Impact of aerobic exercise on cognitive impairment and oxidative stress markers in methamphetamine-dependent patients

Smartphone video games improve cognitive function in patients with chronic schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of video games in improving cognitive function in chronic patients with schizophrenia and to evaluate the biomarker of video games for cognitive function. The patients in the game group were requested to play single-player video games on their smartphones for 1 h per day, five times a week for 6 weeks. Those in the control group watched television for 1 h per day, five times a week for 6 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT). Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Problematic Mobile Gaming Questionnaire (PMGQ), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The game group demonstrated improved RBANS total score during the trial. There were no significant group effects among all SCWT scores. The game group demonstrated greater improvement on the PANSS Negative Scale, and global function (GAF score). The PMGQ scores were lower than the cutoff score at all time points in both groups. There were no significant group differences in the PHQ-9 and GSE scores. The serum BDNF levels were significantly higher in the game group following 6 weeks of video game intervention. The BDNF serum levels of all participants were positively associated with the RBANS total scores. This preliminary study suggested that video games can improve cognitive function in schizophrenia patients. Serum BDNF levels may be a suitable biomarker for predicting an improvement in cognitive function in schizophrenia patients.Trial registration: This study was registered on March 11, 2021 (ChiCTR2100044113).Clinical trials: Smartphone video games improve cognitive function in patients with chronic schizophrenia; https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=95623 ; ChiCTR2100044113.

Effects of exercise interventions on negative emotions, cognitive performance and drug craving in methamphetamine addiction

Introduction

Methamphetamine is currently one of the most commonly used addictive substances with strong addiction and a high relapse rate. This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of physical activity in improving negative emotions, cognitive impairment, and drug craving in people with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD).

Methods

A total of 17 studies out of 133 found from Embase and PubMed were identified, reporting results from 1836 participants from MUD populations. Original research using clearly described physical activity as interventions and reporting quantifiable outcomes of negative mood, cognitive function and drug craving level in people with MUD were eligible for inclusion. We included prospective studies, randomized controlled trials, or intervention studies, focusing on the neurological effects of physical activity on MUD.

Results

Taken together, the available clinical evidence showed that physical activity-based interventions may be effective in managing MUD-related withdrawal symptoms.

Discussion

Physical exercise may improve drug rehabilitation efficiency by improving negative emotions, cognitive behaviors, and drug cravings.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024530359.

Physical activity improves the visual-spatial working memory of individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Objective

Our network meta-analysis aimed to ascertain the effect of physical activity on the visual-spatial working memory of individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease as well as to propose tailored exercise interventions for each group.

Methods

Employing a frequentist approach, we performed a network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of different exercise interventions in improving the visual-spatial working memory of individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Subsequently, we explored the moderating variables influencing the effectiveness of the exercise interventions through a subgroup analysis.

Results

We included 34 articles involving 3,074 participants in the meta-analysis, comprised of 1,537 participants from studies on mild cognitive impairment and 1,537 participants from studies on Alzheimer's disease. The articles included exhibited an average quality score of 6.6 (score studies) and 6.75 (reaction time [RT] studies), all passing the inconsistency test (p > 0.05). In the mild cognitive impairment literature, mind-body exercise emerged as the most effective exercise intervention (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.07-1.14). In Alzheimer's disease research, aerobic exercise was identified as the optimal exercise intervention (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.06-0.71).

Conclusion

The results of the subgroup analysis suggest that the most effective approach to enhancing the visual-spatial working memory of individuals with mild cognitive impairment entails exercising at a frequency of three or more times per week for over 60 min each time and at a moderate intensity for more than 3 months. Suitable exercise options include mind-body exercise, multicomponent exercise, resistance exercise, and aerobic exercise. For individuals with Alzheimer's disease, we recommend moderately intense exercise twice per week for over 90 min per session and for a duration of 3 months or longer, with exercise options encompassing aerobic exercise and resistance exercise.

