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Kim E, Redwood S, Liu F, Roche DJO, Chen S, Bentley WE, Eaton WW, Čiháková D, Talor MV, Kelly DL, Payne GF. Pilot study indicates that a gluten-free diet lowers oxidative stress for gluten-sensitive persons with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2024; 269:71-78. [PMID: 38749320 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
One-third of people with schizophrenia have elevated levels of anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA IgG). A 5-week randomized double-blind pilot study was performed in 2014-2017 in an inpatient setting to test the effect of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who also had elevated AGA IgG (≥ 20 U) but were negative for celiac disease. This earlier pilot study reported that the GFD-group showed improved gastrointestinal and psychiatric symptoms, and also improvements in TNF-α and the inflammatory cytokine IL-23. Here, we performed measurements of these banked plasma samples to detect levels of oxidative stress (OxSt) using a recently developed iridium (Ir)-reducing capacity assay. Triplicate measurements of these samples showed an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.84 which indicates good reproducibility. Further, a comparison of the OxSt measurements at the baseline and 5-week end-point for this small sample size shows that the GFD-group (N = 7) had lowered OxSt levels compared to the gluten-containing diet group (GCD; N = 9; p = 0.05). Finally, we showed that improvements in OxSt over these 5 weeks were correlated to improvements in gastrointestinal (r = +0.64, p = 0.0073) and psychiatric (r = +0.52, p = 0.039) symptoms. Also, we showed a possible association between the decrease in OxSt and the lowered levels of IL-23 (r = +0.44, p = 0.087), although without statistical significance. Thus, the Ir-reducing capacity assay provides a simple, objective measure of OxSt with the results providing further evidence that inflammation, redox dysregulation and OxSt may mediate interactions between the gut and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyoung Kim
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Sidney Redwood
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Fang Liu
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, United States
| | - Daniel J O Roche
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, United States
| | - Shuo Chen
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, United States
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - William W Eaton
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Daniela Čiháková
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Monica V Talor
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Deanna L Kelly
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, United States.
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States.
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Shkundin A, Halaris A. IL-8 (CXCL8) Correlations with Psychoneuroimmunological Processes and Neuropsychiatric Conditions. J Pers Med 2024; 14:488. [PMID: 38793070 PMCID: PMC11122344 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL8), an essential CXC chemokine, significantly influences psychoneuroimmunological processes and affects neurological and psychiatric health. It exerts a profound effect on immune cell activation and brain function, suggesting potential roles in both neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. IL-8 production is stimulated by several factors, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) known to promote inflammation and disease progression. Additionally, CXCL8 gene polymorphisms can alter IL-8 production, leading to potential differences in disease susceptibility, progression, and severity across populations. IL-8 levels vary among neuropsychiatric conditions, demonstrating sensitivity to psychosocial stressors and disease severity. IL-8 can be detected in blood circulation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine, making it a promising candidate for a broad-spectrum biomarker. This review highlights the need for further research on the diverse effects of IL-8 and the associated implications for personalized medicine. A thorough understanding of its complex role could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment strategies for neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelos Halaris
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA;
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Zhang Q, Liu Z, Wang T, Yu M, Li X. Efficacy and acceptability of adjunctive n-acetylcysteine for psychotic disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Psychopharmacol 2024; 39:e2880. [PMID: 37712506 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION N-acetylcysteine (NAC) augmentation of antipsychotic medication has been studied in psychotic disorders but the results are inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of NAC as an augmentation strategy for psychotic disorders. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched until the date of November 28, 2022. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NAC and placebo in patients with psychotic disorders. The outcomes were the psychotic symptoms measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and drop-out rates. RESULTS A total of 594 patients from eight trials were included. The results showed that no difference was found in score changes of PANSS total, positive, negative, or general psychopathology scale scores between the NAC group and placebo group in both time points (≤24 weeks and >24 weeks). There was also no statistical difference in drop-out rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION For the moment, it is not appropriate to recommend NAC as an augmentation of antipsychotic medication to treat psychotic disorders in routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Air Force Hospital of Northern Theater PLA, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ziping Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Air Force Hospital of Northern Theater PLA, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Air Force Hospital of Northern Theater PLA, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, PLA, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Air Force Hospital of Northern Theater PLA, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Carletti B, Banaj N, Piras F, Bossù P. Schizophrenia and Glutathione: A Challenging Story. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1526. [PMID: 38003841 PMCID: PMC10672475 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a devastating mental illness with a complex and heterogeneous clinical state. Several conditions like symptoms, stage and severity of the disease are only some of the variables that have to be considered to define the disorder and its phenotypes. SZ pathophysiology is still unclear, and the diagnosis is currently relegated to the analysis of clinical symptoms; therefore, the search for biomarkers with diagnostic relevance is a major challenge in the field, especially in the era of personalized medicine. Though the mechanisms implicated in SZ are not fully understood, some processes are beginning to be elucidated. Oxidative stress, and in particular glutathione (GSH) dysregulation, has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in SZ pathophysiology. In fact, glutathione is a leading actor of oxidative-stress-mediated damage in SZ and appears to reflect the heterogeneity of the disease. The literature reports differing results regarding the levels of glutathione in SZ patients. However, each GSH state may be a sign of specific symptoms or groups of symptoms, candidating glutathione as a biomarker useful for discriminating SZ phenotypes. Here, we summarize the literature about the levels of glutathione in SZ and analyze the role of this molecule and its potential use as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carletti
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Clinical Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy; (N.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Nerisa Banaj
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Clinical Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy; (N.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Fabrizio Piras
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Clinical Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy; (N.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Paola Bossù
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Clinical Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
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Thomson-Casey C, Adams J, McIntyre E. The engagement of psychology with complementary medicine: A critical integrative review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21201. [PMID: 37928398 PMCID: PMC10622697 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amidst the global rise in complementary medicine (CM) use for mental health, a substantial number of clients consulting a psychologist also utilise at least one form of CM. Yet, how psychologists should engage with CM in their clinical practice (e.g., how to respond to a client disclosing CM use or enquiries regarding CM products or services for mental health) remains contested and unclear. In response, a systematic integrative review was conducted to examine empirical literature reporting on one or more aspects of the relationship between psychology (incorporating clinical practice, professional associations and academia) and CM, and how that relationship may relate to or inform psychologists' engagement with CM in their clinical practice. Twenty-seven peer-reviewed articles met the specific inclusion criteria and quality appraisal was employed. Analysis shows a substantial number of psychologists are engaging with, or are interested in engaging with, CM in their clinical practice. Analysis identified a dissonance between psychologists' engagement with CM in clinical practice and the limited engagement of the broader discipline of psychology with CM. Further research is required to understand these differing types of engagement with a view to helping inform relevant policy and practice guidelines, and ultimately assist psychologists in navigating CM in their clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Thomson-Casey
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Erica McIntyre
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Fond G, Mallet J, Urbach M, Benros ME, Berk M, Billeci M, Boyer L, Correll CU, Fornaro M, Kulkarni J, Leboyer M, Llorca PM, Misdrahi D, Rey R, Schürhoff F, Solmi M, Sommer IEC, Stahl SM, Pignon B, Berna F. Adjunctive agents to antipsychotics in schizophrenia: a systematic umbrella review and recommendations for amino acids, hormonal therapies and anti-inflammatory drugs. BMJ MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 26:e300771. [PMID: 37852631 PMCID: PMC10583081 DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2023-300771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
QUESTION This umbrella review and guidelines aimed to provide evidence to support the rational choice of selected adjunctive therapies for schizophrenia. STUDY SELECTION AND ANALYSIS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP)-grading recommendations, 63 randomised control trials (RCTs) (of which 4219 unique participants have completed the RCTs) and 29 meta-analyses were analysed. FINDINGS Provisional recommendations (WFSBP-grade 1) could be made for two molecules in augmentation to antipsychotics: (1) N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC, 1200-3600 mg/day, for >12 consecutive weeks) in improving negative symptoms, general psychopathology (positive and negative syndrome scale for schizophrenia (PANSS) general psychopathology factor (G)-G subscale), with the RCTs with the longer duration showing the most robust findings; (2) polyunsaturated fatty acids (3000 mg/day of eicosapentaenoic acid, for >12 weeks) in improving general psychopathology. Weaker recommendations (ie, WFSBP-grade 2) could be drawn for sarcosine (2 g/day) and minocycline (200-300 mg/day) for improving negative symptoms in chronic schizophrenia (not early schizophrenia), and NAC for improving positive symptoms and cognition. Weak recommendations are not ready for clinical practice. There is provisional evidence that oestrogens and raloxifene are effective in some patients, but further research is needed to determine their benefit/risk ratio. CONCLUSIONS The results of this umbrella review should be interpreted with caution as the number of RCTs included in the meta-analyses was generally small and the effect sizes were weak or medium. For NAC, two RCTs with low risk of bias have provided conflicting results and the WFSBP-grade recommendation included also the results of meta-analyses. These drugs could be provisionally prescribed for patients for whom no other treatments have been effective, but they should be discontinued if they prove ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Fond
- Department of psychiatry, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Creteil, France
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, AMU, Marseille, France
| | - Jasmina Mallet
- Fondation FondaMental, Creteil, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Louis Mourier Hospital, Colombes, France
| | - Mathieu Urbach
- Fondation FondaMental, Creteil, France
- Department of Adult Psychiatry and Addictology, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Michael Eriksen Benros
- Copenhagen Research Center for Biological and Precision Psychiatry, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, School of Medicine, and Barwon Health; IMPACT, the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation; Orygen The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martina Billeci
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, Section of Psychiatry, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Laurent Boyer
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, AMU, Marseille, France
- Département d'information médicale, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, Section of Psychiatry, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Jayashri Kulkarni
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Alfred Hospital and Monash University Central Clinical School, Monash University,607StKildaRd, Level4, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3004, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marion Leboyer
- Fondation FondaMental, Creteil, France
- Department of psychiatry, Univ Paris-Est-Créteil (UPEC), AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires « H. Mondor », DMU IMPACT, INSERM U955, IMRB, translational Neuropsychiatry, F-94010 Creteil, France, Créteil, France
| | - Pierre-Michel Llorca
- Fondation FondaMental, Creteil, France
- Département de psychiatrie, Université Clermont Auvergne, CMP-B CHU, CNRS,Clermont Auvergne INP, Institut Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David Misdrahi
- Fondation FondaMental, Creteil, France
- Departement de Psychiatrie Générale et Universitaire, Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens; Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5287, F-33000, INCIA, Bordeaux, France
| | - Romain Rey
- Fondation FondaMental, Creteil, France
- Schizophrenia Expert Centre, Le Vinatier Hospital; INSERM, U1028; CNRS, UMR5292; University Lyon 1; Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, PSYR2 Team, Lyon, France
| | - Franck Schürhoff
- Fondation FondaMental, Creteil, France
