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Dávila G, Torres-Prioris MJ, López-Barroso D, Berthier ML. Turning the Spotlight to Cholinergic Pharmacotherapy of the Human Language System. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:599-637. [PMID: 37341896 PMCID: PMC10374790 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Even though language is essential in human communication, research on pharmacological therapies for language deficits in highly prevalent neurodegenerative and vascular brain diseases has received little attention. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that disruption of the cholinergic system may play an essential role in language deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment, including post-stroke aphasia. Therefore, current models of cognitive processing are beginning to appraise the implications of the brain modulator acetylcholine in human language functions. Future work should be directed further to analyze the interplay between the cholinergic system and language, focusing on identifying brain regions receiving cholinergic innervation susceptible to modulation with pharmacotherapy to improve affected language domains. The evaluation of language deficits in pharmacological cholinergic trials for Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment has thus far been limited to coarse-grained methods. More precise, fine-grained language testing is needed to refine patient selection for pharmacotherapy to detect subtle deficits in the initial phases of cognitive decline. Additionally, noninvasive biomarkers can help identify cholinergic depletion. However, despite the investigation of cholinergic treatment for language deficits in Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment, data on its effectiveness are insufficient and controversial. In the case of post-stroke aphasia, cholinergic agents are showing promise, particularly when combined with speech-language therapy to promote trained-dependent neural plasticity. Future research should explore the potential benefits of cholinergic pharmacotherapy in language deficits and investigate optimal strategies for combining these agents with other therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Dávila
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - María José Torres-Prioris
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Diana López-Barroso
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Marcelo L Berthier
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain.
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain.
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Jangwan NS, Ashraf GM, Ram V, Singh V, Alghamdi BS, Abuzenadah AM, Singh MF. Brain augmentation and neuroscience technologies: current applications, challenges, ethics and future prospects. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:1000495. [PMID: 36211589 PMCID: PMC9538357 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.1000495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever since the dawn of antiquity, people have strived to improve their cognitive abilities. From the advent of the wheel to the development of artificial intelligence, technology has had a profound leverage on civilization. Cognitive enhancement or augmentation of brain functions has become a trending topic both in academic and public debates in improving physical and mental abilities. The last years have seen a plethora of suggestions for boosting cognitive functions and biochemical, physical, and behavioral strategies are being explored in the field of cognitive enhancement. Despite expansion of behavioral and biochemical approaches, various physical strategies are known to boost mental abilities in diseased and healthy individuals. Clinical applications of neuroscience technologies offer alternatives to pharmaceutical approaches and devices for diseases that have been fatal, so far. Importantly, the distinctive aspect of these technologies, which shapes their existing and anticipated participation in brain augmentations, is used to compare and contrast them. As a preview of the next two decades of progress in brain augmentation, this article presents a plausible estimation of the many neuroscience technologies, their virtues, demerits, and applications. The review also focuses on the ethical implications and challenges linked to modern neuroscientific technology. There are times when it looks as if ethics discussions are more concerned with the hypothetical than with the factual. We conclude by providing recommendations for potential future studies and development areas, taking into account future advancements in neuroscience innovation for brain enhancement, analyzing historical patterns, considering neuroethics and looking at other related forecasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Singh Jangwan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Balawala, India
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Veerma Ram
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Balawala, India
| | - Vinod Singh
- Prabha Harji Lal College of Pharmacy and Paraclinical Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
| | - Badrah S. Alghamdi
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Mohammad Abuzenadah
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamta F. Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Balawala, India
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Schifano F, Catalani V, Sharif S, Napoletano F, Corkery JM, Arillotta D, Fergus S, Vento A, Guirguis A. Benefits and Harms of 'Smart Drugs' (Nootropics) in Healthy Individuals. Drugs 2022; 82:633-647. [PMID: 35366192 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01701-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
'Smart drugs' (also known as 'nootropics' and 'cognitive enhancers' [CEs]) are being used by healthy subjects (i.e. students and workers) typically to improve memory, attention, learning, executive functions and vigilance, hence the reference to a 'pharmaceutical cognitive doping behaviour'. While the efficacy of known CEs in individuals with memory or learning deficits is well known, their effect on non-impaired brains is still to be fully assessed. This paper aims to provide an overview on the prevalence of use; putative neuroenhancement benefits and possible harms relating to the intake of the most popular CEs (e.g. amphetamine-type stimulants, methylphenidate, donepezil, selegiline, modafinil, piracetam, benzodiazepine inverse agonists, and unifiram analogues) in healthy individuals. CEs are generally perceived by the users as effective, with related enthusiastic anecdotal reports; however, their efficacy in healthy individuals is uncertain and any reported improvement temporary. Conversely, since most CEs are stimulants, the related modulation of central noradrenaline, glutamate, and dopamine levels may lead to cardiovascular, neurological and psychopathological complications. Furthermore, use of CEs can be associated with paradoxical short- and long-term cognitive decline; decreased potential for plastic learning; and addictive behaviour. Finally, the non-medical use of any potent psychotropic raises serious ethical and legal issues, with nootropics having the potential to become a major public health concern. Further studies investigating CE-associated social, psychological, and biological outcomes are urgently needed to allow firm conclusions to be drawn on the appropriateness of CE use in healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK.