Effect of aerobic exercise on brain metabolite profiles in the mouse models of methamphetamine addiction: LC-MS-based metabolomics study

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse is recognized as a brain disorder, and physical activity has clear benefits for MA use disorders. The specific mechanisms by which physical activity alleviates MA use disorders are currently not fully understood. Based on this, the present study used untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyze the metabolic changes induced by MA in the brains of mice by exercise intervention. It was found that after 2 weeks of treadmill training, aerobic exercise modulated MA-induced brain metabolic disorders, in which 129 metabolites existed that were significantly differentiated in response to MA induction, and 32 metabolites were significantly affected by exercise. These differential metabolites were mainly enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis and degradation, and renin-angiotensin system pathways. To our knowledge, this study is the first to use LC-MS to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on MA-induced brain metabolic profiling. The findings of this study provide new insights into exercise therapy using MA.

The impact of aerobic exercise training on cognitive function and gut microbiota in methamphetamine-dependent individuals in the community

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the impact and mechanism of gut microbiota on the enhancement of cognitive function in methamphetamine (MA)-dependent individuals during aerobic exercise training.

METHODS

A total of sixty-four MA-dependent individuals were randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise training group (DK, n = 32) or a conventional rehabilitation group (CK, n = 32). After an eight-week intervention, the participants' working memory and inhibition ability were assessed using the Stroop paradigm and Go/NoGo paradigm, respectively. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing.

RESULTS

1) Eight weeks of aerobic exercise training significantly improved the working memory and inhibition ability of MA-dependent individuals (P < 0.05). 2) Following the intervention, the DK group exhibited significantly higher levels of Lactobacillus, Lactococcus lactis, Prevotellaceae, and Ruminococcaceae compared to the CK group. Conversely, the DK group demonstrated significantly lower levels of Desulfovibrio and Akkermansia compared to the CK group. Furthermore, the DK group showed significantly increased metabolic pathways associated with d-Glutaralate and d-Galactate Degradation, as well as the Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism pathway, compared to the control group. 3) Cognitive function related to MA addiction positively correlated with Bifidobacterium, Dialister, and Adlercreutzia, while negatively correlated with Enterobacteria, Bacillus cereus, Catabacter, and Akkermansia.

CONCLUSION

Aerobic exercise training enhances working memory and inhibition ability in MA-dependent individuals, thereby mitigating the detrimental effects of MA addiction on cognitive function. Additionally, analysis of gut microbiota suggests that the modulation of gut microbiota and associated metabolic pathways play a role in regulating the improvement of cognitive function in MA-dependent individuals through exercise.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Intestinal Microbiota with Amino Acids and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Methamphetamine-Induced Mice

This study aimed to investigate the changes in intestinal homeostasis and metabolism in mice after methamphetamine (MA) administration and exercise intervention. In this study, male C57BL/B6J mice were selected to establish a model of methamphetamine-induced addiction, and the gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and amino acid levels were assessed by 16S rRNA, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The results showed that 23 dominant microbiota, 12 amino acids, and 1 SCFA were remarkably higher and 9 amino acids and 6 SCFAs were remarkably lower in the exercise model group than in the control group. Among the top 10 markers with opposite trends between the exercise intervention group and model group, the differential microbiomes included Oscillibacter, Alloprevotella, Colidextribacter, Faecalibaculum, Uncultured, Muribaculaceae, and Negativibacillus; amino acids included proline; and SCFAs included isovaleric acid and pentanoic acid. Proline was negatively correlated with Negativibacillus and positively correlated with pentanoic acid. The results suggested that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may modulate changes in the composition of the gut microbiota and the levels of amino acids and SCFAs induced by MA administration.

Aerobic Exercise Improves Methamphetamine-Induced Olfactory Dysfunction Through α-Synuclein Intervention in Male Mice

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a predominantly abused neurostimulant, and its abuse is often associated with multiple neurological symptoms. Olfaction, the sense of smell, is a highly neurotransmission-dependent physiological process; however, the effect of Meth on olfactory function and its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the impact of Meth abuse on the olfactory system and the potential mechanisms. Chronic Meth abuse was induced by daily administration of Meth in male mice for 4 weeks, and we then systematically examined olfactory performance. Behavioral tests found that Meth-treated animals showed increased olfactory threshold, decreased olfactory sensitivity, reduced olfactory-dependent discrimination, and difficulty in seeking buried food. Notably, the increased deposition of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the olfactory bulb was detected. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated α-syn intervention therapy in the olfactory bulb significantly alleviated Meth-induced olfactory function impairment, and 8 weeks of aerobic exercise showed similar effects through the same principle of α-syn intervention. Notably, exercise-mediated reduction of α-syn inhibited abnormal firing activity and restored the inhibitory synaptic regulation of mitral cells in the olfactory bulb. These findings suggest the involvement of α-syn in the pathogenic mechanisms of Meth-induced olfactory dysfunction and shed light on the possible therapeutic applications of aerobic exercise in Meth-induced olfactory dysfunction.