- Department of psychiatry, Univ Paris-Est-Créteil (UPEC), AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires « H. Mondor », DMU IMPACT, INSERM U955, IMRB, translational Neuropsychiatry, F-94010 Creteil, France, Créteil, France
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Mental Health, The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Iris E C Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen M Stahl
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Baptiste Pignon
- Fondation FondaMental, Creteil, France
- Department of psychiatry, Univ Paris-Est-Créteil (UPEC), AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires « H. Mondor », DMU IMPACT, INSERM U955, IMRB, translational Neuropsychiatry, F-94010 Creteil, France, Créteil, France
| | - Fabrice Berna
- Fondation FondaMental, Creteil, France
- Psychiatry, Strasbourg University Hospital, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Poladian N, Navasardyan I, Narinyan W, Orujyan D, Venketaraman V. Potential Role of Glutathione Antioxidant Pathways in the Pathophysiology and Adjunct Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. Clin Pract 2023; 13:768-779. [PMID: 37489419 PMCID: PMC10366746 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13040070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between the production of free radicals and their removal by antioxidants, leading to accumulation and subsequent organ and tissue damage. Antioxidant status and its role in the accumulation of free radicals has been observed in a number of psychological disorders. Glutathione is commonly referred to as the principal antioxidant of the brain and, therefore, plays a critical role in maintaining redox homeostasis. Reduced levels of glutathione in the brain increase its vulnerability to oxidative stress, and may be associated with the development and progression of several psychiatric disorders. Within this review, we focus on analyzing potential associations between the glutathione antioxidant pathway and psychiatric disorders: major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Our research suggests that studies regarding these four disorders have shown decreased levels of GSH in association with diseased states; however, conflicting results note no significant variance in glutathione pathway enzymes and/or metabolites based on diseased state. In studying the potential of NAC administration as an adjunct therapy, various studies have shown NAC to augment therapy and/or aid in symptomatic management for psychiatric disorders, while contrasting results exist within the literature. Based on the conflicting findings throughout this review, there is room for study regarding the potential role of glutathione in the development and progression of psychiatric disorders. Our findings further suggest a need to study such pathways with consideration of the interactions with first-line pharmacotherapy, and the potential use of antioxidants as supplemental therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Poladian
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Inesa Navasardyan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - William Narinyan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Davit Orujyan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Vishwanath Venketaraman
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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Edemann-Callesen H, Bernhardt N, Hlusicka EB, Hintz F, Habelt B, Winter R, Neubert I, Pelz M, Filla A, Soto-Montenegro ML, Winter C, Hadar R. Supplement Treatment with NAC and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids during Pregnancy Partially Prevents Schizophrenia-Related Outcomes in the Poly I:C Rat Model. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051068. [PMID: 37237933 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heightened levels of inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We aimed to assess whether intake of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant drugs during pregnancy prevents later schizophrenia-related outcomes in a neurodevelopmental rat model of this disorder. METHODS Pregnant Wistar rats were injected with polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid (Poly I:C) or saline and subsequently treated with either N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) until delivery. Controls rats received no treatment. In the offspring, neuroinflammation and anti-oxidant enzyme activity were assessed on postnatal day (PND) 21, 33, 48, and 90. Behavioral testing was performed at PND 90, followed by post-mortem neurochemical assessment and ex vivo MRI. RESULTS The supplement treatment led to a quicker restoration of the wellbeing of dams. In the adolescent Poly I:C offspring, the supplement treatment prevented an increase in microglial activity and partially prevented a deregulation in the anti-oxidant defense system. In the adult Poly I:C offspring, supplement treatment partially prevented dopamine deficits, which was paralleled by some changes in behavior. Exposure to omega-3 PUFAs prevented the enlargement of lateral ventricles. CONCLUSION Intake of over-the-counter supplements may assist in especially targeting the inflammatory response related to schizophrenia pathophysiology, aiding in diminishing later disease severity in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Edemann-Callesen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Bernhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Barroeta Hlusicka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Hintz
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bettina Habelt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Rebecca Winter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Isabell Neubert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Meike Pelz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexandra Filla
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Luisa Soto-Montenegro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación de Alto Rendimiento en Fisiopatología y Farmacología del Sistema Digestivo (NeuGut-URJC), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Christine Winter
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ravit Hadar
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Campus Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Bhatara VS, Daniel J, Whitman C, Vik T, Bernstein B, Simkin DR. Complementary/Integrative Medicine Treatment and Prevention of Youth Psychosis. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2023; 32:273-296. [PMID: 37147040 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The rationale for CIM treatments in youth psychoses is to optimize treatment by targeting symptoms not resolved by antipsychotics, such as negative symptoms (major drivers of disability). Adjunctive omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) or N-acetyl cystine (NAC usage for > 24-week) can potentially reduce negative symptoms and improve function. ω-3 FA or exercise may prevent progression to psychosis in youth (in prodromal stage). Weekly 90-minute moderate to vigorous physical activity or aerobic exercise can reduce positive and negative symptoms. Awaiting better research, CIM agents are also recommended because they are devoid of any serious side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod S Bhatara
- Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine, 2601 W Nicole Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57105-3329, USA.
| | - Jeremy Daniel
- South Dakota State University, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, Avera Behavioral Health
| | - Carol Whitman
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Tamara Vik
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Bettina Bernstein
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Clinical Affiliate Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Deborah R Simkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, 8955 Highway 98 West, Suite 204, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, USA
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Kishi T, Sakuma K, Hatano M, Iwata N. N-acetylcysteine for schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 77:119-121. [PMID: 36330886 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taro Kishi
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakuma
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Masakazu Hatano
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Nakao Iwata
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
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11
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da Silva Schmidt PM, Trettim JP, Longoni A, Grings M, de Matos MB, de Avila Quevedo L, Ardais AP, Nedel F, Ghisleni G, Leipnitz G, Pinheiro RT, de Assis AM. Can glutathione be a biomarker for suicide risk in women 18 months postpartum? Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1142608. [PMID: 36846227 PMCID: PMC9948031 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1142608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide risk is prominent among the problems affecting populations, mainly due to the broad family, psychosocial and economic impact. Most individuals at suicidal risk have some mental disorder. There is considerable evidence that psychiatric disorders are accompanied by the activation of neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative pathways. The aim of the study is to evaluate the serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in women at risk of suicide after 18 months of postpartum. METHODS This is a case-control study, nested within a cohort study. From this cohort, 45 women [15 without mood disorders and 30 with mood disorders (Major depression and Bipolar disorder)] were selected at 18 months postpartum, the depression and suicide risk were assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI-Plus) instrument, module A and C, respectively. Blood was collected and stored for later analysis of the reactive species (DCFH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reduced (GSH). For data analysis, the SPSS program was used. To compare the nominal covariates with the outcome GSH levels, the Student's t-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Spearman's correlation was performed for analysis between the quantitative covariates and the outcome. To analyze the interaction between the factors, multiple linear regression was performed. Bonferroni analysis was used as an additional/secondary result to visualize differences in glutathione levels according to risk severity. After the adjusted analysis, p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The percentage of suicide risk observed in our sample of women at 18 months postpartum was 24.4% (n = 11). After adjusting for the independent variables, only the presence of suicide risk remained associated with the outcome (β = 0.173; p = 0.007), low levels of GSH at 18 months after postpartum. Likewise, we verified the difference in GSH levels according to the degree of suicide risk, observing a significant association between the differences in glutathione means in the group of women with moderate to high risk compared to the reference group (no suicide risk) (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that GSH may be a potential biomarker or etiologic factor in women at moderate to high risk of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Michele da Silva Schmidt
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Center of Health Science, Universidade Católica de Pelotas - UCPel, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Puchalski Trettim
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Center of Health Science, Universidade Católica de Pelotas - UCPel, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Aline Longoni
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Center of Health Science, Universidade Católica de Pelotas - UCPel, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Mateus Grings
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mariana Bonati de Matos
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Center of Health Science, Universidade Católica de Pelotas - UCPel, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Luciana de Avila Quevedo
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Center of Health Science, Universidade Católica de Pelotas - UCPel, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Ardais
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Center of Health Science, Universidade Católica de Pelotas - UCPel, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Nedel
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Center of Health Science, Universidade Católica de Pelotas - UCPel, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Gabriele Ghisleni
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Center of Health Science, Universidade Católica de Pelotas - UCPel, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Guilhian Leipnitz
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Tavares Pinheiro
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Center of Health Science, Universidade Católica de Pelotas - UCPel, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Adriano Martimbianco de Assis
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Center of Health Science, Universidade Católica de Pelotas - UCPel, Pelotas, Brazil
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12
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Khan MM. Role of de novo lipogenesis in insulin resistance in first-episode psychosis and therapeutic options. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104919. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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13
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Thomson-Casey C, Adams J, McIntyre E. Complementary medicine in psychology practice: an analysis of Australian psychology guidelines and a comparison with other psychology associations from English speaking countries. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:171. [PMID: 35752820 PMCID: PMC9233840 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03620-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Psychologists, and their clients, are engaging with complementary medicine (CM). Increasing evidence for CM approaches, such as improved nutrition and St John’s wort, has led to their inclusion in the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders. This research aims to determine in what ways, and to what extent, Australian psychology regulatory bodies and associations consider CM relevant to psychology practice. Specifically, how these regulatory bodies and professional association’s ethical and practice guidelines engage with CM.
Methods
Documents from Australian regulatory bodies and professional associations, that relate to the governance or guidance of psychologists’ clinical practice, were systematically searched for key terms relating to CM.
Results
There were no direct references to CM in the 58 ethical and practice guidelines reviewed. There was also no reference to the relevance of CM to ethnocultural groups, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional healing practices.
Conclusion
While other mental health care disciplines are working toward integrating CM, the discipline of psychology in Australia is not currently engaged in such developments. Given the exponential rise of CM use amongst those with mental health problems, psychology associations should consider developing resources and guidelines to assist psychologists in navigating CM in relation to clinical practice to help minimise risks, such as patient safety associated with concurrent CM use.
