounced in MDD, especially in glucocorticoid-insensitive non-suppressors. It is recommended that future studies should be properly powered and assess HPA functioning using multiple cortisol assessments. Challenge studies are probably more useful than baseline biomarker studies and cellular IM are more informative than molecular IM. It is recommended to broadly assess leucocyte function and, when possible, perform subgroup analyses based on HPA- and/or immune function.

Plasma proteomics identifies proteins and pathways associated with incident depression in 46,165 adults

Proteomic alterations preceding the onset of depression offer valuable insights into its development and potential interventions. Leveraging data from 46,165 UK Biobank participants and 2920 plasma proteins profiled at baseline, we conducted a longitudinal analysis with a median follow-up of 14.5 years to explore the relationship between plasma proteins and incident depression. Linear regression was then used to assess associations between depression-related proteins and brain structures, genetic factors, and stress-related events. Our analysis identified 157 proteins associated with incident depression (P <1.71 × 10-5), including novel associations with proteins such as GAST, PLAUR, LRRN1, BCAN, and ITGA11. Notably, higher expression levels of GDF15 (P = 6.18 × 10-26) and PLAUR (P = 2.88 × 10-14) were linked to an increased risk of depression, whereas higher levels of LRRN1 (P = 4.28 × 10-11) and ITGA11 (P = 3.68 × 10-9) were associated with a decreased risk. Dysregulation of the 157 proteins is correlated with brain regions implicated in depression, including the hippocampus and middle temporal gyrus. Additionally, these protein alterations were strongly correlated with stress-related events, including self-harm events, adult, and childhood trauma. Biological pathway enrichment analysis highlighted the critical roles of the immune response. EGFR and TNF emerged as key proteins in the protein-protein interaction network. BTN3A2, newly linked to incident depression (P = 4.35 × 10-10), was confirmed as a causal factor through Mendelian randomization analysis. In summary, our research identified the proteomic signatures associated with the onset of depression, highlighting its potential for early intervention and tailored therapeutic avenues.

Ang-1 and VEGF: central regulators of angiogenesis

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) are central regulators of angiogenesis and are often inactivated in various cardiovascular diseases. VEGF forms complexes with ETS transcription factor family and exerts its action by downregulating multiple genes. Among the target genes of the VEGF-ETS complex, there are a significant number encoding key angiogenic regulators. Phosphorylation of the VEGF-ETS complex releases transcriptional repression on these angiogenic regulators, thereby promoting their expression. Ang-1 interacts with TEK, and this phosphorylation release can be modulated by the Ang-1-TEK signaling pathway. The Ang-1-TEK pathway participates in the transcriptional activation of VEGF genes. In summary, these elements constitute the Ang-1-TEK-VEGF signaling pathway. Additionally, Ang-1 is activated under hypoxic and inflammatory conditions, leading to an upregulation in the expression of TEK. Elevated TEK levels result in the formation of the VEGF-ETS complex, which, in turn, downregulates the expression of numerous angiogenic genes. Hence, the Ang-1-dependent transcriptional repression is indirect. Reduced expression of many target genes can lead to aberrant angiogenesis. A significant overlap exists between the target genes regulated by Ang-1-TEK-VEGF and those under the control of the Ang-1-TEK-TSP-1 signaling pathway. Mechanistically, this can be explained by the replacement of the VEGF-ETS complex with the TSP-1 transcriptional repression complex at the ETS sites on target gene promoters. Furthermore, VEGF possesses non-classical functions unrelated to ETS and DNA binding. Its supportive role in TSP-1 formation may be exerted through the VEGF-CRL5-VHL-HIF-1α-VH032-TGF-β-TSP-1 axis. This review assesses the regulatory mechanisms of the Ang-1-TEK-VEGF signaling pathway and explores its significant overlap with the Ang-1-TEK-TSP-1 signaling pathway.