| | - Valeria Catalani
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Safia Sharif
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Flavia Napoletano
- East London Foundation Trust (ELFT), Newham Early Intervention Service, London, UK
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Davide Arillotta
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Suzanne Fergus
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
| | - Alessandro Vento
- Department of Mental Health, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
- Addictions' Observatory (ODDPSS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, UK
- Swansea University Medical School, Institute of Life Sciences 2, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
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Kilonzo K, Strahnen D, Prex V, Gems J, van der Veen B, Kapanaiah SKT, Murthy BKB, Schulz S, Sprengel R, Bannerman D, Kätzel D. Distinct contributions of GluA1-containing AMPA receptors of different hippocampal subfields to salience processing, memory and impulse control. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:102. [PMID: 35288531 PMCID: PMC8921206 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01863-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is associated with a broad range of severe and currently pharmacoresistant cognitive deficits. Prior evidence suggests that hypofunction of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) containing the subunit GLUA1, encoded by GRIA1, might be causally related to impairments of selective attention and memory in this disorder, at least in some patients. In order to clarify the roles of GluA1 in distinct cell populations, we investigated behavioural consequences of selective Gria1-knockout in excitatory neurons of subdivisions of the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, assessing sustained attention, impulsivity, cognitive flexibility, anxiety, sociability, hyperactivity, and various forms of short-term memory in mice. We found that virally induced reduction of GluA1 across multiple hippocampal subfields impaired spatial working memory. Transgene-mediated ablation of GluA1 from excitatory cells of CA2 impaired short-term memory for conspecifics and objects. Gria1 knockout in CA3 pyramidal cells caused mild impairments of object-related and spatial short-term memory, but appeared to partially increase social interaction and sustained attention and to reduce motor impulsivity. Our data suggest that reduced hippocampal GluA1 expression-as seen in some patients with schizophrenia-may be a central cause particularly for several short-term memory deficits. However, as impulse control and sustained attention actually appeared to improve with GluA1 ablation in CA3, strategies of enhancement of AMPAR signalling likely require a fine balance to be therapeutically effective across the broad symptom spectrum of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasyoka Kilonzo
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Strahnen
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vivien Prex
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - John Gems
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bastiaan van der Veen
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Bhargavi K. B. Murthy
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schulz
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rolf Sprengel
- grid.414703.50000 0001 2202 0959Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Bannerman
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dennis Kätzel
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
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Virus MA, Ehrhorn EG, Lui LM, Davis PH. Neurological and Neurobehavioral Disorders Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Humans. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:6634807. [PMID: 34712493 PMCID: PMC8548174 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6634807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect up to 30% of the world population, leading to lifelong chronic infection of the brain and muscle tissue. Although most latent T. gondii infections in humans have traditionally been considered asymptomatic, studies in rodents suggest phenotypic neurological changes are possible. Consequently, several studies have examined the link between T. gondii infection and diseases such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, depression, bipolar disorder, dysphoria, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To date, there is varying evidence of the relationship of T. gondii to these human neurological or neurobehavioral disorders. A thorough review of T. gondii literature was conducted to highlight and summarize current findings. We found that schizophrenia was most frequently linked to T. gondii infection, while sleep disruption showed no linkage to T. gondii infection, and other conditions having mixed support for a link to T. gondii. However, infection as a cause of human neurobehavioral disease has yet to be firmly established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell A. Virus
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Evie G. Ehrhorn
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - LeeAnna M. Lui
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Paul H. Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Gongora M, Nicoliche E, Magalhães J, Vicente R, Teixeira S, Bastos VH, Bittencourt J, Cagy M, Basile LF, Budde H, Velasques B, Ribeiro P. Event-related potential (P300): the effects of levetiracetam in cognitive performance. Neurol Sci 2020; 42:2309-2316. [PMID: 33037974 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04786-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study is a reanalysis in the time domain of EEG data collection in healthy adults during an oddball paradigm using levetiracetam (LEV) vs. placebo acute administration. Specifically, the event-related potential (ERP) technique provides a tool for exploring the EEG responses to a specific event/stimulus. One of the ERP components widely studied is the P300 component, which is associated with the last stage of information processing and a general measurement of "cognitive efficiency." METHODS The sample was composed of thirteen healthy right-handed individuals randomized to participate under two conditions: LEV and placebo. Electrophysiological measures were collected before and after drug intake. We explored the oddball paradigm, which is commonly used with healthy individuals to investigate the stages of information processing. RESULTS The electrophysiological results showed a main effect of condition on P300 amplitude for the frontal (F3, Fz, F4), central (C3, Cz, C4), and parietal electrodes (P3, Pz, P4). The post hoc comparisons (Scheffé's test) demonstrated the significant differences between electrodes. Regarding P300 latency, all regions represented a main effect of condition. A P300 latency reduction was observed during LEV condition compared with placebo. CONCLUSION Our study observed the ERP component-P300-through the variation of its amplitude and latency to evaluate a supposed higher CNS efficiency when participants were under the LEV effect. Our findings sustain this premise, mainly due to reducing in P300 latency for the LEV condition, supporting the neural efficiency hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Gongora