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14
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Xu H, Yang F. The interplay of dopamine metabolism abnormalities and mitochondrial defects in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:464. [PMID: 36344514 PMCID: PMC9640700 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02233-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is a major monoamine neurotransmitter in the brain and has essential roles in higher functions of the brain. Malfunctions of dopaminergic signaling have been implicated in various mental disorders such as addiction, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease (PD), and schizophrenia. The pathogenesis of PD and schizophrenia involves the interplay of mitochondrial defect and DA metabolism abnormalities. This article focuses on this issue in schizophrenia. It started with the introduction of metabolism, behavioral action, and physiology of DA, followed by reviewing evidence for malfunctions of dopaminergic signaling in patients with schizophrenia. Then it provided an overview of multiple facets of mitochondrial physiology before summarizing mitochondrial defects reported in clinical studies with schizophrenia patients. Finally, it discussed the interplay between DA metabolism abnormalities and mitochondrial defects and outlined some clinical studies showing effects of combination therapy of antipsychotics and antioxidants in treating patients with schizophrenia. The update and integration of these lines of information may advance our understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, phenomenology, and treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Xu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Illness, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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15
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Mayeli A, Clancy KJ, Sonnenschein S, Sarpal DK, Ferrarelli F. A narrative review of treatment interventions to improve cognitive performance in schizophrenia, with an emphasis on at-risk and early course stages. Psychiatry Res 2022; 317:114926. [PMID: 36932470 PMCID: PMC10729941 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is a core feature of schizophrenia (SCZ), which unfavorably affects SCZ patients' daily functioning and overall clinical outcome. An increasing body of evidence has shown that cognitive deficits are present not only at the beginning of the illness but also several years before the onset of psychosis. Nonetheless, the majority of treatment interventions targeting cognitive dysfunction in SCZ, using both pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches, have focused on chronic patients rather than individuals at high risk or in the early stages of the disease. In this article, we provide a narrative review of cognitive interventions in SCZ patients, with a particular focus on pre-emptive interventions in at-risk/early course individuals when available. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges for these pre-emptive treatment interventions and provide some suggestions on how future work may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Mayeli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Forbes Ave, Suite 456, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kevin J Clancy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Forbes Ave, Suite 456, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Susan Sonnenschein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Forbes Ave, Suite 456, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Deepak K Sarpal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Forbes Ave, Suite 456, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Fabio Ferrarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Forbes Ave, Suite 456, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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16
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Bühner LM, Kapanaiah SKT, Kätzel D. Chronic N-acetylcysteine treatment improves anhedonia and cognition in a mouse model of the schizophrenia prodrome. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1002223. [PMID: 36225391 PMCID: PMC9548602 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1002223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder whose neurodevelopmental pathogenesis includes a prodromal phase before its diagnostically decisive—namely psychotic—symptoms are present. This prodrome is characterized by cognitive and affective deficits, and it may constitute a critical time period for an early therapeutic intervention to improve or even prevent further disease development. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an easily repurposable compound that has recently shown promise in improving non-psychotic symptoms in patients with established schizophrenia. Its therapeutic mechanism may involve the amelioration of circuit abnormalities like a hyper-glutamatergic state and oxidative stress in cortex which have been proposed to drive the pathogenesis of this disease. However, it is currently unknown to what extent NAC can actually improve prodromal aberrations. To investigate this preclinically, we deployed the cyclin-D2 knockout mouse model (CD2-KO) that shares physiological and behavioral abnormalities with the schizophrenia prodrome, including a hyperactive CA1 region, and cognitive and affective deficits. Applying NAC chronically in drinking water (0.9 g/l) during development (∼P22–P70), we found that excessive novelty-induced hyperlocomotion was neither ameliorated during (∼P68) nor after (∼P75) treatment; similarly, T-maze working memory (tested after treatment; ∼P84) was unaffected. However, once chronic NAC treatment was resumed (at approximately P134) in those mice that had received it before, working memory, cognitive flexibility (tested under NAC), and anhedonia (sucrose-preference, tested 1 day after NAC-treatment stopped) were improved in CD2-KO mice. This suggests that chronic NAC treatment may be a therapeutic strategy to improve some cognitive and affective dysfunctions in the schizophrenia prodrome.
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17
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Oxidative Stress and Emergence of Psychosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11101870. [PMID: 36290593 PMCID: PMC9598314 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11101870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment and prevention strategies for schizophrenia require knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the psychotic transition. Increasing evidence suggests a redox imbalance in schizophrenia patients. This narrative review presents an overview of the scientific literature regarding blood oxidative stress markers’ evolution in the early stages of psychosis and chronic patients. Studies investigating peripheral levels of oxidative stress in schizophrenia patients, first episode of psychosis or UHR individuals were considered. A total of 76 peer-reviewed articles published from 1991 to 2022 on PubMed and EMBASE were included. Schizophrenia patients present with increased levels of oxidative damage to lipids in the blood, and decreased levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants. Genetic studies provide evidence for altered antioxidant functions in patients. Antioxidant blood levels are decreased before psychosis onset and blood levels of oxidative stress correlate with symptoms severity in patients. Finally, adjunct treatment of antipsychotics with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine appears to be effective in schizophrenia patients. Further studies are required to assess its efficacy as a prevention strategy. Redox imbalance might contribute to the pathophysiology of emerging psychosis and could serve as a therapeutic target for preventive or adjunctive therapies, as well as biomarkers of disease progression.
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18
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Yang YS, Maddock RJ, Zhang H, Lee J, Hellemann G, Marder SR, Green MF. N-Acetylcysteine effects on glutathione and glutamate in schizophrenia: A preliminary MRS study. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2022; 325:111515. [PMID: 35839558 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2022.111515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a commonly used antioxidant that may have beneficial effects for schizophrenia. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled preliminary study, 40 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomized to receive 2400 mg NAC daily or placebo over eight weeks to examine the effects of NAC on prefrontal magnetic resonance spectroscopy levels of glutathione and glutamate. Secondary outcomes included negative symptoms, cognition, and plasma glutathione levels. We found that NAC treatment was associated with increased glutathione (statistically significant) and decreased glutamate (trend-level) compared with placebo in medial prefrontal cortex but not dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We also observed a baseline association between medial prefrontal cortex levels of glutathione and plasma reduced / oxidized glutathione ratios. No treatment effects on symptoms or cognition were observed. Taken together, these findings indicate that treatment with N-acetylcysteine may increase medial prefrontal cortical levels of glutathione after eight weeks of treatment. These changes in cortical levels of glutathione may serve as an early biomarker of later clinical change and may underlie the cognitive and symptomatic improvements reported in longer-term treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne S Yang
- VISN22 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
| | - Richard J Maddock
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Huailin Zhang
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A
| | - Junghee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.A
| | - Gerhard Hellemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.A
| | - Stephen R Marder
- VISN22 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A
| | - Michael F Green
- VISN22 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A
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19
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Reay WR, Geaghan MP, Atkins JR, Carr VJ, Green MJ, Cairns MJ. Genetics-informed precision treatment formulation in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Am J Hum Genet 2022; 109:1620-1637. [PMID: 36055211 PMCID: PMC9502060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically informed drug development and repurposing is an attractive prospect for improving patient outcomes in psychiatry; however, the effectiveness of these endeavors is confounded by heterogeneity. We propose an approach that links interventions implicated by disorder-associated genetic risk, at the population level, to a framework that can target these compounds to individuals. Specifically, results from genome-wide association studies are integrated with expression data to prioritize individual "directional anchor" genes for which the predicted risk-increasing direction of expression could be counteracted by an existing drug. While these compounds represent plausible therapeutic candidates, they are not likely to be equally efficacious for all individuals. To account for this heterogeneity, we constructed polygenic scores restricted to variants annotated to the network of genes that interact with each directional anchor gene. These metrics, which we call a pharmagenic enrichment score (PES), identify individuals with a higher burden of genetic risk, localized in biological processes related to the candidate drug target, to inform precision drug repurposing. We used this approach to investigate schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and reveal several compounds targeting specific directional anchor genes that could be plausibly repurposed. These genetic risk scores, mapped to the networks associated with target genes, revealed biological insights that cannot be observed in undifferentiated genome-wide polygenic risk score (PRS). For example, an enrichment of these partitioned scores in schizophrenia cases with otherwise low PRS. In summary, genetic risk could be used more specifically to direct drug repurposing candidates that target particular genes implicated in psychiatric and other complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Reay
- Centre for Complex Disease and Precision Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael P Geaghan
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Medical Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua R Atkins
- Centre for Complex Disease and Precision Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Vaughan J Carr
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melissa J Green
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Murray J Cairns
- Centre for Complex Disease and Precision Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
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20
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Abstract
Despite strong evidence of the neurodevelopmental origins of psychosis, current pharmacological treatment is not usually initiated until after a clinical diagnosis is made, and is focussed on antagonising striatal dopamine receptors. These drugs are only partially effective, have serious side effects, fail to alleviate the negative and cognitive symptoms of the disorder, and are not useful as a preventive treatment. In recent years, attention has turned to upstream brain regions that regulate striatal dopamine function, such as the hippocampus. This review draws together these recent data to discuss why the hippocampus may be especially vulnerable in the pathophysiology of psychosis. First, we describe the neurodevelopmental trajectory of the hippocampus and its susceptibility to dysfunction, exploring this region's proneness to structural and functional imbalances, metabolic pressures, and oxidative stress. We then examine mechanisms of hippocampal dysfunction in psychosis and in individuals at high-risk for psychosis and discuss how and when hippocampal abnormalities may be targeted in these groups. We conclude with future directions for prospective studies to unlock the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies targeting hippocampal circuit imbalances to prevent or delay the onset of psychosis.