Associations between uric acid and depressive symptoms, and the mediating role of immunoinflammatory: Findings from rural older adults

Background

In the low-resource rural areas, older adults may experience prolonged and severe depressive symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between uric acid, depressive symptoms and immunoinflammatory among rural older adults.

Method

This case-control study was conducted in 17 rural villages in Hunan Province, China, between January 2023 and April 2024. This study included 180 participants: (1) Rural Older Adults with Depressive Symptoms group:90 patients with first-time diagnosed with depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15, GDS-15 ≥ 5 scores); (2) Control group: 90 individually matched (age and sex) healthy subjects (GDS-15 < 5 scores) who were aged ≥60 years.

Results

Both males and females, depressive symptoms were associated with higher uric acid levels and C-reactive protein levels (All P < 0.05). Whereas in females, depressive symptoms were also linked to higher procalcitonin (P = 0.005) and serum amyloid A (P = 0.008) levels. In addition, C-reactive protein plays a significant mediating role between uric acid and depressive symptoms in males.

Conclusion

Further investigation is necessary to clarify the underlying mechanisms, examine gender-specific disparities, and assess potential therapeutic interventions targeting uric acid and inflammation levels to mitigate mental disorders risk.

A Selective Nuclear Factor-κB Inhibitor, JSH-23, Exhibits Antidepressant-like Effects and Reduces Brain Inflammation in Rats

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests that nuclear factor (NF)-κB is involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

We conducted two experimental protocols in rats to investigate the effects of a selective NF-κB inhibitor (JSH-23) on (i) lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and (ii) on behavioral phenotypes in rat models of depression (sucrose consumption test and forced swim test) and mania (amphetamine-induced hyperactivity test). Additionally, we tested the effects of JSH-23 on levels of inflammatory components (interleukin-6, prostaglandin E2, nuclear phospho-p65, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in the brain.

RESULTS

Acute treatment with JSH-23 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [ip]) led to potent anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-treated rats, including a diminished hypothermic response to LPS and a reduction in pro-inflammatory mediators' levels in the brain. Chronic treatment with JSH-23 (3 mg/kg, ip, once daily, for 14 days) resulted in robust antidepressant-like effects (increased sucrose consumption and decreased immobility time). The antidepressant-like effects of JSH-23 were mostly accompanied by a reduction in levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in the brain. On the other hand, JSH-23 did not reduce amphetamine-induced hyperactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, these data suggest that NF-κB may be a potential therapeutic target for pharmacological interventions for depression.

Insights into the time-course cellular effects triggered by iron oxide nanoparticles by combining proteomics with the traditional pharmacology strategy

In recent years, a number of initially approved magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP)-based nano-medicines have been withdrawn due to the obscure nano-bio effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to study the cellular effects triggered by IONPs on cells. In this study, we investigate the time-course cellular effects on the response of RAW 264.7 cells caused by Si-IONPs via pharmacological and mass spectrometry-based proteomics techniques. Our results revealed that Si-IONPs were internalized by clathrin-mediated endocytosis within 1 hour, and gradually degraded in endolysosomes over time, which might influence autophagy, oxidative stress, innate immune response, and inflammatory response after 12 hours. Our research provides a necessary assessment of Si-IONPs for further clinical treatment.

Chronic Treatment with Nigella sativa Oil Exerts Antimanic Properties and Reduces Brain Inflammation in Rats

Nigella sativa (NS) is a native herb consumed habitually in several countries worldwide, possessing manifold therapeutic properties. Among them, anti-inflammatory features have been reported, presumably relating to mechanisms involved in the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway, among others. Given the observed association between neuroimmune factors and mental illness, the primary aim of the present study was to examine the effects of chronic NS use on manic-like behavior in rats, as well as analyze levels of brain inflammatory mediators following NS intake. Using male and female rats, baseline tests were performed; thereafter, rats were fed either regular food (control) or NS-containing food (treatment) for four weeks. Following intervention, behavioral tests were induced (an open field test, sucrose consumption test, three-chamber sociality test, and amphetamine-induced hyperactivity test). Subsequently, brain samples were extracted, and inflammatory mediators were evaluated, including interleukin-6, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear phosphorylated-p65. Our findings show NS to result in a marked antimanic-like effect, in tandem with a positive modulation of select inflammatory mediators among male and female rats. The findings reinforce the proposed therapeutic advantages relating to NS ingestion.

