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Chen X, Zhou YN, Lu XZ, Li RJ, Xiong YF, Sheng X, Zhu WW. Cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia patients caused by down-regulation of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor subunits. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:784-793. [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i6.784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression pattern of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunits are commonly altered in patients with schizophrenia, which may lead to nerve excitation/inhibition problems, affecting cognition, emotion, and behavior.
AIM To explore GABA receptor expression and its relationship with schizophrenia and to provide insights into more effective treatments.
METHODS This case-control study enrolled 126 patients with schizophrenia treated at our hospital and 126 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examinations at our hospital during the same period. The expression levels of the GABA receptor subunits were detected using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The recognized cognitive battery tool, the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery, was used to evaluate the scores for various dimensions of cognitive function. The correlation between GABA receptor subunit downregulation and schizophrenia was also analyzed.
RESULTS Significant differences in GABA receptor subunit levels were found between the case and control groups (P < 0.05). A significant difference was also found between the case and control groups in terms of cognitive function measures, including attention/alertness and learning ability (P < 0.05). Specifically, as the expression levels of GABRA1 (α1 subunit gene), GABRB2 (β2 subunit gene), GABRD (δ subunit), and GABRE (ε subunit) decreased, the severity of the patients’ condition increased gradually, indicating a positive correlation between the downregulation of these 4 receptor subunits and schizophrenia (P < 0.05). However, the expression levels of GABRA5 (α5 subunit gene) and GABRA6 (α6 subunit gene) showed no significant correlation with schizophrenia (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION Downregulation of the GABA receptor subunits is positively correlated with schizophrenia. In other words, when GABA receptor subunits are downregulated in patients, cognitive impairment becomes more severe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, The Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhou
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, The Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Zi Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao 266034, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ren-Jiao Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, The Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yi-Fan Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, The Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, The Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wei-Wei Zhu
- Department of Sleep Disorders and Neurosis, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, The Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, China
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Faris P, Pischedda D, Palesi F, D’Angelo E. New clues for the role of cerebellum in schizophrenia and the associated cognitive impairment. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1386583. [PMID: 38799988 PMCID: PMC11116653 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1386583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder associated with severe cognitive dysfunction. Although research has mainly focused on forebrain abnormalities, emerging results support the involvement of the cerebellum in SZ physiopathology, particularly in Cognitive Impairment Associated with SZ (CIAS). Besides its role in motor learning and control, the cerebellum is implicated in cognition and emotion. Recent research suggests that structural and functional changes in the cerebellum are linked to deficits in various cognitive domains including attention, working memory, and decision-making. Moreover, cerebellar dysfunction is related to altered cerebellar circuit activities and connectivity with brain regions associated with cognitive processing. This review delves into the role of the cerebellum in CIAS. We initially consider the major forebrain alterations in CIAS, addressing impairments in neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, and connectivity. We then focus on recent findings showing that several mechanisms are also altered in the cerebellum and that cerebellar communication with the forebrain is impaired. This evidence implicates the cerebellum as a key component of circuits underpinning CIAS physiopathology. Further studies addressing cerebellar involvement in SZ and CIAS are warranted and might open new perspectives toward understanding the physiopathology and effective treatment of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Faris
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Doris Pischedda