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21
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Chronic N-Acetylcysteine Treatment Prevents Amphetamine-Induced Hyperactivity in Heterozygous Disc1 Mutant Mice, a Putative Prodromal Schizophrenia Animal Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169419. [PMID: 36012679 PMCID: PMC9408838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Symptoms of schizophrenia (SZ) typically emerge during adolescence to young adulthood, which gives a window before full-blown psychosis for early intervention. Strategies for preventing the conversion from the prodromal phase to the psychotic phase are warranted. Heterozygous (Het) Disc1 mutant mice are considered a prodromal model of SZ, suitable for studying psychotic conversion. We evaluated the preventive effect of chronic N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration, covering the prenatal era to adulthood, on the reaction following the Amph challenge, which mimics the outbreak or conversion of psychosis, in adult Het Disc1 mice. Biochemical and morphological features were examined in the striatum of NAC-treated mice. Chronic NAC treatment normalized the Amph-induced activity in the Het Disc1 mice. Furthermore, the striatal phenotypes of Het Disc1 mice were rescued by NAC including dopamine receptors, the expression of GSK3s, MSN dendritic impairments, and striatal PV density. The current study demonstrated a potent preventive effect of chronic NAC treatment in Disc1 Het mice on the acute Amph test, which mimics the outbreak of psychosis. Our findings not only support the benefit of NAC as a dietary supplement for SZ prodromes, but also advance our knowledge of striatal dopamine receptors, PV neurons, and GSK3 signaling pathways as therapeutic targets for treating or preventing the pathogenesis of mental disorders.
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22
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Neill E, Rossell SL, Yolland C, Meyer D, Galletly C, Harris A, Siskind D, Berk M, Bozaoglu K, Dark F, Dean OM, Francis PS, Liu D, Phillipou A, Sarris J, Castle DJ. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) in Schizophrenia Resistant to Clozapine: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Targeting Negative Symptoms. Schizophr Bull 2022; 48:1263-1272. [PMID: 35857752 PMCID: PMC9673271 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, yet a significant proportion of individuals on clozapine continue to experience disabling symptoms, despite being treated with an adequate dose. There is a need for adjunct treatments to augment clozapine, notably for negative and cognitive symptoms. One such potential agent is the glutathione precursor N-acetylcysteine (NAC). STUDY DESIGN A randomized double-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled trial for clozapine patients with enduring psychotic symptoms (n = 84) was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of adjunctive NAC (2 g daily) for negative symptoms, cognition and quality of life (QoL). Efficacy was assessed at 8, 24, and 52 weeks. STUDY RESULTS NAC did not significantly improve negative symptoms (P = .62), overall cognition (P = .71) or quality of life (Manchester quality of life: P = .11; Assessment of quality of life: P = .57) at any time point over a 1-year period of treatment. There were no differences in reported side effects between the groups (P = .26). CONCLUSIONS NAC did not significantly improve schizophrenia symptoms, cognition, or quality of life in treatment-resistant patients taking clozapine. This trial was registered with "Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials" on the 30 May, 2016 (Registration Number: ACTRN12615001273572).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Neill
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia, tel: 858-642-1269, e-mail:
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts & Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia,Department of Mental Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caitlin Yolland
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts & Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia,Department of Mental Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Denny Meyer
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts & Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cherrie Galletly
- Department of Psychiatry, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia,Ramsay Health Care (SA) Mental Health, Adelaide, Australia,Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anthony Harris
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia,Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Dan Siskind
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia,UQ School of Clinical Medicine, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT—the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia,Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kiymet Bozaoglu
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia,Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Frances Dark
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia,UQ School of Clinical Medicine, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Olivia M Dean
- Deakin University, IMPACT—the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul S Francis
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Dennis Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia,Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrea Phillipou
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts & Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jerome Sarris
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia,NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia,Professional Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David J Castle
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts & Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia,Department of Mental Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Sarris J, Byrne G, Castle D, Bousman C, Oliver G, Cribb L, Blair-West S, Brakoulias V, Camfield D, Ee C, Chamoli S, Boschen M, Dean OM, Dowling N, Menon R, Murphy J, Metri NJ, Nguyen TP, Wong A, Jordan R, Karamacoska D, Rossell SL, Berk M, Ng CH. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) augmentation in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: A phase III, 20-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 117:110550. [PMID: 35304155 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preliminary evidence has suggested that adjunctive N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant precursor to glutathione, may reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We conducted a 20-week, multi-site, randomized controlled trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of the adjunctive use of NAC in OCD. METHODS The study was a phase III, 20-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial across multiple sites in Australia investigating 2 g to 4 g per day of NAC (titrated according to response) in 98 participants with DSM-5 diagnosed OCD. Data were analysed using linear mixed effects models for the 89 participants who attended at least one follow-up visit. RESULTS A modified intention-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome found no evidence that NAC reduced symptoms of OCD measured on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, relative to placebo (mean difference at week 20 = 0.53, 95% compatibility interval = -2.18, 3.23; p = 0.70; favouring placebo). There was also no evidence that NAC, compared to placebo, improved outcomes on the secondary measures including anxiety, depression, quality of life, functioning, or clinician/participant impression. NAC was well-tolerated with only mild gastrointestinal adverse events associated with the treatment. CONCLUSION We found no evidence supporting the efficacy of the adjunctive use of NAC in OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Kenneth Myer Building, Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Gerard Byrne
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia; Mental Health Service, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David Castle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chad Bousman
- Departments of Medical Genetics, Psychiatry, Physiology & Pharmacology, and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Georgina Oliver
- Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lachlan Cribb
- Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott Blair-West
- Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vlasios Brakoulias
- Western Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Service, Sydney, Australia; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia
| | - David Camfield
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Carolyn Ee
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Suneel Chamoli
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Boschen
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Olivia M Dean
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Kenneth Myer Building, Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Nathan Dowling
- Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ranjit Menon
- Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenifer Murphy
- Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Najwa-Joelle Metri
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas P Nguyen
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia
| | - Andrew Wong
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca Jordan
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Diana Karamacoska
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Kenneth Myer Building, Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and the Centre for Youth, Mental Health Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chee H Ng
- Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Sarris J, Ravindran A, Yatham LN, Marx W, Rucklidge JJ, McIntyre RS, Akhondzadeh S, Benedetti F, Caneo C, Cramer H, Cribb L, de Manincor M, Dean O, Deslandes AC, Freeman MP, Gangadhar B, Harvey BH, Kasper S, Lake J, Lopresti A, Lu L, Metri NJ, Mischoulon D, Ng CH, Nishi D, Rahimi R, Seedat S, Sinclair J, Su KP, Zhang ZJ, Berk M. Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Taskforce. World J Biol Psychiatry 2022; 23:424-455. [PMID: 35311615 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2021.2013041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The therapeutic use of nutrient-based 'nutraceuticals' and plant-based 'phytoceuticals' for the treatment of mental disorders is common; however, despite recent research progress, there have not been any updated global clinical guidelines since 2015. To address this, the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Disorders (CANMAT) convened an international taskforce involving 31 leading academics and clinicians from 15 countries, between 2019 and 2021. These guidelines are aimed at providing a definitive evidence-informed approach to assist clinicians in making decisions around the use of such agents for major psychiatric disorders. We also provide detail on safety and tolerability, and clinical advice regarding prescription (e.g. indications, dosage), in addition to consideration for use in specialised populations. METHODS The methodology was based on the WFSBP guidelines development process. Evidence was assessed based on the WFSBP grading of evidence (and was modified to focus on Grade A level evidence - meta-analysis or two or more RCTs - due to the breadth of data available across all nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals across major psychiatric disorders). The taskforce assessed both the 'level of evidence' (LoE) (i.e. meta-analyses or RCTs) and the assessment of the direction of the evidence, to determine whether the intervention was 'Recommended' (+++), 'Provisionally Recommended' (++), 'Weakly Recommended' (+), 'Not Currently Recommended' (+/-), or 'Not Recommended' (-) for a particular condition. Due to the number of clinical trials now available in the field, we firstly examined the data from our two meta-reviews of meta-analyses (nutraceuticals conducted in 2019, and phytoceuticals in 2020). We then performed a search of additional relevant RCTs and reported on both these data as the primary drivers supporting our clinical recommendations. Lower levels of evidence, including isolated RCTs, open label studies, case studies, preclinical research, and interventions with only traditional or anecdotal use, were not assessed. RESULTS Amongst nutraceuticals with Grade A evidence, positive directionality and varying levels of support (recommended, provisionally recommended, or weakly recommended) was found for adjunctive omega-3 fatty acids (+++), vitamin D (+), adjunctive probiotics (++), adjunctive zinc (++), methylfolate (+), and adjunctive s-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) (+) in the treatment of unipolar depression. Monotherapy omega-3 (+/-), folic acid (-), vitamin C (-), tryptophan (+/-), creatine (+/-), inositol (-), magnesium (-), and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (+/-) and SAMe (+/-) were not supported for this use. In bipolar disorder, omega-3 had weak support for bipolar depression (+), while NAC was not currently recommended (+/-). NAC was weakly recommended (+) in the treatment of OCD-related disorders; however, no other nutraceutical had sufficient evidence in any anxiety-related disorder. Vitamin D (+), NAC (++), methylfolate (++) were recommended to varying degrees in the treatment of the negative symptoms in schizophrenia, while omega-3 fatty acids were not, although evidence suggests a role for prevention of transition to psychosis in high-risk youth, with potential pre-existing fatty acid deficiency. Micronutrients (+) and vitamin D (+) were weakly supported in the treatment of ADHD, while omega-3 (+/-) and omega-9 fatty acids (-), acetyl L carnitine (-), and zinc (+/-) were not supported. Phytoceuticals with supporting Grade A evidence and positive directionality included St John's wort (+++), saffron (++), curcumin (++), and lavender (+) in the treatment of unipolar depression, while rhodiola use was not supported for use in mood disorders. Ashwagandha (++), galphimia (+), and lavender (++) were modestly supported in the treatment of anxiety disorders, while kava (-) and chamomile (+/-) were not recommended for generalised anxiety disorder. Ginkgo was weakly supported in the adjunctive treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia (+), but not supported in the treatment of ADHD (+/-). With respect to safety and tolerability, all interventions were deemed to have varying acceptable levels of safety and tolerability for low-risk over-the-counter use in most circumstances. Quality and standardisation of phytoceuticals was also raised by the taskforce as a key limiting issue for firmer confidence in these agents. Finally, the taskforce noted that such use of nutraceuticals or phytoceuticals be primarily recommended (where supportive evidence exists) adjunctively within a standard medical/health professional care model, especially in cases of more severe mental illness. Some meta-analyses reviewed contained data from heterogenous studies involving poor methodology. Isolated RCTs and other data such as open label or case series were not included, and it is recognised that an absence of data does not imply lack of efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current data and clinician input, a range of nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals were given either a supportive recommendation or a provisional recommendation across a range of various psychiatric disorders. However several had only a weak endorsement for potential use; for a few it was not possible to reach a clear recommendation direction, largely due to mixed study findings; while some other agents showed no obvious therapeutic benefit and were clearly not recommended for use. It is the intention of these guidelines to inform psychiatric/medical, and health professional practice globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Australia.,The Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Arun Ravindran