A Systematic Review of Exercise Intervention Program for People With Substance Use Disorder

Addiction has been attributed to development of habit-based neural circuits that promote continued substance use despite a conscious wish to abstain. The goal of this study was to determine if physical exercise could serve as an alternative habit to replace habitual substance use, and whether this exercise intervention methods differed for opioid vs. amphetamine Dependents. A total of 14 randomized controlled experimental literatures on exercise intervention in people with opioid and amphetamine use disorder were screened, the 14 literature included 4 opioids and 10 amphetamines. From the 14 literature, the information of intervention program elements were counted, respectively. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the similarities and differences between the two intervention methods, and intervention mechanism of dependents were discussed. All rehabilitation exercises for opioid dependents use aerobic exercise, while most rehabilitation exercises for amphetamine dependents use aerobic exercise, and a few use aerobic and anaerobic mixed exercise. There is no significant difference in exercise time, exercise frequency and cycle between the two intervention schemes (P > 0.05). The rehabilitation indicators of opioid and amphetamine dependents generally include psychological indicators and physiological indicators, and most of the tests mainly focus on measuring psychological indicators such as mood and drug craving of dependents. The goal of exercise intervention for opioid and amphetamine dependents is similar, the first is to improve mood, reduce craving, improve sleep, and the second is to enhance physical fitness. In the treatment of Substance use disorder, exercise intervention can be used as an auxiliary treatment. Exercise intervention emphasizes low intensity and high frequency. Exercise intervention tends to cultivate long-term exercise habits or exercise lifestyle. Based on this "habit" mechanism, exercise can complete the substitution of material dependence.

Effects of moderate-intensity exercise on social health and physical and mental health of methamphetamine-dependent individuals: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Methamphetamine (MA)-dependent individuals' health problems are widespread and need to be solved urgently. Exercise is considered a potential treatment for MA dependents. The study aimed to determine the effects of a 12-week aerobic exercise on the social, physical, and mental health of MA-dependent individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty MA-dependent individuals were randomly assigned into two groups. Subjects in the exercise group (n = 30) received an exercise intervention five days a week for 60 min each for 12 weeks. Subjects in the control group (n = 30) received regular corrective rehabilitation without exercise in the same setting. Outcome measures, including questionnaires [quality of life scale for drug addiction (QOL-DA), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)] and physical fitness, were arranged the day before the start of the intervention and the day after the end of the intervention. Two-factor repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the treatment differences between the two groups.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of the intervention period, social health was significantly improved in the exercise group (P < 0.01), and there was a statistically significant difference in mental health scores between exercise group and control group, with a greater impact in exercise group.(Psychology: P < 0.01; SAS: P < 0.01; SDS: P < 0.01; PSQI: P < 0.01), physical health improved in the exercise group, physiology (P < 0.01), symptom (P < 0.01), heart rate (P < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01), vital capacity (P < 0.05), grip (P < 0.01), vertical jump (P < 0.001), sit and reach (P < 0.01), 50-meter run (P < 0.01), and reaction time (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Aerobic exercise intervention is an effective treatment for MA-dependent individuals, and the 12-week intervention improved the social, physical, and mental health of MA-dependent individuals. We recommend that future studies focus more on drug-dependent individuals' overall health status rather than just relapse.Clinical trial registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=131048], identifier [ChiCTR2200055348].

Antibiotics Attenuate Methamphetamine-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Regulating Oxidative Stress and TLR4/MyD88/Traf6 Axis