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fulvia Palesi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Digital Neuroscience Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Peng A, Chai J, Wu H, Bai B, Yang H, He W, Zhao Y. New Therapeutic Targets and Drugs for Schizophrenia Beyond Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:607-620. [PMID: 38525480 PMCID: PMC10961082 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s455279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a disease with a complex pathological mechanism that is influenced by multiple genes. The study of its pathogenesis is dominated by the dopamine hypothesis, as well as other hypotheses such as the 5-hydroxytryptamine hypothesis, glutamate hypothesis, immune-inflammatory hypothesis, gene expression abnormality hypothesis, and neurodevelopmental abnormality hypothesis. The first generation of antipsychotics was developed based on dopaminergic receptor antagonism, which blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain to exert antipsychotic effects. The second generation of antipsychotics acts by dual blockade of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine receptors. From the third generation of antipsychotics onwards, the therapeutic targets for antipsychotic schizophrenia expanded beyond D2 receptor blockade to explore D2 receptor partial agonism and the antipsychotic effects of new targets such as D3, 5-HT1A, 5-HT7, and mGlu2/3 receptors. The main advantages of the second and third generation antipsychotics over first-generation antipsychotics are the reduction of side effects and the improvement of negative symptoms, and even though third-generation antipsychotics do not directly block D2 receptors, the modulation of the dopamine transmitter system is still an important part of their antipsychotic process. According to recent research, several receptors, including 5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, acetylcholine receptors and norepinephrine, play a role in the development of schizophrenia. Therefore, the focus of developing new antipsychotic drugs has shifted towards agonism or inhibition of these receptors. Specifically, the development of NMDARs stimulants, GABA receptor agonists, mGlu receptor modulators, cholinergic receptor modulators, 5-HT2C receptor agonists and alpha-2 receptor modulators has become the main direction. Animal experiments have confirmed the antipsychotic effects of these drugs, but their pharmacokinetics and clinical applicability still require further exploration. Research on alternative targets for antipsychotic drugs, beyond the dopamine D2 receptor, has expanded the potential treatment options for schizophrenia and gives an important way to address the challenge of refractory schizophrenia. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research on therapeutic targets and medications for schizophrenia, offering valuable insights for both treatment and further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aineng Peng
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Chai
- Heilongjiang Mental Hospital, Harbin, 150036, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyuan Wu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing Bai
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huihui Yang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weizhi He
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghou Zhao
- Heilongjiang Mental Hospital, Harbin, 150036, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Leem KH, Kim S, Kim HW, Park HJ. Downregulation of microRNA-330-5p induces manic-like behaviors in REM sleep-deprived rats by enhancing tyrosine hydroxylase expression. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:1525-1536. [PMID: 36794530 PMCID: PMC10173715 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM In our pilot study, we found an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex of 72-h REM sleep-deprived (SD) rats, a mania model. Additionally, the expression levels of miR-325-3p, miR-326-3p, and miR-330-5p, the predicted target miRNAs on TH, were significantly decreased. Based on these results, in this study, we investigated whether miRNA-325-3p, miR-326-3p, and miR-330-5p modulate TH and manic-like behaviors in SD rats. METHODS Manic-like behaviors were assessed using the open field test (OFT) and elevated plus-maze (EPM) test. The direct binding activity of miRNAs to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the Th gene was measured in HEK-293 cells using a luciferase reporter system. We also examined mRNA and protein expression of TH after intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of miR-330-5p agomir to SD rats, along with manic-like behaviors. RESULTS We observed an upregulation in mRNA and protein expression of TH and downregulation in miRNA-325-3p, miR-326-3p, and miR-330-5p expressions in the prefrontal cortex of SD rats, together with increased manic-like behaviors. The luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-330-5p could repress TH expression through direct binding to its target site in the 3'-UTR of Th, whereas miR-326-3p and miR-330-5p could not. In addition, ICV injection of miR-330-5p agomir alleviated the increase in TH expression in the prefrontal cortex of SD rats and manic-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS TH expression regulation through miR-330-5p may be implicated in the pathophysiology of mania in SD rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Hyun Leem
- Department of Herbology, College of Korean MedicineSemyung UniversityJecheonKorea
| | - Sanga Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of MedicineKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Hee Won Kim
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Hae Jeong Park
- Department of Pharmacology, School of MedicineKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
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Adraoui FW, Douw L, Martens GJM, Maas DA. Connecting Neurobiological Features with Interregional Dysconnectivity in Social-Cognitive Impairments of Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097680. [PMID: 37175387 PMCID: PMC10177877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a devastating psychiatric disorder affecting about 1% of the world's population. Social-cognitive impairments in SZ prevent positive social interactions and lead to progressive social withdrawal. The neurobiological underpinnings of social-cognitive symptoms remain poorly understood, which hinders the development of novel treatments. At the whole-brain level, an abnormal activation of social brain regions and interregional dysconnectivity within social-cognitive brain networks have been identified as major contributors to these symptoms. At the cellular and subcellular levels, an interplay between oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hypofunction is thought to underly SZ pathology. However, it is not clear how these molecular processes are linked with interregional dysconnectivity in the genesis of social-cognitive symptoms. Here, we aim to bridge the gap between macroscale (connectivity analyses) and microscale (molecular and cellular mechanistic) knowledge by proposing impaired myelination and the disinhibition of local microcircuits as possible causative biological pathways leading to dysconnectivity and abnormal activity of the social brain. Furthermore, we recommend electroencephalography as a promising translational technique that can foster pre-clinical drug development and discuss attractive drug targets for the treatment of social-cognitive symptoms in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian W Adraoui