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Nicoliche
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- Institute of Applied Neuroscience (INA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Neurophysiology and Neuropsychology of Attention, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Julio Magalhães
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renan Vicente
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Silmar Teixeira
- Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Bastos
- Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Juliana Bittencourt
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Physical therapy - Veiga de Almeida University of Rio de Janeiro (UVA/RJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Cagy
- Biomedical Engineering Program, COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luis F Basile
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Faculdade da Saúde, UMESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henning Budde
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bruna Velasques
- Institute of Applied Neuroscience (INA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Neurophysiology and Neuropsychology of Attention, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ribeiro
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Institute of Applied Neuroscience (INA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Neurophysiology and Neuropsychology of Attention, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil
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7
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Kemp L, Adam L, Boehm CR, Breitling R, Casagrande R, Dando M, Djikeng A, Evans NG, Hammond R, Hills K, Holt LA, Kuiken T, Markotić A, Millett P, Napier JA, Nelson C, ÓhÉigeartaigh SS, Osbourn A, Palmer MJ, Patron NJ, Perello E, Piyawattanametha W, Restrepo-Schild V, Rios-Rojas C, Rhodes C, Roessing A, Scott D, Shapira P, Simuntala C, Smith RDJ, Sundaram LS, Takano E, Uttmark G, Wintle BC, Zahra NB, Sutherland WJ. Bioengineering horizon scan 2020. eLife 2020; 9:e54489. [PMID: 32479263 PMCID: PMC7259952 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Horizon scanning is intended to identify the opportunities and threats associated with technological, regulatory and social change. In 2017 some of the present authors conducted a horizon scan for bioengineering (Wintle et al., 2017). Here we report the results of a new horizon scan that is based on inputs from a larger and more international group of 38 participants. The final list of 20 issues includes topics spanning from the political (the regulation of genomic data, increased philanthropic funding and malicious uses of neurochemicals) to the environmental (crops for changing climates and agricultural gene drives). The early identification of such issues is relevant to researchers, policy-makers and the wider public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Kemp
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER), University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine’s College, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Christian R Boehm
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER), University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Rainer Breitling
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Malcolm Dando
- Division of Peace Studies and International Development, University of BradfordBradfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Appolinaire Djikeng
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary StudiesEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicholas G Evans
- Department of Philosophy, University of MassachusettsLowellUnited States
- Rogue BioethicsLowellUnited States
| | | | | | - Lauren A Holt
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER), University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine’s College, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Todd Kuiken
- Genetic Engineering and Society Center, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighUnited States
| | - Alemka Markotić
- University Hospital for Infectious DiseasesZagrebCroatia
- Medical School, University of RijekaRijekaCroatia
- Catholic University of CroatiaZagrebCroatia
| | - Piers Millett
- Future of Humanity Institute, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- iGem FoundationBostonUnited States
| | | | - Cassidy Nelson
- Future of Humanity Institute, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Seán S ÓhÉigeartaigh
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER), University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine’s College, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Megan J Palmer
- Center for International Security and Cooperation (CSIAC), Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | | | | | - Wibool Piyawattanametha
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology LadkrabangBangkokThailand
- Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| | | | - Clarissa Rios-Rojas
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER), University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Ekpa’Palek: Empowering Latin-American Young ProfessionalsLimaPeru
| | - Catherine Rhodes
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER), University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine’s College, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Anna Roessing
- Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, University of BathBathUnited Kingdom
| | - Deborah Scott
- Science, Technology & Innovation Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Philip Shapira
- Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, Alliance Manchester Business School, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
- SYNBIOCHEM, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
- School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaUnited States
| | | | - Robert DJ Smith
- Science, Technology & Innovation Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Lalitha S Sundaram
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER), University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine’s College, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Eriko Takano
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering, University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Gwyn Uttmark
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Bonnie C Wintle