- University of Toronto and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Wolfgang Marx
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Julia J Rucklidge
- School of Psychology, Speech, and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- University of Toronto, Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatry and Psychology Research Centre, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- School of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Constanza Caneo
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Holger Cramer
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lachlan Cribb
- The Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael de Manincor
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Australia
| | - Olivia Dean
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.,Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrea Camaz Deslandes
- Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marlene P Freeman
- Women's Mental Health Program, Department of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Bangalore Gangadhar
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Division of Pharmacology, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - James Lake
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tuscon, United States
| | - Adrian Lopresti
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Lin Lu
- Institute of Mental Health and Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University and National Institute of Drug Dependence, Beijing, China
| | - Najwa-Joelle Metri
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Australia
| | - David Mischoulon
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chee H Ng
- The Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daisuke Nishi
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Roja Rahimi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Justin Sinclair
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Zhang-Jin Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Michael Berk
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.,Orygen, National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
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MacKinley M, Ford SD, Jeon P, Théberge J, Palaniyappan L. Central Oxidative Stress and Early Vocational Outcomes in First Episode Psychosis: A 7-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study of Glutathione. Schizophr Bull 2022; 48:921-930. [PMID: 35307736 PMCID: PMC9212125 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Following the first episode of psychosis, some patients develop poor social and occupational outcomes, while others display a pattern of preserved functioning. Evidence from preclinical, genetic, and biochemical studies suggest a role for high oxidative stress in poor functional outcomes among patients. The measurement of intracortical glutathione (GSH) using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) enables investigating the relationship between central antioxidant tone and functional outcomes at the time of first-episode psychosis (FEP). We hypothesized that patients with higher central antioxidant tone at first presentation will have better functional outcomes in early stages of illness. STUDY DESIGN We scanned 57 patients with FEP and 30 matched healthy controls and estimated GSH resonance using 7-Tesla MRS. We minimized the confounding effects of illness chronicity, long-term treatment exposure, and metabolic complications by recruiting patients with <2 weeks of lifetime antipsychotic exposure on average and followed up this cohort for the next 1 year to determine functional outcomes. STUDY RESULTS Patients who achieved employment/education or training status (EET) in the first year, had higher GSH at the baseline than healthy controls. Social and occupational functioning assessment scale (SOFAS) scores were also significantly higher in patients with higher GSH levels at the outset, after adjusting for various confounds including baseline SOFAS. Patients who were not in EET did not differ from healthy subjects in their GSH levels. CONCLUSION Our observations support a key role for the central antioxidant tone in the functional outcomes of early psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter Jeon
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jean Théberge
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lena Palaniyappan
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; 1151 Richmond Street N., Room 3208, UWO, London, ON, Canada, N6A 5B7; tel: (519) 931-5777 (ext. 24398), e-mail:
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Cuenod M, Steullet P, Cabungcal JH, Dwir D, Khadimallah I, Klauser P, Conus P, Do KQ. Caught in vicious circles: a perspective on dynamic feed-forward loops driving oxidative stress in schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1886-1897. [PMID: 34759358 PMCID: PMC9126811 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01374-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence has emerged demonstrating a pathological link between oxidative stress and schizophrenia. This evidence identifies oxidative stress as a convergence point or "central hub" for schizophrenia genetic and environmental risk factors. Here we review the existing experimental and translational research pinpointing the complex dynamics of oxidative stress mechanisms and their modulation in relation to schizophrenia pathophysiology. We focus on evidence supporting the crucial role of either redox dysregulation, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hypofunction, neuroinflammation or mitochondria bioenergetics dysfunction, initiating "vicious circles" centered on oxidative stress during neurodevelopment. These processes would amplify one another in positive feed-forward loops, leading to persistent impairments of the maturation and function of local parvalbumin-GABAergic neurons microcircuits and myelinated fibers of long-range macrocircuitry. This is at the basis of neural circuit synchronization impairments and cognitive, emotional, social and sensory deficits characteristic of schizophrenia. Potential therapeutic approaches that aim at breaking these different vicious circles represent promising strategies for timely and safe interventions. In order to improve early detection and increase the signal-to-noise ratio for adjunctive trials of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and NMDAR modulator drugs, a reverse translation of validated circuitry approach is needed. The above presented processes allow to identify mechanism based biomarkers guiding stratification of homogenous patients groups and target engagement required for successful clinical trials, paving the way towards precision medicine in psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Cuenod
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Steullet
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jan-Harry Cabungcal
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniella Dwir
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ines Khadimallah
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paul Klauser
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Service of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Conus
- Service of General Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kim Q Do
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Hans D, Rengel A, Hans J, Bassett D, Hood S. N-Acetylcysteine as a novel rapidly acting anti-suicidal agent: A pilot naturalistic study in the emergency setting. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263149. [PMID: 35089954 PMCID: PMC8797247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective N-acetylcysteine has a demonstrated role as an adjunctive therapy in psychotic and affective disorders as a treatment to reduce symptoms of Bipolar Affective Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and Schizophrenia. However, its potential as a rapidly acting anti-suicidal agent has not yet been assessed. This naturalistic study evaluates its effect in thirty patients presenting following intentional medication overdose. Methods Eighteen patients who ingested toxic doses of paracetamol received NAC whilst twelve other patients with other overdoses received standard supportive treatment in the emergency department setting. Symptoms were measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression scale at time of presentation, 24 hours, and seven days. Results Baseline characteristics between groups were similar. Both groups showed a significant reduction in suicidality, as measured by the suicide item of the MADRS, over time (p < 0.001). However, there was a greater reduction in suicidality in the ‘NAC group’ compared to the ‘no-NAC group’ one-week post presentation (p = 0.014). A greater proportion of the ‘no-NAC group’ still exhibited severe depressive symptoms (MADRS >32) compared to the ‘NAC group’ (p = 0.044). Conclusion This naturalistic study suggests NAC may have potential use as a rapidly acting treatment adjunct in major depressive disorder, warranting further investigation of its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinder Hans
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Anthony Rengel
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jaspreet Hans
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Darryl Bassett
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sean Hood
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Beeraka NM, Avila-Rodriguez MF, Aliev G. Recent Reports on Redox Stress-Induced Mitochondrial DNA Variations, Neuroglial Interactions, and NMDA Receptor System in Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2472-2496. [PMID: 35083660 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02703-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a chronic psychiatric disorder affecting several people worldwide. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations could invoke changes in the OXPHOS system, calcium buffering, and ROS production, which have significant implications for glial cell survival during SZ. Oxidative stress has been implicated in glial cells-mediated pathogenesis of SZ; the brain comparatively more prone to oxidative damage through NMDAR. A confluence of scientific evidence points to mtDNA alterations, Nrf2 signaling, dynamic alterations in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and provocation of oxidative stress that enhance pathophysiology of SZ. Furthermore, the alterations in excitatory signaling related to NMDAR signaling were particularly reported for SZ pathophysiology. Current review reported the recent evidence for the role of mtDNA variations and oxidative stress in relation to pathophysiology of SZ, NMDAR hypofunction, and glutathione deficiency. NMDAR system is influenced by redox dysregulation in oxidative stress, inflammation, and antioxidant mediators. Several studies have demonstrated the relationship of these variables on severity of pathophysiology in SZ. An extensive literature search was conducted using Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL PLUS, BIOSIS Preview, Google scholar, and Cochrane databases. We summarize consistent evidence pointing out a plausible model that may elucidate the crosstalk between mtDNA alterations in glial cells and redox dysregulation during oxidative stress and the perturbation of NMDA neurotransmitter system during current therapeutic modalities for the SZ treatment. This review can be beneficial for the development of promising novel diagnostics, and therapeutic modalities by ascertaining the mtDNA variations, redox state, and efficacy of pharmacological agents to mitigate redox dysregulation and augment NMDAR function to treat cognitive and behavioral symptoms in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narasimha M Beeraka
- Department of Human Anatomy, I M Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), St. Trubetskaya, 8, bld. 2, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Marco F Avila-Rodriguez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Barrio Santa Helena, University of Tolima, 730006, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Gjumrakch Aliev
- Department of Human Anatomy, I M Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), St. Trubetskaya, 8, bld. 2, Moscow, 119991, Russia.,Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, 142432, Russia.,Research Institute of Human Morphology, 3 Tsyurupy Street, Moscow, 117418, Russia.,GALLY International Research Institute, 7733 Louis Pasteur Drive, #330, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
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29
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Vita A, Gaebel W, Mucci A, Sachs G, Barlati S, Giordano GM, Nibbio G, Nordentoft M, Wykes T, Galderisi S. European Psychiatric Association guidance on treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Eur Psychiatry 2022; 65:e57. [PMID: 36059103 PMCID: PMC9532218 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although cognitive impairment is a core symptom of schizophrenia related to poorer outcomes in different functional domains, it still remains a major therapeutic challenge. To date, no comprehensive treatment guidelines for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia are implemented. Methods The aim of the present guidance paper is to provide a comprehensive meta-review of the current available evidence-based treatments for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. The guidance is structured into three sections: pharmacological treatment, psychosocial interventions, and somatic treatments. Results Based on the reviewed evidence, this European Psychiatric Association guidance recommends an appropriate pharmacological management as a fundamental starting point in the treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. In particular, second-generation antipsychotics are recommended for their favorable cognitive profile compared to first-generation antipsychotics, although no clear superiority of a single second-generation antipsychotic has currently been found. Anticholinergic and benzodiazepine burdens should be kept to a minimum, considering the negative impact on cognitive functioning. Among psychosocial interventions, cognitive remediation and physical exercise are recommended for the treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques could be taken into account as add-on therapy. Conclusions Overall, there is definitive progress in the field, but further research is needed to develop specific treatments for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. The dissemination of this guidance paper may promote the development of shared guidelines concerning the treatment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia, with the purpose to improve the quality of care and to achieve recovery in this population.