Methamphetamine (METH) is a major psychostimulant drug of abuse worldwide, and its neurotoxicity has been studied extensively. In addition to neurotoxicity, METH can also induce hepatotoxicity. The underlying mechanism of intestinal microorganisms in METH-induced hepatotoxicity remains unclear. In this study, mice have received antibiotics intragastrically or PBS once each day for 1 week, followed by METH or saline. The antibiotics attenuated METH-induced hepatotoxicity as evidenced by histopathological observation and biochemical analysis; furthermore, they alleviated METH-induced oxidative stress. The effect of antibiotics on METH-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). The RNA-seq results demonstrated that antibiotics could regulate 580 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 319 were upregulated after METH treatment and then downregulated with antibiotic pretreatment and 237 were first downregulated after METH administration and then upregulated after antibiotic pretreatment, in addition to 11 upregulated and 13 downregulated ones simultaneously in METH and antibiotic-pretreated groups. RNA-seq analyses revealed that TLR4 is one of the hub genes. Western blot analysis indicated that antibiotics inhibited the increase of TLR4, MyD88 and Traf6 induced by METH. This research suggests that antibiotics may play an important role in preventing METH-induced liver injury by regulating oxidative stress and TLR4/MyD88/Traf6 axis, though further investigation is required.

Lack of longitudinal changes in cognition in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder during the first 6 weeks after commencing treatment

Background: Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) associates with cognitive impulsivity deficits. However, few studies have examined longitudinal changes in cognition, and it remains unclear if deficits resolve during early recovery.Objectives: To compare: (1) cognitive function of individuals with MUD at treatment onset and six-weeks later with controls tested over the same period; (2) cognitive changes in MUD-individuals who remained abstinent versus relapsed.Method: We recruited 108 participants meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for methamphetamine dependence (81 males) and 50 demographically matched controls (38 males); 77 methamphetamine- dependent participants (59 males) and 48 controls (36 males) were retained at follow-up. We administered response inhibition, delay discounting and uncertainty-based decision-making tests at both endpoints. Relapse was defined as methamphetamine concentrations >0.4 ng/mg at follow-up in hair toxicology.Results: We found a significant time-by-group interaction on uncertainty-based decision-making (effect size: η² = .05), although post-hoc tests to disentangle this interaction yielded inconclusive results (p-range = .14-.40; BF₁₀-range = 0.43-1.67). There were no significant time-by-group interactions on response inhibition or delay discounting, with the former likely a null effect (η²-interaction = .003 and .02; BF_incl = 0.23 and 0.71). There were no significant differences in cognitive recovery between individuals who maintained abstinence (n = 12) versus relapsed (n = 65) (η²-range = .003-.04), although evidence was inconclusive toward whether findings reflected true null effects (BF_incl-range = 0.33-0.75).Conclusion: We did not find evidence that MUD-related cognitive impulsivity deficits improve beyond practice effects over 6 weeks. Findings do not support previous, albeit conflicting, evidence of early recovery of cognitive deficits in MUD.

Genetics of methamphetamine use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analyses of gene association studies

Genetic susceptibility to methamphetamine use disorder is poorly understood. No twin or adequately powered genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have been conducted. However, there are a large number of hypothesis-driven candidate gene association studies, which were systematically reviewed herein. Seventy-six studies were identified, investigating markers of 75 different genes. Allele frequencies, odds ratios, 95 % confidence intervals and power were calculated. Risk of bias was also assessed as a quality measure. Meta-analyses were conducted for gene markers if three or more studies were available. Eleven markers from adequately powered studies were significantly associated with methamphetamine use disorder, with Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) representing promising targets. Limitations of these studies include unclear rationale for candidate gene selection, low power and high risk of bias. Future research should include replications to enable more meta-analyses, well-powered GWASs or whole exome or genome sequencing, as well as twin and family studies to further complement the findings of this review to uncover genetic contributions toward methamphetamine use disorder.

Association between amphetamine-related disorders and dementia-a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan

Objective

We have conducted a study to clarify the association between amphetamine‐related disorders (ARD) and the risk of developing dementia.

Methods

This study used a retrospective cohort design by using Taiwan’s National Health Research Institute Database. A random sample of 68,300 subjects between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015, was obtained, comprising of 17,075 patients with ARD, and 51,225 controls without ARD (1:3), matched for gender and age group. After adjusting for covariates, a Fine and Gray’s survival analysis (competing with mortality) was used to compare the risk of dementia during a 15‐year follow‐up period.

Results

In the present study, 1,751 of 17,075 patients with ARD and 2,147 of 51,225 in the control group without ARD (883.10 vs 342.83 per 100,000 person‐years) developed dementia. ARD cohort was more likely to develop dementia (hazard ratio = 4.936 [95% CI: 4.609–5.285, P < 0.001). After adjusting for gender, age groups, education, monthly insured premiums, urbanization level, geographic region, comorbidities, the hazard ratio for ARD patients was 5.034 (95% CI: 4.701–5.391, P < 0.001). ARD has been associated with overall dementia, Alzheimer dementia, vascular dementia, and other dementia. Both the amphetamine use disorder and amphetamine‐induced psychotic disorders were associated with the risk of overall dementia, Alzheimer dementia, vascular dementia, and other dementia.