- School of BioSciences, University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Nadia B Zahra
- Department of Biotechnology, Qarshi UniversityLahorePakistan
| | - William J Sutherland
- Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine’s College, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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Brühl AB, d'Angelo C, Sahakian BJ. Neuroethical issues in cognitive enhancement: Modafinil as the example of a workplace drug? Brain Neurosci Adv 2020; 3:2398212818816018. [PMID: 32166175 PMCID: PMC7058249 DOI: 10.1177/2398212818816018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by healthy individuals has been a feature for much of recorded history. Cocaine and amphetamine are modern cases of drugs initially enthusiastically acclaimed for enhancing cognition and mood. Today, an increasing number of healthy people are reported to use cognitive-enhancing drugs, as well as other interventions, such as non-invasive brain stimulation, to maintain or improve work performance. Cognitive-enhancing drugs, such as methylphenidate and modafinil, which were developed as treatments, are increasingly being used by healthy people. Modafinil not only affects ‘cold’ cognition, but also improves ‘hot’ cognition, such as emotion recognition and task-related motivation. The lifestyle use of ‘smart drugs’ raises both safety concerns as well as ethical issues, including coercion and increasing disparity in society. As a society, we need to consider which forms of cognitive enhancement (e.g. pharmacological, exercise, lifelong learning) are acceptable and for which groups under what conditions and by what methods we would wish to improve and flourish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette B Brühl
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Camilla d'Angelo
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Barbara J Sahakian
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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9
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Floren S, King N, Carrasco A, Dafny N. Glutamate and dopamine in the VTA participate differently in the acute and chronic effect of methylphenidate. Behav Brain Res 2020; 380:112390. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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10
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Schneider F, Horowitz A, Lesch KP, Dandekar T. Delaying memory decline: different options and emerging solutions. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:13. [PMID: 32066684 PMCID: PMC7026464 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0697-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory decline can be a devastating disease and increases in aging Western populations. Memory enhancement technologies hold promise for this and other conditions. Approaches include stem cell transplantation, which improved memory in several animal studies as well as vaccination against Alzheimer´s disease (AD) by β-amyloid antibodies. For a positive clinical effect, the vaccine should probably be administered over a long period of time and before amyloid pathologies manifest in the brain. Different drugs, such as erythropoietin or antiplatelet therapy, improve memory in neuropsychiatric diseases or AD or at least in animal studies. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich diets improve memory through the gut-brain axis by altering the gut flora through probiotics. Sports, dancing, and memory techniques (e.g., Method of Loci) utilize behavioral approaches for memory enhancement, and were effective in several studies. Augmented reality (AR) is an auspicious way for enhancing memory in real time. Future approaches may include memory prosthesis for head-injured patients and light therapy for restoring memory in AD. Memory enhancement in humans in health and disease holds big promises for the future. Memory training helps only in mild or no impairment. Clinical application requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Schneider
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alan Horowitz
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,grid.448878.f0000 0001 2288 8774Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany. .,EMBL, Computational Biology and Structures Program, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany.
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11
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Abstract
Sporting authorities and policy makers have warned of a radical increase in the availability and use of so-called 'smart' drugs, which putatively deliver cognitive enhancements in the form of improved focus, concentration, alertness, and rapid decision-making. Although the potential for health risks is well documented when it comes to performance enhancing drugs in sport, the health implications of cognitive enhancing drugs (CEDs) remain unclear. Objectives: This article aims to provide a foundational understanding about CEDs and their application in sport. It considers what little is known about the types, nature, impact, and implications of their use for athletes and sport policy. Method: A narrative literature review was undertaken to ascertain the emerging role of CEDs beyond their clinical use to treat prescribed disorders, including the limited studies in the sporting domain. This review also considered literature pertinent to the impact of CEDs in sport and the challenges for sport policy. Results: Given the prospects of negative health impacts, policy-makers interested in preventing and controlling the use of CEDs, as well as reducing harm to athletes at all levels of performance, need guidance. This article highlights multi-faceted concerns and shines a spotlight on key issues for sporting bodies to consider regarding the critical impact that widespread use and adoption of these substances might entail. Conclusion: While the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is seemingly awake to the threat posed, actions to circumvent the spread of CEDs throughout sport are nascent and require greater understanding and attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C T Smith
- Institute for Sport Business, Loughborough University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Constantino Stavros
- School of Economics, Finance & Marketing, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kate Westberg
- School of Economics, Finance & Marketing, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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12
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Takeda M, Tagami S. A History of Antidementic Drug Development in Japan. TAIWANESE JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/tpsy.tpsy_33_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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13