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Veselinović T, Neuner I. Progress and Pitfalls in Developing Agents to Treat Neurocognitive Deficits Associated with Schizophrenia. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:819-858. [PMID: 35831706 PMCID: PMC9345797 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00935-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) represent a central element of the symptomatology of this severe mental disorder. CIAS substantially determine the disease prognosis and hardly, if at all, respond to treatment with currently available antipsychotics. Remarkably, all drugs presently approved for the treatment of schizophrenia are, to varying degrees, dopamine D2/D3 receptor blockers. In turn, rapidly growing evidence suggests the immense significance of systems other than the dopaminergic system in the genesis of CIAS. Accordingly, current efforts addressing the unmet needs of patients with schizophrenia are primarily based on interventions in other non-dopaminergic systems. In this review article, we provide a brief overview of the available evidence on the importance of specific systems in the development of CIAS. In addition, we describe the promising targets for the development of new drugs that have been used so far. In doing so, we present the most important candidates that have been investigated in the field of the specific systems in recent years and present a summary of the results available at the time of drafting this review (May 2022), as well as the currently ongoing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Veselinović
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Irene Neuner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN, Aachen, Germany
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Bradlow RCJ, Berk M, Kalivas PW, Back SE, Kanaan RA. The Potential of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:451-482. [PMID: 35316513 PMCID: PMC9095537 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00907-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a compound of increasing interest in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Primarily through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and glutamate modulation activity, NAC has been investigated in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar-related disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive-related disorders, substance-use disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and chronic pain. Whilst there is ample preclinical evidence and theoretical justification for the use of NAC in the treatment of multiple psychiatric disorders, clinical trials in most disorders have yielded mixed results. However, most studies have been underpowered and perhaps too brief, with some evidence of benefit only after months of treatment with NAC. Currently NAC has the most evidence of having a beneficial effect as an adjuvant agent in the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, severe autism, depression, and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. Future research with well-powered studies that are of sufficient length will be critical to better understand the utility of NAC in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC Australia ,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Peter W. Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA ,Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC USA
| | - Sudie E. Back
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC USA ,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA
| | - Richard A. Kanaan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
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Czekus C, Steullet P, Orero López A, Bozic I, Rusterholz T, Bandarabadi M, Do KQ, Gutierrez Herrera C. Alterations in TRN-anterodorsal thalamocortical circuits affect sleep architecture and homeostatic processes in oxidative stress vulnerable Gclm -/- mice. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4394-4406. [PMID: 35902628 PMCID: PMC9734061 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is associated with alterations of sensory integration, cognitive processing and both sleep architecture and sleep oscillations in mouse models and human subjects, possibly through changes in thalamocortical dynamics. Oxidative stress (OxS) damage, including inflammation and the impairment of fast-spiking gamma-aminobutyric acid neurons have been hypothesized as a potential mechanism responsible for the onset and development of schizophrenia. Yet, the link between OxS and perturbation of thalamocortical dynamics and sleep remains unclear. Here, we sought to investigate the effects of OxS on sleep regulation by characterizing the dynamics of thalamocortical networks across sleep-wake states in a mouse model with a genetic deletion of the modifier subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase (Gclm knockout, KO) using high-density electrophysiology in freely-moving mice. We found that Gcml KO mice exhibited a fragmented sleep architecture and impaired sleep homeostasis responses as revealed by the increased NREM sleep latencies, decreased slow-wave activities and spindle rate after sleep deprivation. These changes were associated with altered bursting activity and firing dynamics of neurons from the thalamic reticularis nucleus, anterior cingulate and anterodorsal thalamus. Administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a clinically relevant antioxidant, rescued the sleep fragmentation and spindle rate through a renormalization of local neuronal dynamics in Gclm KO mice. Collectively, these findings provide novel evidence for a link between OxS and the deficits of frontal TC network dynamics as a possible mechanism underlying sleep abnormalities and impaired homeostatic responses observed in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Czekus
- grid.411656.10000 0004 0479 0855Center for Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Steullet
- grid.8515.90000 0001 0423 4662Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Site de Cery, CH-1008 Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Albert Orero López
- grid.411656.10000 0004 0479 0855Center for Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Bozic
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Rusterholz
- grid.411656.10000 0004 0479 0855Center for Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mojtaba Bandarabadi
- grid.411656.10000 0004 0479 0855Center for Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland ,grid.9851.50000 0001 2165 4204Present Address: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kim Q. Do
- grid.8515.90000 0001 0423 4662Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Site de Cery, CH-1008 Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carolina Gutierrez Herrera
- Center for Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Ansari Z, Pawar S, Seetharaman R. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in schizophrenia: are these opportunities for repurposing? Postgrad Med 2021; 134:187-199. [PMID: 34766870 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2021.2006514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To summarize the main findings on the subject of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in patients with Schizophrenia (SCZ).Methods: A narrative review of all the relevant papers known to the authors was conducted.Results: SCZ is a chronic, debilitating, neuropsychiatric disorder associated with an immense and adverse impact on both the patient and the caregiver, and impairs the overall quality of life. The current modality of treatment involves the use of antipsychotics to balance the disturbances in the neurotransmitters in the dopaminergic and serotonin pathways in the brain, which have a role to play in SCZ. Contemporary management of SCZ focuses mainly on symptomatic control due to the lack of effective curative treatments.Despite the optimum use of antipsychotics, there is a considerable proportion of the patient population who are poor responders. This has necessitated the exploration of new etiopathologies in order to evolve new modalities of treatment. This narrative review, conducted over a period of 3 months, throws light on the large-scale evidence pointing toward neuroinflammation and oxidative stress as key etiopathological markers that merit further consideration in SCZ, and may even be the basis for devising novel pharmacotherapies for SCZ.Conclusions: This review discusses the various plausible hypotheses, viz., cytokine hypothesis of peripheral inflammation, acute-phase reactants in SCZ, microglial hypothesis of central inflammation, neurogenesis in relation to neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in SCZ. It also highlights the many opportunities available for repurposing already marketed drugs with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties with a view to devising more effective and comprehensive therapies to manage SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarrin Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Sudhir Pawar
- Department of Pharmacology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Rajmohan Seetharaman
- Department of Pharmacology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, India
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Palaniyappan L, Park MTM, Jeon P, Limongi R, Yang K, Sawa A, Théberge J. Is There a Glutathione Centered Redox Dysregulation Subtype of Schizophrenia? Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1703. [PMID: 34829575 PMCID: PMC8615159 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia continues to be an illness with poor outcome. Most mechanistic changes occur many years before the first episode of schizophrenia; these are not reversible after the illness onset. A developmental mechanism that is still modifiable in adult life may center on intracortical glutathione (GSH). A large body of pre-clinical data has suggested the possibility of notable GSH-deficit in a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia. Nevertheless, studies of intracortical GSH are not conclusive in this regard. In this review, we highlight the recent ultra-high field magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies linking GSH to critical outcome measures across various stages of schizophrenia. We discuss the methodological steps required to conclusively establish or refute the persistence of GSH-deficit subtype and clarify the role of the central antioxidant system in disrupting the brain structure and connectivity in the early stages of schizophrenia. We propose in-vivo GSH quantification for patient selection in forthcoming antioxidant trials in psychosis. This review offers directions for a promising non-dopaminergic early intervention approach in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Palaniyappan
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.T.M.P.); (J.T.)
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Min Tae M. Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.T.M.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Peter Jeon
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Roberto Limongi
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (K.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (K.Y.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jean Théberge
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (M.T.M.P.); (J.T.)
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
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Unusual Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Properties in Adjuvant Therapy Supporting Cognition Impairment in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910707. [PMID: 34639048 PMCID: PMC8509433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive function decline is strictly related to age, resulting in the loss of the ability to perform daily behaviors and is a fundamental clinical neurodegeneration symptom. It has been proven that an adequate diet, comprehensive nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle may significantly inhibit neurodegenerative processes, improving cognitive functions. Therefore, intensive research has been conducted on cognitive-enhancing treatment for many years, especially with substances of natural origin. There are several intervention programs aimed at improving cognitive functions in elderly adults. Cognitive functions depend on body weight, food consumed daily, the quality of the intestinal microflora, and the supplements used. The effectiveness in the prevention of dementia is particularly high before the onset of the first symptoms. The impact of diet and nutrition on age-associated cognitive decline is becoming a growing field as a vital factor that may be easily modified, and the effects may be observed on an ongoing basis. The paper presents a review of the latest preclinical and clinical studies on the influence of natural antioxidants on cognitive functions, with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, despite the promising research results in animal models, the clinical application of natural compounds will only be possible after solving a few challenges.
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N-acetyl-cysteine in schizophrenia-there is more than meets the eyes! CNS Spectr 2021; 26:446-447. [PMID: 32641196 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852920001583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Murray AJ, Rogers JC, Katshu MZUH, Liddle PF, Upthegrove R. Oxidative Stress and the Pathophysiology and Symptom Profile of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:703452. [PMID: 34366935 PMCID: PMC8339376 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.703452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is associated with increased levels of oxidative stress, as reflected by an increase in the concentrations of damaging reactive species and a reduction in anti-oxidant defences to combat them. Evidence has suggested that whilst not the likely primary cause of schizophrenia, increased oxidative stress may contribute to declining course and poor outcomes associated with schizophrenia. Here we discuss how oxidative stress may be implicated in the aetiology of schizophrenia and examine how current understanding relates associations with symptoms, potentially via lipid peroxidation induced neuronal damage. We argue that oxidative stress may be a good target for future pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia and suggest a multi-step model of illness progression with oxidative stress involved at each stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J. Murray
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jack C. Rogers
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Zia Ul Haq Katshu
- Institute of Mental Health, Division of Mental Health and Neurosciences University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare National Health Service Foundation Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Peter F. Liddle
- Institute of Mental Health, Division of Mental Health and Neurosciences University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Upthegrove
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Early Intervention Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's National Health Service Foundation Trust, Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Jeon P, Limongi R, Ford SD, Branco C, Mackinley M, Gupta M, Powe L, Théberge J, Palaniyappan L. Glutathione as a Molecular Marker of Functional Impairment in Patients with At-Risk Mental State: 7-Tesla 1H-MRS Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:941. [PMID: 34356175 PMCID: PMC8307096 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial number of individuals with clinical high-risk (CHR) mental state do not transition to psychosis. However, regardless of future diagnostic trajectories, many of these individuals develop poor social and occupational functional outcomes. The levels of glutathione, a crucial cortical antioxidant, may track variations in functional outcomes in early psychosis and prodromal states. Thirteen clinical high-risk and 30 healthy control volunteers were recruited for a 7-Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopy scan with a voxel positioned within the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Clinical assessment scores were collected to determine if any association was observable with glutathione levels. The Bayesian Spearman's test revealed a positive association between the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and the glutathione concentration in the clinical high-risk group but not in the healthy control group. After accounting for variations in the SOFAS scores, the CHR group had higher GSH levels than the healthy subjects. This study is the first to use 7-Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopy to test whether ACC glutathione levels relate to social and occupational functioning in a clinically high-risk group and offers preliminary support for glutathione levels as a clinically actionable marker of prognosis in emerging adults presenting with risk features for various severe mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Jeon
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (P.J.); (J.T.)