Determining the Linguistic Profile of Children With Rare Genetic Disorders

PURPOSE

Language studies on populations with rare genetic disorders are limited. Hence, there is little data on commonly found or expected developmental linguistic traits and cognitive mechanisms that may be impaired. Based on the hypothesis that there is a close connection between language and cognition and the relevance of specific genetic changes in the development of each, our goal was to provide linguistic data on relationships with other executive functioning mechanisms.

METHOD

This study assessed language skills, communicative behaviors, and executive functions in four children, aged 7-9 years, with rare genetic disorders, using standardized protocols and tests.

RESULTS

The findings revealed different levels of language impairment and executive functioning problems in each case. The overall executive function index performance for each of the four cases studied was clinically significantly high, indicating executive dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The cases analyzed illustrate different types of atypical development that affect both language and other cognitive mechanisms and underscore the importance of executive skills and the various ways in which they are involved in diverse levels of language that might be affected to a greater or lesser degree in rare genetic disorders. In conclusion, we found that language dysfunction is a salient feature of the rare genetic disorders included in our study, although this is not necessarily true for all genetic disorders. Along with these conclusive results, we performed a qualitative analysis of the linguistic and cognitive components that enable functional communication in order to allow optimal interpretation of the data we have collected, laying the foundations for a more effective therapeutic approach.

TNFAIP3 interacting protein 2 relieves lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory injury in endometritis by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation

BACKGROUND

Endometritis seriously affects the health of women, and it is important to identify new targets for its treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the role of TNFAIP3 interacting protein 2 (TNIP2) in endometritis through human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODS

hEECs were induced with LPS to build a cellular model of endometritis. Cell growth and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry. The TNIP2 mRNA and protein levels were measured using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. The caspase3 activity was calculated using a Caspase3 activity kit. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were determined by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined using the corresponding kits. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway was determined by western blot assay.

RESULTS

TNIP2 was downregulated in the LPS-induced endometritis cell model. Cell viability was reduced, apoptosis was enhanced, and IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels increased in LPS-induced hEECs. Additionally, LDH activity and ROS concentration were upregulated, whereas CAT and SOD activities were downregulated in LPS-induced hEECs. These results were reversed by TNIP2 overexpression. Moreover, the results hinted that NF-κB was involved in the effects of TNIP2 on the LPS-induced endometritis cell model.

CONCLUSION

TNIP2 alleviated endometritis by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for endometritis.

Cuproptosis-related genes prediction feature and immune microenvironment in major depressive disorder

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe, unpredictable, ill-cured, relapsing neuropsychiatric disorder. A recently identified type of death called cuproptosis has been linked to a number of illnesses. However, the influence of cuproptosis-related genes in MDD has not been comprehensively assessed in prior study.

Aim

This investigation intends to shed light on the predictive value of cuproptosis-related genes for MDD and the immunological microenvironment.

Methods

GSE38206, GSE76826, GSE9653 databases were used to analyze cuproptosis regulators and immune characteristics. To find the genes that were differently expressed, weighted gene co-expression network analysis was employed. We calculated the effectiveness of the random forest model, generalized linear model, and limit gradient lifting to arrive at the best machine prediction model. Nomogram, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to show the anticipated MDD's accuracy.

Results

This study found that there were activated immune responses and cuproptosis-related genes that were dysregulated in people with MDD compared to healthy controls. Considering the test performance of the learned model and validation on subsequent datasets, the RF model (including OSBPL8, VBP1, MTM1, ELK3, and SLC39A6) was considered to have the best discriminative performance. (AUC = 0.875).