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Dresler M, Sandberg A, Bublitz C, Ohla K, Trenado C, Mroczko-Wąsowicz A, Kühn S, Repantis D. Hacking the Brain: Dimensions of Cognitive Enhancement. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:1137-1148. [PMID: 30550256 PMCID: PMC6429408 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In an increasingly complex information society, demands for cognitive functioning are growing steadily. In recent years, numerous strategies to augment brain function have been proposed. Evidence for their efficacy (or lack thereof) and side effects has prompted discussions about ethical, societal, and medical implications. In the public debate, cognitive enhancement is often seen as a monolithic phenomenon. On a closer look, however, cognitive enhancement turns out to be a multifaceted concept: There is not one cognitive enhancer that augments brain function per se, but a great variety of interventions that can be clustered into biochemical, physical, and behavioral enhancement strategies. These cognitive enhancers differ in their mode of action, the cognitive domain they target, the time scale they work on, their availability and side effects, and how they differentially affect different groups of subjects. Here we disentangle the dimensions of cognitive enhancement, review prominent examples of cognitive enhancers that differ across these dimensions, and thereby provide a framework for both theoretical discussions and empirical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Dresler
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour , Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen 6525 EN , The Netherlands
| | - Anders Sandberg
- Future of Humanity Institute , Oxford University , Oxford OX1 1PT , United Kingdom
| | | | - Kathrin Ohla
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Cognitive Neuroscience (INM3) , Forschungszentrum Jülich , Jülich 52428 , Germany
| | - Carlos Trenado
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology , Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf , Düsseldorf 40225 , Germany
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors , TU Dortmund , Dortmund 44139 , Germany
| | | | - Simone Kühn
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development , Berlin 14195 , Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , University Clinic Hamburg Eppendorf , Hamburg 20246 , Germany
| | - Dimitris Repantis
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin 12203 , Germany
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14
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Bryzgalov DV, Kuznetsova IL, Rogaev EI. Enhancement of Declarative Memory: From Genetic Regulation to Non-invasive Stimulation. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2018; 83:1124-1138. [PMID: 30472951 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297918090146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The problem of memory enhancement is extremely important in intellectual activity areas and therapy of different types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The attempts to solve this problem have come from different research fields. In the first part of our review, we describe the results of targeting certain genes involved in memory-associated molecular pathways. The second part of the review is focused on the deep stimulation of brain structures that can slow down memory loss in AD. The third part describes the results of the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for memory modulation, consolidation, and retrieval in healthy people and animal models. Integration of data from different research fields is essential for the development of efficient strategies for memory enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- D V Bryzgalov
- Memory, Oscillations, Brain States (MOBS) Team, Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS UMR 8249, ESPCI Paris, Paris, France.
| | - I L Kuznetsova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - E I Rogaev
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Biology, Moscow, 119234, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow, 119234, Russia
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15
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Moss M, Smith E, Milner M, McCready J. Acute ingestion of rosemary water: Evidence of cognitive and cerebrovascular effects in healthy adults. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 32:1319-1329. [PMID: 30318972 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118798339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of herbal extracts and supplements to enhance health and wellbeing is increasing in western society. AIMS This study investigated the impact of the acute ingestion of a commercially available water containing an extract and hydrolat of rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis L. syn. Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.). Aspects of cognitive functioning, mood and cerebrovascular response measured by near-infrared spectroscopy provided the dependent variables. METHODS Eighty healthy adults were randomly allocated to consume either 250 mL of rosemary water or plain mineral water. They then completed a series of computerised cognitive tasks, followed by subjective measures of alertness and fatigue. Near-infrared spectroscopy monitored levels of total, oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin at baseline and throughout the cognitive testing procedure. RESULTS Analysis of the data revealed a number of statistically significant, small, beneficial effects of rosemary water on cognition, consistent with those found previously for the inhalation of the aroma of rosemary essential oil. Of particular interest here are the cerebrovascular effects noted for deoxygenated haemoglobin levels during cognitive task performance that were significantly higher in the rosemary water condition. This represents a novel finding in this area, and may indicate a facilitation of oxygen extraction at times of cognitive demand. CONCLUSION Taken together the data suggest potential beneficial properties of acute consumption of rosemary water. The findings are discussed in terms of putative metabolic and cholinergic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Moss
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ellen Smith
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matthew Milner
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jemma McCready
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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16