Interpretation

This study shows that patients with ARD, both the amphetamine use disorder and the amphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder, may have a nearly fivefold risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer dementia and other types of dementia.

The Benefits of Physical Exercise on Mental Disorders and Quality of Life in Substance Use Disorders Patients. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Physical exercise seems to have a promising effect on numerous variables related to the recovery of drug-dependent patients. However, some contradictions are found in the literature. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to identify the effect of physical exercise on mental disorders, quality of life, abstinence, and craving, and make a comparison of the effect of exercise depending on the type of program. A search for articles was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies were selected that measured the acute effects or long-term effect (≥2 weeks) of exercise in patients who met criteria for alcohol use disorders or substance use disorders. A total of 59 studies were included. An effect of exercise on quality of life and mental disorders was identified. Subgroup analysis revealed an effect of exercise on stress (SMD = 1.11 (CI: 0.31, 1.91); z = 2.73; p = 0.006), anxiety (SMD = 0.50 (CI: 0.16, 0.84); z = 2.88; p = 0.004) and depression (SMD = 0.63 (CI: 0.34, 0.92); z = 4.31; p < 0.0001), and an effect of exercise on the eight variables included in the SF36 test. The results also showed a trend towards a positive effect on craving (SMD = 0.89 (CI: −0.05, 1.82); z = 1.85, p = 0.06). Body-mind activities and programs based on improving physical conditions produced similar results in mental disorders and quality of life. Available evidence indicates that physical exercise, both body-mind and physical fitness programs, can be effective in improving mental disorders, craving, and quality of life in drug-dependent patients.

Effects of Resistance Exercise on Cerebral Redox Regulation and Cognition: An Interplay Between Muscle and Brain

This review highlighted resistance training as an important training type for the brain. Most studies that use physical exercise for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases have focused on aerobic physical exercise, revealing different behavioral, biochemical, and molecular effects. However, recent studies have shown that resistance training can also significantly contribute to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases as well as to the maintenance, development, and recovery of brain activities through specific neurochemical adaptations induced by the training. In this scenario we observed the results of several studies published in different journals in the last 20 years, focusing on the effects of resistance training on three main neurological aspects: Neuroprotective mechanisms, oxidative stress, and cognition. Systematic database searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline were performed to identify peer-reviewed studies from the 2000s. Combinations of keywords related to brain disease, aerobic/resistance, or strength physical exercise were used. Other variables were not addressed in this review but should be considered for a complete understanding of the effects of training in the brain.

Methamphetamine-Induced Cognitive Deficits and Psychiatric Symptoms Are Associated with Serum Markers of Liver Damage

Cognitive deficits and psychiatric disorders have been regarded as the most common clinical symptoms of methamphetamine (MA) users. Accumulating evidence has shown that liver disease may be involved in cognitive deficits and psychiatric disorders. This study examines whether cognitive deficits and psychiatric symptoms are associated with serum levels of liver biomarkers in MA users. Cognition was assessed by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Psychiatric symptoms were assessed by the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Liver function was assessed by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin, Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glucose concentrations in 106 MA addicts and 76 controls. Compared to control subjects, MA users had greater severity of psychotic symptoms on the dimension of somatization, depression, anxiety, psychoticism, addiction, and global severity index in SCL-90, and lower scores of cognition, including the total RBANS score and all five subscales. The globulin levels were increased, while the albumin, albumin/globulin, and ApoB levels were decreased. ApoB levels were positively correlated with immediate memory, attention, and total RBANS score. Furthermore, stepwise multivariate regression analysis indicated that ApoB levels were associated with immediate memory, attention, and total RBANS score. The findings of this study suggest that MA addicts might experience cognitive deficits, psychiatric disorders, and liver damage. Serum ApoB levels may be involved in cognitive deficits; thus, improving liver function may help to treat cognitive deficits and psychiatric disorders in MA addicts.