Conclusion

Our study constructed a prediction model to predict MDD risk and clarified the potential connection between cuproptosis and MDD.

Aberrant Histone Modification of TNFAIP3, TLR4, TNIP2, miR-146a, and miR-155 in Major Depressive Disorder

Activated toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling has been well investigated in major depressive disorder (MDD). We previously reported that TNFAIP3, TLR4, TNIP2, miR-146a, and miR-155 play important roles in regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway and may serve as novel targets in the pathogenesis of MDD. Recently, aberrant histone modification has been implicated in several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and mood disorder; the most thoroughly studied modification is histone 3 lysine 4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3). In this work, we aimed to explore H3K4me3 differences in the promotors of genes encoding the abovementioned factors in patients with MDD, and whether they were altered after antidepressant treatment. A total of 30 MDD patients and 28 healthy controls were recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected. The levels of H3K4me3 in the promoters of TNFAIP3, TLR4, TNIP2, miR-146a, and miR-155 were measured through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by DNA methylation assay. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate between-group differences after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and smoking. In comparison with healthy controls, patients with MDD showed significantly lower H3K4me3 levels in the promoters of TNFAIP3, TLR4, TNIP2, miR-146a, and miR-155 in PBMCs. These levels were not significantly altered after completion of a 4-week antidepressant treatment. To explore the association between depression severity and H3K4me3 levels, a multiple linear regression model was generated. The results revealed that levels of H3K4me3 in the TNIP2 promoters a negative correlation with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAND-17) score, whereas that of TLR4 had a positive correlation with this score. The present results suggest that decreased H3K4me3 levels in the promoters of the genes encoding TNFAIP3, TLR4, miR-146a, miR-155, and TNIP2 are involved in psychopathology of major depressive disorder.

The severity of depression is associated with pelvic inflammatory diseases: A cross-sectional study of the United States National Health and Nutrition Examinations from 2013 to 2018

Purpose

As depression in patients with pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) has received increasing attention in recent years, this study aims to investigate the relationship between depression severity and risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease, and to provide new perspectives in the treatment of PID.

Patients and methods

Multivariate regression was used to evaluate the association between pelvic inflammatory disease and the severity of depression. Females who participated in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2018 were included. In addition, risk factors for PID and depression were also included in the analysis as adjustment factors.

Results

The risk of developing PID was associated with depressive status (odds ratio, OR 1.10, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.08–1.12), especially in people with severe depression (odds ratio, OR 6.34, 95% confidence interval, CI 3.72–10.79). Subgroup analysis showed differences in the risk of PID among people with different characteristics.

Conclusion

This study showed that there may be a potential positive association between depressive status and the prevalence of PID in the United States adult female population. Depression should be actively looked for in all patients with PID and treated appropriately

GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of acute myelitis patients can assist in the identification of glucocorticoid sensitivity and are correlated with glucocorticoid therapeutic effect

Acute myelitis (AM) is a rare neuro-immune spinal cord disease. This study sought to explore the transcription level of glucocorticoid (GC) receptors α and β (GR-α/GR-β) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their correlation with GC efficacy and sensitivity in AM patients. AM patients were grouped into the GC-sensitive group (N = 80) and GC-refractory group (N = 67). The GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels in PBMCs were detected. The differentiating value of GR-α, GR-β, and GR-α + GR-β on GC sensitivity and resistance in AM patients was assessed. The independent correlation between GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels and GC sensitivity in AM patients,t and the correlation between GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels and spinal function after GC treatment were analyzed. GR-α mRNA level in PBMCs of GC-refractory patients was lower than that of GC-sensitive patients, while GR-β mRNA level was higher than that of GC-sensitive patients. GR-α + GR-β mRNA had a high diagnostic value for GC sensitivity and resistance in AM patients (area under the ROC curve = 0.881, sensitivity = 79.1%, specificity = 85.0%). GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels were independently correlated with GC sensitivity. GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels were correlated with the spinal function of AM patients after GC treatment. Overall, GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels in PBMCs of AM patients can assist in the identification of GC sensitivity and are correlated with GC efficacy.