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Cropsey KL, Schiavon S, Hendricks PS, Froelich M, Lentowicz I, Fargason R. Mixed-amphetamine salts expectancies among college students: Is stimulant induced cognitive enhancement a placebo effect? Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 178:302-309. [PMID: 28686989 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-medical use of prescription stimulants for cognitive enhancement in college students is increasing, despite evidence showing little benefit in non-clinical populations. The balanced placebo design (BPD) was used to independently evaluate the pharmacologic versus expectancy effects of mixed amphetamine salts on cognitive performance among a non-clinical sample of college-aged students. METHOD Participants were screened and excluded for ADHD and other psychopathologies. A non-clinical sample (N=32) completed four two-hour laboratory sessions and were administered a neurocognitive battery in each session. Medication Assignment (10mg mixed-amphetamine salt (Adderall™) versus placebo) was crossed with Instructional Set (deception versus truth). A within-subjects design was used, such that all participants experienced each of the four conditions of the BPD during one of the four laboratory sessions. RESULTS Participants performed no better than chance in identifying whether they received stimulant or placebo (Belief about Medication Assignment; 47% agreement; κ=-0.047, p=0.590). Participants showed improvement on only two of 31 subtests during active medication. Expecting and receiving stimulants was associated with improved cognitive performance. However, expecting placebo was associated with worse cognitive performance, regardless of the type of medication given. DISCUSSION This study demonstrated that although non-medical use of stimulants does not enhance cognition, expectancies prominently influence cognitive performance. Participants who believed they received active medication both subjectively rated themselves as performing better and objectively performed better on a minority of subtests, independent of medication state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Cropsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sparks Center, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Samantha Schiavon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sparks Center, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Peter S Hendricks
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 227L Ryals Public Health Building, 1665 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Morgan Froelich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sparks Center, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Iga Lentowicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sparks Center, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Rachel Fargason
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sparks Center, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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17
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Ko H, Hunter KE, Scott AM, Ayson M, Willson ML. A systematic review of performance-enhancing pharmacologicals and biotechnologies in the Army. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2017; 164:197-206. [PMID: 28835510 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2016-000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2015, the Australian Army commissioned a systematic review to assess the evidence on effectiveness and safety of pharmacological and biotechnological products for cognitive enhancement specifically in Army personnel. METHODS Searches for studies examining biotechnological and pharmacological products in Army populations were conducted in December 2015. Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched without date or language restrictions. WHO's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to identify ongoing trials. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were evaluated for risk of bias using Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool. Due to heterogeneity of findings, meta-analysis could not be conducted. Findings were synthesised narratively and by vote-counting method. RESULTS Sixteen pharmacological enhancement products were evaluated in 22 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), involving 1284 personnel. Only three of the studies were published since 2010. The interventions evaluated were varied, including supplements (eg, carbohydrate), stimulants (eg, caffeine) and hormones (eg, melatonin). Generally, caffeine provided an improvement in performance compared with placebo on 5/7 reported cognitive outcomes, followed by levothyroxine (four cognitive outcomes) and prazosin (three cognitive outcomes). Performance results were mixed (finding an improvement and no effect in comparison to placebo) for caffeine and melatonin on two outcomes. No evidence was found pertaining to biotechnological products. Studies rarely reported safety outcomes (eg, adverse events and addiction). CONCLUSION Findings from this review need to be interpreted with considerable caution. Future studies should include outcomes such as acute and long-term adverse events, and should evaluate cognitive performance using cognitive tests that are specific to the Army population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Ko
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K E Hunter
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A M Scott
- Centre for Research in Evidence-Based Practice, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - M Ayson
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M L Willson
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Johnston R, Doma K, Crowe M. Nicotine effects on exercise performance and physiological responses in nicotine-naïve individuals: a systematic review. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2017; 38:527-538. [PMID: 28574230 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of smokeless forms of nicotine on physiological responses and exercise performance. Methodology and reporting were based on the PRISMA statement. The intervention was defined as any product containing nicotine that did not require smoking. Searches were conducted across two electronic databases with supplementary approaches utilized. Studies were selected following set inclusion and exclusion criteria and checked by two independent authors. A modified PEDro scale was utilized to rate study quality with studies averaging 9·3/13. Six studies assessed exercise performance with endurance-based parameters reported as significantly improved with nicotine in one study, while anaerobic parameters were unaffected or decreased compared to placebo except in one study which reported enhanced leg extensor torque but no effect on countermovement jump or Wingate anaerobic capacity. Sixteen of 28 studies investigating physiological responses reported that nicotine significantly increased heart rate compared to placebo or control. Blood pressure and blood flow were also reported as significantly increased in multiple studies. While there is strong evidence of nicotine-induced changes in physiological function that would benefit physical performance, beneficial effects have only been reported on leg extensor torque and endurance performance by one study each. Subsequently, there is need for more research with strong methodological quality to definitively evaluate nicotine's potential as an ergogenic aid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Johnston