Amphetamine exposure and dementia - A hypothesis of the long term sequelae of cognitive enhancers based on opponent process theory

Dementia is a cluster of brain dysfunctions with a characteristic of progressively debilitating in individuals' ability of operating cognitive functions and that affects seriously to patients' daily life. We presented a hypothesis in this article that earlier exposure of a common used cognitive enhancer amphetamine may lead to individuals to be more liable to develop dementia in their later life based on the opponent process theory. The theory proposes that following a positive response, homeostatic changes in brain circuits may function to go opposite to the positive response, thus a cognitive deterioration may incur in later life in the individuals who exposed to amphetamine earlier. Along with the hypothesis, amphetamine is also highly associated with the working hypothesis updated for dementia in terms of beta-amyloid cascade, tau protein, oxidative stress and neural inflammation. Finally, we presented two practical methods to evaluate the hypothesis. In non-human approach, rat model of amphetamine dependence would be employed together with evaluations of behavioral performance of memory test and neurochemical markers associated with oxidative stress. In human approach, a matched-cohort design observational study would be highly recommended.

Supraphysiologic-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid use: A risk factor for dementia?

Supraphysiologic-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is associated with physiologic, cognitive, and brain abnormalities similar to those found in people at risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease and its related dementias (AD/ADRD), which are associated with high brain β-amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (tau-P) protein levels. Supraphysiologic-dose AAS induces androgen abnormalities and excess oxidative stress, which have been linked to increased and decreased expression or activity of proteins that synthesize and eliminate, respectively, Aβ and tau-P. Aβ and tau-P accumulation may begin soon after initiating supraphysiologic-dose AAS use, which typically occurs in the early 20s, and their accumulation may be accelerated by other psychoactive substance use, which is common among non-medical AAS users. Accordingly, the widespread use of supraphysiologic-dose AAS may increase the numbers of people who develop dementia. Early diagnosis and correction of sex-steroid level abnormalities and excess oxidative stress could attenuate risk for developing AD/ADRD in supraphysiologic-dose AAS users, in people with other substance use disorders, and in people with low sex-steroid levels or excess oxidative stress associated with aging.

Neuroinflammation in addiction: A review of neuroimaging studies and potential immunotherapies

Addiction is a worldwide public health problem and this article reviews scientific advances in identifying the role of neuroinflammation in the genesis, maintenance, and treatment of substance use disorders. With an emphasis on neuroimaging techniques, this review examines human studies of addiction using positron emission tomography to identify binding of translocator protein (TSPO), which is upregulated in reactive glial cells and activated microglia during pathological states. High TSPO levels have been shown in methamphetamine use but exhibits variable patterns in cocaine use. Alcohol and nicotine use, however, are associated with lower TSPO levels. We discuss how mechanistic differences at the neurotransmitter and circuit level in the neural effects of these agents and subsequent immune response may explain these observations. Finally, we review the potential of anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibudilast, minocycline, and pioglitazone, to ameliorate the behavioral and cognitive consequences of addiction.

Vitamin B12 Levels in Methamphetamine Addicts

Objective: It has been established that reduced vitamin B12 serum levels are associated with cognitive decline and mental illness. The chronic use of methamphetamine (MA), which is a highly addictive drug, can induce cognitive impairment and psychopathological symptoms. There are few studies addressing the association of MA with vitamin B12 serum levels. This study examined whether the serum levels of B12 are associated with MA addiction.

Methods: Serum vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), glucose and triglyceride concentrations were measured in 123 MA addicts and 108 controls. In addition, data were collected on their age, marital status, level of education and Body Mass Index (BMI) for all participants. In the patient group, the data for each subject were collected using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and a drug use history, which included the age of onset, total duration of MA use, the number of relapses and addiction severity.

Results: Our results showed that MA addicts had lower vitamin B12 levels (p < 0.05) than those of healthy controls, but Hcy levels were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). Serum B12 levels were negatively correlated with the number of relapses in the MA group. Furthermore, binary logistics regression analysis indicated that the B12 was an influencing factor contributing to addiction severity.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that some MA addicts might have vitamin B12 deficiency, and serum B12 levels may be involved in the prognosis of MA addiction.