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Imaging Division, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Roberto Limongi
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (R.L.); (S.D.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Sabrina D. Ford
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (R.L.); (S.D.F.); (M.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.B.); (L.P.)
| | - Cassandra Branco
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.B.); (L.P.)
| | - Michael Mackinley
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (R.L.); (S.D.F.); (M.M.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Maya Gupta
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
| | - Laura Powe
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.B.); (L.P.)
| | - Jean Théberge
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (P.J.); (J.T.)
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Imaging Division, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.B.); (L.P.)
- St. Joseph’s Health Care, Diagnostic Imaging, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Lena Palaniyappan
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (P.J.); (J.T.)
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Imaging Division, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (R.L.); (S.D.F.); (M.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.B.); (L.P.)
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Schwalfenberg GK. N-Acetylcysteine: A Review of Clinical Usefulness (an Old Drug with New Tricks). J Nutr Metab 2021; 2021:9949453. [PMID: 34221501 PMCID: PMC8211525 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9949453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the clinical usefulness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as treatment or adjunctive therapy in a number of medical conditions. Use in Tylenol overdose, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive lung disease has been well documented, but there is emerging evidence many other conditions would benefit from this safe, simple, and inexpensive intervention. Quality of Evidence. PubMed, several books, and conference proceedings were searched for articles on NAC and health conditions listed above reviewing supportive evidence. This study uses a traditional integrated review format, and clinically relevant information is assessed using the American Family Physician Evidence-Based Medicine Toolkit. A table summarizing the potential mechanisms of action for N-acetylcysteine in these conditions is presented. Main Message. N-acetylcysteine may be useful as an adjuvant in treating various medical conditions, especially chronic diseases. These conditions include polycystic ovary disease, male infertility, sleep apnea, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, influenza, parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, stroke outcomes, diabetic neuropathy, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and obsessive compulsive disorder; it can also be useful as a chelator for heavy metals and nanoparticles. There are also a number of other conditions that may show benefit; however, the evidence is not as robust. CONCLUSION The use of N-acetylcysteine should be considered in a number of conditions as our population ages and levels of glutathione drop. Supplementation may contribute to reducing morbidity and mortality in some chronic conditions as outlined in the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry K. Schwalfenberg
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, No. 301, 9509-156 Street, Edmonton T5P 4J5, AB, Canada
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40
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Dwir D, Cabungcal JH, Xin L, Giangreco B, Parietti E, Cleusix M, Jenni R, Klauser P, Conus P, Cuénod M, Steullet P, Do KQ. Timely N-Acetyl-Cysteine and Environmental Enrichment Rescue Oxidative Stress-Induced Parvalbumin Interneuron Impairments via MMP9/RAGE Pathway: A Translational Approach for Early Intervention in Psychosis. Schizophr Bull 2021; 47:1782-1794. [PMID: 34080015 PMCID: PMC8530393 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbab066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Research in schizophrenia (SZ) emphasizes the need for new therapeutic approaches based on antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compounds and psycho-social therapy. A hallmark of SZ is a dysfunction of parvalbumin-expressing fast-spiking interneurons (PVI), which are essential for neuronal synchrony during sensory/cognitive processing. Oxidative stress and inflammation during early brain development, as observed in SZ, affect PVI maturation. We compared the efficacy of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and/or environmental enrichment (EE) provided during juvenile and/or adolescent periods in rescuing PVI impairments induced by an additional oxidative insult during childhood in a transgenic mouse model with gluthation deficit (Gclm KO), relevant for SZ. We tested whether this rescue was promoted by the inhibition of MMP9/RAGE mechanism, both in the mouse model and in early psychosis (EP) patients, enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of NAC supplementation for 6 months. We show that a sequential combination of NAC+EE applied after an early-life oxidative insult recovers integrity and function of PVI network in adult Gclm KO, via the inhibition of MMP9/RAGE. Six-month NAC treatment in EP patients reduces plasma sRAGE in association with increased prefrontal GABA, improvement of cognition and clinical symptoms, suggesting similar neuroprotective mechanisms. The sequential combination of NAC+EE reverses long-lasting effects of an early oxidative insult on PVI/perineuronal net (PNN) through the inhibition of MMP9/RAGE mechanism. In analogy, patients vulnerable to early-life insults could benefit from a combined pharmacological and psycho-social therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Dwir
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), CH-1008 Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland; tel: +41-314-55-44, e-mail:
| | - Jan-Harry Cabungcal
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lijing Xin
- Animal Imaging and Technology Core (AIT), Center for Biomedical Imaging (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Basilio Giangreco
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Enea Parietti
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martine Cleusix
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland,Service of General Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raoul Jenni
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland,Service of General Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paul Klauser
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland,Service of General Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Conus
- Service of General Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel Cuénod
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Steullet
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kim Q Do
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Smaga I, Frankowska M, Filip M. N-acetylcysteine as a new prominent approach for treating psychiatric disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2569-2594. [PMID: 33760228 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a well-known and safe mucolytic agent, also used in patients with paracetamol overdose. In addition to these effects, recent preclinical and clinical studies have shown that NAC exerts beneficial effects on different psychiatric disorders. Many potential mechanisms have been proposed to underlie the therapeutic effects of NAC, including the regulation of several neurotransmitters, oxidative homeostasis, and inflammatory mediators. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge on the ability of NAC to ameliorate symptoms and neuropathologies related to different psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, obsessive-compulsive-related disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Although preclinical studies have shown a positive effect of NAC on animal models of psychiatric disorders, the clinical efficacy of NAC is not fully established. NAC remains a strong candidate for adjunct treatment for many psychiatric disorders, but additional preclinical and clinical studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Smaga
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Frankowska
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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Chrétien B, Fedrizzi S, Lelong-Boulouard V, Sassier M, Alexandre J, Dolladille C. Could N-acetylcysteine improve the safety of clozapine? Hum Psychopharmacol 2021; 36:e2769. [PMID: 33206415 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic indicated in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia which remains underused due to safety issues. Mechanisms behind these adverse effects are complex and not fully understood. They may involve immune-related mechanisms, direct toxic effects and oxidative stress. Clozapine-induced oxidative stress might indeed notably be involved in the onset of neutropenia, agranulocytosis, myocarditis, sialorrhea, and metabolic alterations. Therefore, the association of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an easily accessible, low-cost and well tolerated antioxidant drug could be of interest in clozapine-treated patients to improve clozapine safety. Furthermore, according to recent studies NAC could help to improve schizophrenia symptoms. We believe that the use of NAC in the context of clozapine prescribing merits further study, as it could improve clozapine safety which may lead to a wider use and ultimately improve the healthcare of thousands of patients. NAC could also secondarily show positive knock-on effects for the patients by improving clinical symptoms of schizophrenia in synergy with clozapine, and by reducing substance abuse and thus by improving the patient's overall condition. However, given the rarity of clozapine-induced severe adverse effects, only a large volume of data (e.g., National adverse events monitoring) could assess the benefits of NAC on clozapine safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basile Chrétien
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France.,Pharmacovigilance Regional Center, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Sophie Fedrizzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France.,Pharmacovigilance Regional Center, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | | | - Marion Sassier
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France.,Pharmacovigilance Regional Center, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Joachim Alexandre
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France.,Pharmacovigilance Regional Center, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France.,Signalisation, électrophysiologie et imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Charles Dolladille
- Department of Pharmacology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France.,Signalisation, électrophysiologie et imagerie des lésions d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
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Koriem KM, Selim AY, Mazen RA. N-acetylcysteine-amide improves tissue oxidative stress, DNA damage, and proteins disappearance in methamphetamine toxicity more efficiently than N-acetyl-L-cysteine. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Ermakov EA, Dmitrieva EM, Parshukova DA, Kazantseva DV, Vasilieva AR, Smirnova LP. Oxidative Stress-Related Mechanisms in Schizophrenia Pathogenesis and New Treatment Perspectives. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8881770. [PMID: 33552387 PMCID: PMC7847339 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8881770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is recognized to be a highly heterogeneous disease at various levels, from genetics to clinical manifestations and treatment sensitivity. This heterogeneity is also reflected in the variety of oxidative stress-related mechanisms contributing to the phenotypic realization and manifestation of schizophrenia. At the molecular level, these mechanisms are supposed to include genetic causes that increase the susceptibility of individuals to oxidative stress and lead to gene expression dysregulation caused by abnormal regulation of redox-sensitive transcriptional factors, noncoding RNAs, and epigenetic mechanisms favored by environmental insults. These changes form the basis of the prooxidant state and lead to altered redox signaling related to glutathione deficiency and impaired expression and function of redox-sensitive transcriptional factors (Nrf2, NF-κB, FoxO, etc.). At the cellular level, these changes lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities that contribute to aberrant neuronal development, abnormal myelination, neurotransmitter anomalies, and dysfunction of parvalbumin-positive interneurons. Immune dysfunction also contributes to redox imbalance. At the whole-organism level, all these mechanisms ultimately contribute to the manifestation and development of schizophrenia. In this review, we consider oxidative stress-related mechanisms and new treatment perspectives associated with the correction of redox imbalance in schizophrenia. We suggest that not only antioxidants but also redox-regulated transcription factor-targeting drugs (including Nrf2 and FoxO activators or NF-κB inhibitors) have great promise in schizophrenia. But it is necessary to develop the stratification criteria of schizophrenia patients based on oxidative stress-related markers for the administration of redox-correcting treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny A. Ermakov
- Laboratory of Repair Enzymes, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena M. Dmitrieva
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634014, Russia
| | - Daria A. Parshukova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634014, Russia
| | | | | | - Liudmila P. Smirnova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634014, Russia