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kenji Doma
- Sport & Exercise Science, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melissa Crowe
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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19
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LaLumiere RT, McGaugh JL, McIntyre CK. Emotional Modulation of Learning and Memory: Pharmacological Implications. Pharmacol Rev 2017; 69:236-255. [PMID: 28420719 DOI: 10.1124/pr.116.013474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Memory consolidation involves the process by which newly acquired information becomes stored in a long-lasting fashion. Evidence acquired over the past several decades, especially from studies using post-training drug administration, indicates that emotional arousal during the consolidation period influences and enhances the strength of the memory and that multiple different chemical signaling systems participate in this process. The mechanisms underlying the emotional influences on memory involve the release of stress hormones and activation of the basolateral amygdala, which work together to modulate memory consolidation. Moreover, work suggests that this amygdala-based memory modulation occurs with numerous types of learning and involves interactions with many different brain regions to alter consolidation. Additionally, studies suggest that emotional arousal and amygdala activity in particular influence synaptic plasticity and associated proteins in downstream brain regions. This review considers the historical understanding for memory modulation and cellular consolidation processes and examines several research areas currently using this foundational knowledge to develop therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T LaLumiere
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (R.T.L.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California (J.L.M.); and School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas-Dallas, Richardson, Texas (C.K.M.)
| | - James L McGaugh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (R.T.L.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California (J.L.M.); and School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas-Dallas, Richardson, Texas (C.K.M.)
| | - Christa K McIntyre
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (R.T.L.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California (J.L.M.); and School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas-Dallas, Richardson, Texas (C.K.M.)
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20
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d'Angelo LSC, Savulich G, Sahakian BJ. Lifestyle use of drugs by healthy people for enhancing cognition, creativity, motivation and pleasure. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:3257-3267. [PMID: 28427114 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, there is continued, and in some cases growing, availability of not only psychoactive substances, including treatments for mental health disorders such as cognitive enhancers, which can enhance or restore brain function, but also 'recreational' drugs such as novel psychoactive substances (NPS). The use of psychoactive drugs has both benefits and risks: whilst new drugs to treat cognitive symptoms in neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders could have great benefits for many patient groups, the increasing ease of accessibility to recreational NPS and the increasing lifestyle use of cognitive enhancers by healthy people means that the effective management of psychoactive substances will be an issue of increasing importance. Clearly, the potential benefits of cognitive enhancers are large and increasingly relevant, particularly as the population ages, and for this reason, we should continue to devote resources to the development of cognitive enhancers as treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. However, the increasing use of cognitive enhancers by healthy individuals raises safety, ethical and regulatory concerns, which should not be ignored. Similarly, understanding the short- and long-term consequences of the use of NPS, as well as better understanding the motivations and profiles of users could promote more effective prevention and harm reduction measures. Linked Articles This article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of Cognition: a Panacea for Neuropsychiatric Disease? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.19/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-S Camilla d'Angelo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - George Savulich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Barbara J Sahakian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, UK
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21
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Punzi M, Gili T, Petrosini L, Caltagirone C, Spalletta G, Sensi SL. Modafinil-Induced Changes in Functional Connectivity in the Cortex and Cerebellum of Healthy Elderly Subjects. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:85. [PMID: 28424611 PMCID: PMC5371677 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, cognitive enhancing drugs (CEDs) have gained growing interest and the focus of investigations aimed at exploring their use to potentiate the cognitive performances of healthy individuals. Most of this exploratory CED-related research has been performed on young adults. However, CEDs may also help to maintain optimal brain functioning or compensate for subtle and or subclinical deficits associated with brain aging or early-stage dementia. In this study, we assessed effects on resting state brain activity in a group of healthy elderly subjects undergoing acute administration of modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent. To that aim, participants (n = 24) were investigated with resting state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) before and after the administration of a single dose (100 mg) of modafinil. Effects were compared to age and size-matched placebo group. Rs-fMRI effects were assessed, employing a graph-based approach and Eigenvector Centrality (EC) analysis, by taking in account topological changes occurring in functional brain networks. The main finding of the study is that modafinil promotes enhanced centrality, a measure of the importance of nodes within functional networks, of the bilateral primary visual (V1) cortex. EC analysis also revealed that modafinil-treated subjects show increased functional connectivity between the V1 and specific cerebellar (Crus I, Crus II, VIIIa lobule) and frontal (right inferior frontal sulcus and left middle frontal gyrus) regions. Present findings provide functional data supporting the hypothesis that modafinil can modulate the cortico-cerebellar connectivity of the aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Punzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-PescaraChieti, Italy.,Molecular Neurology Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I.-Me.T.), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-PescaraChieti, Italy