Glucocorticoid Receptor β Isoform Predominates in the Human Dysplastic Brain Region and Is Modulated by Age, Sex, and Antiseizure Medication

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) at the blood−brain barrier (BBB) is involved in the pathogenesis of drug-resistant epilepsy with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD); however, the roles of GR isoforms GRα and GRβ in the dysplastic brain have not been revealed. We utilized dysplastic/epileptic and non-dysplastic brain tissue from patients who underwent resective epilepsy surgery to identify the GRα and GRβ levels, subcellular localization, and cellular specificity. BBB endothelial cells isolated from the dysplastic brain tissue (EPI-ECs) were used to decipher the key BBB proteins related to drug regulation and BBB integrity compared to control and transfected GRβ-overexpressed BBB endothelial cells. GRβ was upregulated in dysplastic compared to non-dysplastic tissues, and an imbalance of the GRα/GRβ ratio was significant in females vs. males and in patients > 45 years old. In EPI-ECs, the subcellular localization and expression patterns of GRβ, Hsp90, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9 were consistent with GRβ+ brain endothelial cells. Active matrix metalloproteinase levels and activity increased, whereas claudin-5 levels decreased in both EPI-ECs and GRβ+ endothelial cells. In conclusion, the GRβ has a major effect on dysplastic BBB functional proteins and is age and gender-dependent, suggesting a critical role of brain GRβ in dysplasia as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in epilepsy.

Mental Illness and Amyloid: A Scoping Review of Scientific Evidence over the Last 10 Years (2011 to 2021)

Amyloid precursor protein and its derivates represent a central factor in the process of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since mental illnesses share with AD cognitive impairment, amyloid indicators have been used to explore the unknown pathophysiologic mechanisms underlining psychiatric illness. This work aims to compare the role of amyloid markers, together with tau proteins, among various mental disorders evaluating the possible role of altered amyloid metabolism in the onset and in the course of psychiatric diseases, considering the relationship with cognitive impairment in dementia. This review includes articles written in English, published between 1 January 2011 and 31 January 2021, which evaluated amyloid and tau proteins in psychiatric patients. After screening, 31 studies were included in the review. Results suggest that amyloid metabolism is altered in major psychiatric disorders and that it could be a marker of cognitive impairment. Nevertheless, the role of amyloid in mental diseases seems to be related to neurodevelopmental alteration as well as neurodegeneration processes, like in AD. The role of amyloid in the pathogenesis of mental disorders is still unknown. Amyloid should not be only considered as a marker of cognitive impairment in mental illness, but also for altered neurodevelopment.

Impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation in young adults with mild depression

The incidence of depression is increasing, especially in the young adult population. Impaired cognitive function is one of the characteristics of depression, which may be related to impaired cerebral autoregulation (CA). We investigated the characteristics of CA in young adults with mild depression, as well as its validity for identifying patients with depression. Patients (aged 18-35 years) with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores ranging from 8 to 17 and a first episode of mild depression were enrolled in this study. Healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. Noninvasive continuous arterial blood pressure and bilateral middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity were simultaneously recorded from each subject. Transfer function analysis was applied to derive phase difference, gain, coherence and rate of recovery for the assessment of CA. Forty-three patients and 43 healthy controls were enrolled. Phase difference values were significantly compromised in young adults with mild depression and were negatively correlated with HAMD scores. Rate of recovery values estimated from depressed patients was significantly lower. The validity in identifying patients with depression was favorable for the phase difference. The cutoff phase difference value was 29.66. Our findings suggest that dynamic CA was impaired in young patients with mild depression and negatively correlated with HAMD scores. CA represented by phase difference can be used as an objective auxiliary examination of depression, and has clinical diagnostic value for the early identification of patients with depression.