- Biotrial, Preclinical Pharmacology Department, 7-9 rue Jean-Louis Bertrand, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Linda Douw
- Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J M Martens
- Donders Centre for Neuroscience (DCN), Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- NeuroDrug Research Ltd., 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorien A Maas
- Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Huang YH, Lee MT, Hsueh HY, Knutson DE, Cook J, Mihovilovic MD, Sieghart W, Chiou LC. Cerebellar α6GABA A Receptors as a Therapeutic Target for Essential Tremor: Proof-of-Concept Study with Ethanol and Pyrazoloquinolinones. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:399-418. [PMID: 36696034 PMCID: PMC10121996 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01342-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethanol has been shown to suppress essential tremor (ET) in patients at low-to-moderate doses, but its mechanism(s) of action remain unknown. One of the ET hypotheses attributes the ET tremorgenesis to the over-activated firing of inferior olivary neurons, causing synchronic rhythmic firings of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Purkinje cells, however, also receive excitatory inputs from granule cells where the α6 subunit-containing GABAA receptors (α6GABAARs) are abundantly expressed. Since ethanol is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of α6GABAARs, such action may mediate its anti-tremor effect. Employing the harmaline-induced ET model in male ICR mice, we evaluated the possible anti-tremor effects of ethanol and α6GABAAR-selective pyrazoloquinolinone PAMs. The burrowing activity, an indicator of well-being in rodents, was measured concurrently. Ethanol significantly and dose-dependently attenuated action tremor at non-sedative doses (0.4-2.4 g/kg, i.p.). Propranolol and α6GABAAR-selective pyrazoloquinolinones also significantly suppressed tremor activity. Neither ethanol nor propranolol, but only pyrazoloquinolinones, restored burrowing activity in harmaline-treated mice. Importantly, intra-cerebellar micro-injection of furosemide (an α6GABAAR antagonist) had a trend of blocking the effect of pyrazoloquinolinone Compound 6 or ethanol on harmaline-induced tremor. In addition, the anti-tremor effects of Compound 6 and ethanol were synergistic. These results suggest that low doses of ethanol and α6GABAAR-selective PAMs can attenuate action tremor, at least partially by modulating cerebellar α6GABAARs. Thus, α6GABAARs are potential therapeutic targets for ET, and α6GABAAR-selective PAMs may be a potential mono- or add-on therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hsien Huang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
| | - Han-Yun Hsueh
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Daniel E Knutson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - James Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | | | - Werner Sieghart
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Lih-Chu Chiou
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
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Szarowicz CA, Steece-Collier K, Caulfield ME. New Frontiers in Neurodegeneration and Regeneration Associated with Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and the rs6265 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148011. [PMID: 35887357 PMCID: PMC9319713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is an extensively studied neurotrophin implicated in the pathology of multiple neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, traumatic brain injury, major de-pressive disorder, and schizophrenia. Here we provide a brief summary of current knowledge on the role of BDNF and the common human single nucleotide polymorphism, rs6265, in driving the pathogenesis and rehabilitation in these disorders, as well as the status of BDNF-targeted therapies. A common trend has emerged correlating low BDNF levels, either detected within the central nervous system or peripherally, to disease states, suggesting that BDNF replacement therapies may hold clinical promise. In addition, we introduce evidence for a distinct role of the BDNF pro-peptide as a biologically active ligand and the need for continuing studies on its neurological function outside of that as a molecular chaperone. Finally, we highlight the latest research describing the role of rs6265 expression in mechanisms of neurodegeneration as well as paradoxical advances in the understanding of this genetic variant in neuroregeneration. All of this is discussed in the context of personalized medicine, acknowledging there is no “one size fits all” therapy for neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders and that continued study of the multiple BDNF isoforms and genetic variants represents an avenue for discovery ripe with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlye A. Szarowicz
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kathy Steece-Collier
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
| | - Margaret E. Caulfield
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-616-234-0969; Fax: +1- 616-234-0991
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