| | - Tommaso Gili
- Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico FermiRome, Italy.,Santa Lucia FoundationRome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrosini
- Santa Lucia FoundationRome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Section of Neuroscience and "Daniel Bovet" Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Santa Lucia FoundationRome, Italy.,Department of Medicine of Systems, University of Rome Tor VergataRome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-PescaraChieti, Italy.,Molecular Neurology Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I.-Me.T.), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-PescaraChieti, Italy.,Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Institute for Mind Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, IrvineCA, USA
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22
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Neural effects of methylphenidate and nicotine during smooth pursuit eye movements. Neuroimage 2016; 141:52-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Abstract
As the first drug to see widespread use for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), methylphenidate was the forerunner and catalyst to the modern era of rapidly increasing diagnosis, treatment, and medication development for this condition. During its often controversial history, it has variously elucidated the importance of dopamine signaling in memory and attention, provoked concerns about pharmaceutical cognitive enhancement, driven innovation in controlled-release technologies and enantiospecific therapeutics, and stimulated debate about the impact of pharmaceutical sales techniques on the practice of medicine. In this Review, we will illustrate the history and importance of methylphenidate to ADHD treatment and neuroscience in general, as well as provide key information about its synthesis, structure-activity relationship, pharmacological activity, metabolism, manufacturing, FDA-approved indications, and adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J. Wenthur
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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24
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Dietz P, Soyka M, Franke AG. Pharmacological Neuroenhancement in the Field of Economics-Poll Results from an Online Survey. Front Psychol 2016; 7:520. [PMID: 27148128 PMCID: PMC4835716 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The use of over-the-counter, prescription, and illicit drugs to increase attention, concentration, or memory—often called (pharmacological) neuroenhancement—shows a broad range of prevalence rates among students. However, very little data is available on neuroenhancement among employed persons. The aim of this study was to provide first data on substance use for neuroenhancement among readers of the German “Handelsblatt” coming from the field of economics. Methods: Readers of the online edition of the Handelsblatt, a leading print and online medium for the field of economics, were invited to participate in a survey via a link on the journal homepage to complete a web-based questionnaire. Within the questionnaire, participants were asked for their gender, current age, current professional status, hours of work per week, prevalence rates of substance use for the purpose of neuroenhancement as well as for reasons of its use. Binary regression analyses with stepwise forward selection were used to predict the dependent variables “use of illicit and prescription drugs for neuroenhancement” (yes/no), “use of over-the-counter drugs for neuroenhancement” (yes/no), and “use of any drug for neuroenhancement” (yes/no). Results: A total of 1021 participants completed the anonymous survey. Lifetime prevalence for the use of any drug for neuroenhancement was 88.0% and for the use of illicit and prescription drugs for neuroenhancement 19.0%. Reasons and situations that predicted neuroenhancement with illicit and prescription drugs were “curiosity,” “to enhance mood,” ”for a confident appearance,” “stress/pressure to perform,” and “deadline pressure.” Discussion: The study shows that neuroenhancement with drugs is a widespread and frequent phenomenon among people belonging to the professional field of economics. Given in the literature that the use of drugs, especially prescription, and illicit drugs, may be associated with side effects, the high epidemic of drug use for neuroenhancement also shown in the present paper underlines the new public health concern of neuroenhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Dietz
- Department of Physical Activity and Public Health, Institute of Sport Science, University of Graz Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Soyka
- Private Clinic Meiringen, Clinic for Psychiatry and PsychotherapyMeiringen, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian UniversityMunich, Germany
| | - Andreas G Franke
- Department of Social Work and Education, University of Neubrandenburg Neubrandenburg, Germany
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Brühl AB, Sahakian BJ. Drugs, games, and devices for enhancing cognition: implications for work and society. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1369:195-217. [PMID: 27043232 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As work environments change, the demands on working people change. Cognitive abilities in particular are becoming progressively more important for work performance and successful competition in a global environment. However, work-related stress, performance over long hours, lack of sleep, shift work, and jet lag affect cognitive functions. Therefore, an increasing number of healthy people are reported to use cognitive-enhancing drugs, as well as other interventions, such as noninvasive brain stimulation, to maintain or improve work performance. This review summarizes research on pharmacological and technical methods as well as cognitive training, including game apps for the brain, in healthy people. In neuropsychiatric disorders, impairments in cognitive functions can drastically reduce the chances of returning to work; therefore, this review also summarizes findings from pharmacological and cognitive-training studies in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette B Brühl
- Department of Psychiatry, and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara J Sahakian
- Department of Psychiatry, and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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