High Exploratory Phenotype Rats Exposed to Environmental Stressors Present Memory Deficits Accompanied by Immune-Inflammatory/Oxidative Alterations: Relevance to the Relationship Between Temperament and Mood Disorders

Low-exploratory (LE) and high-exploratory (HE) rodents mimic human depressive and hyperthymic temperaments, respectively. Mood disorders (MD) may be developed by the exposure of these temperaments to environmental stress (ES). Psychiatric symptoms severity in MD patients is related to the magnitude of memory impairment. Thus, we aimed at studying the consequences of the exposure of LE and HE male Wistar rats, during periadolescence, to a combination of ES, namely, paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) and unpredictable stress (US), on anxiety-related behavior in the plus maze test, working (WM) and declarative memory (DM) performance. We also evaluated hippocampal immune-inflammatory/oxidative, as consequences of ES, and prevention of ES-induced alterations by the mood-stabilizing drugs, lithium and valproate. Medium exploratory (ME) control rats were used for comparisons with HE- and LE-control rats. We observed that HE-controls presented increased anxiolytic behavior that was significantly increased by ES exposure, whereas LE-controls presented increased anxiety-like behavior relative to ME-controls. Lithium and valproate prevented anxiolytic alterations in HE+ES rats. HE+ES- and LE+ES-rats presented WM and DM deficits. Valproate and lithium prevented WM deficits in LE-PSD+US rats. Lithium prevented DM impairment in HE+ES-rats. Hippocampal levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) increased four-fold in HE+ES-rats, being prevented by valproate and lithium. All groups of LE+ES-rats presented increased levels of GSH in relation to controls. Increments in lipid peroxidation in LE+ES- and HE+ES-rats were prevented by valproate in HE+ES-rats and by both drugs in LE+ES-rats. Nitrite levels were increased in HE+ES- and LE+ES-rats (five-fold increase), which was prevented by both drugs in LE+ES-rats. HE+ES-rats presented a two-fold increase in the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression that was prevented by lithium. HE+ES-rats showed increased hippocampal and plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-4. Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) was increased in HE+ES- and LE+ES-rats, while tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) was increased only in HE+ES-rats. Altogether, our results showed that LE- and HE-rats exposed to ES present distinct anxiety-related behavior and similar memory deficits. Furthermore, HE+ES-rats presented more brain and plasma inflammatory alterations that were partially prevented by the mood-stabilizing drugs. These alterations in HE+ES-rats may possibly be related to the development of mood symptoms.

Effects of Exercise on Depression, Anxiety, Cognitive Control, Craving, Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Methamphetamine-Dependent Patients

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse results in a variety of harmful changes in mood states and cognitive function, together with declined physical health and quality of life. Recent studies highlighted the therapeutic potential of physical exercise on MA addiction. Physical exercise improves emotional state and general health conditions, enhances cognitive function, reduces relapse rate, and facilitates abstinence, thereby improves the overall quality of life of the drug users. This review summarizes the present situation of physical exercise on MA-dependent patients with both animal and clinical population results.

IL-17A promotes the neuroinflammation and cognitive function in sevoflurane anesthetized aged rats via activation of NF-κB signaling pathway

Background

To investigate the role of IL-17A in the neuroinflammation and cognitive function of aged rats anaesthetized with sevoflurane through NF-κB pathway.

Method

The aged and young adult rats were randomly divided into Control (inhale oxygen only), Sevoflurane (inhale oxygen and sevoflurane), Sevo (Sevoflurane) + anti-IL-17A (injected with IL-17A antibody, inhale oxygen and sevoflurane), and Sevo + NC groups (injected with IgG2a antibody, inhale oxygen and sevoflurane). Cognitive function was evaluated by Morris water maze and contextual fear conditioning tests. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 expressions in the hippocampus of rats were detected by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) assay, and Nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway-related proteins by Western blot.

Results

Sevoflurane anaesthetized aged rats showed longer escape latency and swimming distance, fewer platform crossing times, shortened stay time in the platform quadrant compared to Control rats; In addition, increased levels in hippocampal expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-17A, NF-κB p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2, as well as a reduced level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also observed in these animals. However, the sevoflurane anesthetized aged rats treated with anti-IL-17A presented a completely opposite tendency concerning the above factors (all P < 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in the acquisition of learning or memory, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress of young adult rats in all groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Anti-IL-17A may alleviate neuroinflammation and oxidative stress via inhibiting NF-κB pathway, thereby attenuating post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in aged rats anaesthetized with sevoflurane.