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Yuksel C, Chen X, Chouinard VA, Nickerson LD, Gardner M, Cohen T, Öngür D, Du F. Abnormal Brain Bioenergetics in First-Episode Psychosis. SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN OPEN 2021; 2:sgaa073. [PMID: 33554120 PMCID: PMC7848946 DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgaa073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Converging evidence indicates impaired brain energy metabolism in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Creatine kinase (CK) is pivotal in providing adenosine triphosphate in the cell and maintaining its levels when energy demand is increased. However, the activity of CK has not been investigated in patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders. METHODS Using in vivo phosphorus magnetization transfer spectroscopy, we measured CK first-order forward rate constant (k f ) in the frontal lobe, in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP; n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 34), at rest. RESULTS CK k f was significantly reduced in FEP compared to healthy controls. There were no differences in other energy metabolism-related measures, including phosphocreatine (PCr) or ATP, between groups. We also found increase in glycerol-3-phosphorylcholine, a putative membrane breakdown product, in patients. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that brain bioenergetic abnormalities are already present early in the course of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Future research is needed to identify the relationship of reduced CK k f with psychotic symptoms and to test treatment alternatives targeting this pathway. Increased glycerol-3-phosphorylcholine is consistent with earlier studies in medication-naïve patients and later studies in first-episode schizophrenia, and suggest enhanced synaptic pruning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cagri Yuksel
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Xi Chen
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | - Dost Öngür
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Fei Du
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Scott JG, Baker A, Lim CCW, Foley S, Dark F, Gordon A, Ward D, Richardson D, Bruxner G, Beckmann KM, Hatherill S, Stathis S, Dixon K, Ryan AE, McWhinney BC, Ungerer JPJ, Berk M, Dean OM, Saha S, McGrath J. Effect of Sodium Benzoate vs Placebo Among Individuals With Early Psychosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2024335. [PMID: 33170261 PMCID: PMC7656289 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.24335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There is evidence that sodium benzoate (BZ) may be an effective adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia. The clinical efficacy of BZ has been investigated in chronic schizophrenia; however, the efficacy of this agent has not been studied in individuals with early psychosis. OBJECTIVE To examine the clinical efficacy of the adjunctive use of BZ for symptoms in people with early psychosis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Using a placebo-controlled double-masked parallel-group design, this randomized clinical trial was conducted from August 2015 to July 2018. Participants aged between 15 and 45 years experiencing early psychosis were enrolled from 5 major clinical sites in Queensland, Australia. Data analysis was conducted from October 2018 to February 2020. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomized 1:1 (50 participants in each group) to receive 500 mg of sodium benzoate twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary efficacy outcome was the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score at 12 weeks. The key secondary efficacy measures were (1) the Clinical Global Impression score, (2) the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for depression, (3) functioning as assessed by the clinician-rated Global Assessment of Function, and (4) the Assessment of Quality of Life Scale. The PANSS subscale scores and impact on selected amino acid concentrations were also assessed. RESULTS The study comprised 100 participants with a mean (SD) age of 21.4 (4.1) years, of whom 73 (73%) were male individuals. The mean (SD) baseline PANSS score was 75.3 (15.4). We found no improvement in total PANSS score in the BZ group compared with the placebo group. The end result of least-squares mean difference (SE) for total PANSS was -1.2 (2.4) (P = .63). There were no differences in any subscales of the PANSS, any secondary measures, nor any amino acid concentrations. The dose of BZ was well tolerated without any clinically significant treatment-emergent adverse event differences between BZ and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this randomized clinical trial, there was no evidence that adjunctive use of 500 mg of BZ twice daily is an effective treatment for individuals with early psychosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12615000187549.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G. Scott
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
- Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, Australia
| | - Andrea Baker
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia
| | - Carmen C. W. Lim
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Sharon Foley
- Emotional Health Unit, Mater Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Anne Gordon
- Metro North Mental Health, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia
| | - David Ward
- Metro North Mental Health, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia
| | | | - George Bruxner
- Metro North Mental Health, Caboolture and Redcliffe Hospitals, Caboolture, Australia
| | - K. Martin Beckmann
- School of Medicine, Logan Hospital, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Australia
- Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Metro South Mental Health, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, Australia
| | - Sean Hatherill
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, Australia
| | - Stephen Stathis
- Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Krystal Dixon
- Mental Health and Addiction Services, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Birtinya, Australia
- School of Medicine, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Griffith University, Birtinya, Australia
| | - Alexander E. Ryan
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Australia
| | - Brett C. McWhinney
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia
| | - Jacobus P. J. Ungerer
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Olivia M. Dean
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sukanta Saha
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - John McGrath
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- National Centre for Register-based Research, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Kätzel D, Wolff AR, Bygrave AM, Bannerman DM. Hippocampal Hyperactivity as a Druggable Circuit-Level Origin of Aberrant Salience in Schizophrenia. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:486811. [PMID: 33178010 PMCID: PMC7596262 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.486811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of current neuroleptics was largely aiming to decrease excessive dopaminergic signaling in the striatum. However, the notion that abnormal dopamine creates psychotic symptoms by causing an aberrant assignment of salience that drives maladaptive learning chronically during disease development suggests a therapeutic value of early interventions that correct salience-related neural processing. The mesolimbic dopaminergic output is modulated by several interconnected brain-wide circuits centrally involving the hippocampus and key relays like the ventral and associative striatum, ventral pallidum, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, nucleus reuniens, lateral and medial septum, prefrontal and cingulate cortex, among others. Unraveling the causal relationships between these circuits using modern neuroscience techniques holds promise for identifying novel cellular—and ultimately molecular—treatment targets for reducing transition to psychosis and symptoms of schizophrenia. Imaging studies in humans have implicated a hyperactivity of the hippocampus as a robust and early endophenotype in schizophrenia. Experiments in rodents, in turn, suggested that the activity of its output region—the ventral subiculum—may modulate dopamine release from ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons in the ventral striatum. Even though these observations suggested a novel circuit-level target for anti-psychotic action, no therapy has yet been developed along this rationale. Recently evaluated treatment strategies—at least in part—target excess glutamatergic activity, e.g. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), levetiracetam, and mGluR2/3 modulators. We here review the evidence for the central implication of the hippocampus-VTA axis in schizophrenia-related pathology, discuss its symptom-related implications with a particular focus on aberrant assignment of salience, and evaluate some of its short-comings and prospects for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Kätzel
- Institute for Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Amy R Wolff
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Alexei M Bygrave
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David M Bannerman
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Seeman MV. The gut microbiome and antipsychotic treatment response. Behav Brain Res 2020; 396:112886. [PMID: 32890599 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients with psychosis usually respond to one antipsychotic drug and not to another; one third fail to respond to any. Some patients, who initially do well, stop responding. Some develop serious side effects even at low doses. While several of the reasons for this variability are known, many are not. The aim of this review is to explore the potential role of intestinal organisms in response/non-response to antipsychotics. Much of the literature in this field is relatively new and still, for the most part, theoretical. A growing number of animal experiments and clinical trials are starting to point, however, to substantial effects of antipsychotics on the composition of gut bacteria and, reciprocally, to the effects of microbiota on the pharmacokinetics of antipsychotic medication. Because so many factors influence the constituents of the human intestine, it is difficult, at present, to sort out how much one or more either enhance or dampen the benefits of antipsychotics or the character/severity of the adverse effects they induce. Dietary and other therapies are being devised to reverse dysbiosis. If successful, such therapies plus the modification of factors that, together, are known to determine the composition of microbiota could help to maximize the effectiveness of currently available antipsychotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University pf Toronto, Suite #605 260 Heath St. West, Toronto, Ontario, M5P 3L6, Canada.
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Egerton A, Grace AA, Stone J, Bossong MG, Sand M, McGuire P. Glutamate in schizophrenia: Neurodevelopmental perspectives and drug development. Schizophr Res 2020; 223:59-70. [PMID: 33071070 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research into the neurobiological processes that may lead to the onset of schizophrenia places growing emphasis on the glutamatergic system and brain development. Preclinical studies have shown that neurodevelopmental, genetic, and environmental factors contribute to glutamatergic dysfunction and schizophrenia-related phenotypes. Clinical research has suggested that altered brain glutamate levels may be present before the onset of psychosis and relate to outcome in those at clinical high risk. After psychosis onset, glutamate dysfunction may also relate to the degree of antipsychotic response and clinical outcome. These findings support ongoing efforts to develop pharmacological interventions that target the glutamate system and could suggest that glutamatergic compounds may be more effective in specific patient subgroups or illness stages. In this review, we consider the updated glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia, from a neurodevelopmental perspective, by reviewing recent preclinical and clinical evidence, and discuss the potential implications for novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Egerton
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Anthony A Grace
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James Stone
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthijs G Bossong
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Sand
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Philip McGuire
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Blanco-Ayala T, Sathyasaikumar KV, Uys JD, Pérez-de-la-Cruz V, Pidugu LS, Schwarcz R. N-Acetylcysteine Inhibits Kynurenine Aminotransferase II. Neuroscience 2020; 444:160-169. [PMID: 32768617 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) may play an important role in normal and abnormal cognitive processes, most likely by interfering with α7 nicotinic and NMDA receptor function. KYNA is formed from its immediate precursor kynurenine either by non-enzymatic oxidation or through irreversible transamination by kynurenine aminotransferases. In the mammalian brain, kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II) is the principal enzyme responsible for the neosynthesis of rapidly mobilizable KYNA, and therefore constitutes an attractive target for pro-cognitive interventions. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a brain-penetrant drug with pro-cognitive efficacy in humans, has been proposed to exert its actions by increasing the levels of the anti-oxidant glutathione (GSH) in the brain. We report here that NAC, but not GSH, inhibits KAT II activity in brain tissue homogenates from rats and humans with IC50 values in the high micromolar to low millimolar range. With similar potency, the drug interfered with the de novo formation of KYNA in rat brain slices, and NAC was a competitive inhibitor of recombinant human KAT II (Ki: 450 μM). Furthermore, GSH failed to S-glutathionylate recombinant human KAT II treated with the dithiocarbamate drug disulfiram. Shown by microdialysis in the prefrontal cortex of rats treated with kynurenine (50 mg/kg, i.p.), peripheral administration of NAC (500 mg/kg, i.p., 120 and 60 min before the application of kynurenine) reduced KYNA neosynthesis by ∼50%. Together, these results suggest that NAC exerts its neurobiological effects at least in part by reducing cerebral KYNA formation via KAT II inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Blanco-Ayala
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - K V Sathyasaikumar
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J D Uys
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - V Pérez-de-la-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Neurobioquimica y Conducta, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, S.S.A. Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - L S Pidugu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - R Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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