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Esposito D, Cruciani G, Zaccaro L, Di Carlo E, Spitoni GF, Manti F, Carducci C, Fiori E, Leuzzi V, Pascucci T. A Systematic Review on Autism and Hyperserotonemia: State-of-the-Art, Limitations, and Future Directions. Brain Sci 2024; 14:481. [PMID: 38790459 PMCID: PMC11119126 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050481] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperserotonemia is one of the most studied endophenotypes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but there are still no unequivocal results about its causes or biological and behavioral outcomes. This systematic review summarizes the studies investigating the relationship between blood serotonin (5-HT) levels and ASD, comparing diagnostic tools, analytical methods, and clinical outcomes. A literature search on peripheral 5-HT levels and ASD was conducted. In total, 1104 publications were screened, of which 113 entered the present systematic review. Of these, 59 articles reported hyperserotonemia in subjects with ASD, and 26 presented correlations between 5-HT levels and ASD-core clinical outcomes. The 5-HT levels are increased in about half, and correlations between hyperserotonemia and clinical outcomes are detected in a quarter of the studies. The present research highlights a large amount of heterogeneity in this field, ranging from the characterization of ASD and control groups to diagnostic and clinical assessments, from blood sampling procedures to analytical methods, allowing us to delineate critical topics for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Esposito
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.E.); (F.M.)
| | - Gianluca Cruciani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (G.F.S.)
| | - Laura Zaccaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.Z.); (T.P.)
| | - Emanuele Di Carlo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Grazia Fernanda Spitoni
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (G.F.S.)
- Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation and Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306-354, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Manti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.E.); (F.M.)
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Elena Fiori
- Rome Technopole Foundation, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.E.); (F.M.)
| | - Tiziana Pascucci
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.Z.); (T.P.)
- Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
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Wieckiewicz M, Martynowicz H, Lavigne G, Lobbezoo F, Kato T, Winocur E, Wezgowiec J, Danel D, Wojakowska A, Mazur G, Smardz J. An exploratory study on the association between serotonin and sleep breathing disorders. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11800. [PMID: 37479853 PMCID: PMC10362063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38842-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This exploratory observational study aimed to evaluate whether the blood levels of serotonin and enzymes involved in serotonin synthesis are associated with sleep breathing parameters. A total of 105 patients were included in this study, who were subjected to single-night polysomnography with simultaneous audio-video recordings. Peripheral blood samples were collected to estimate the serum levels of serotonin, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), and aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). Results showed a negative correlation between blood serotonin levels, and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (p = 0.027), central apnea (p = 0.044) and obstructive apnea (OA) (p = 0.032) scores. Blood TPH1 levels were negatively correlated with average (p = 0.003) and minimal saturation (p = 0.035) and positively correlated with apnea-hypopnea index (p = 0.010), OA (p = 0.049), and hypopnea index (p = 0.007) scores. A tendency to sleep-disordered breathing seemed to co-occur with lower blood serotonin and higher TPH1 levels.Clinical Trial Registration : www.ClinicalTrials.gov , identifier NCT04214561.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieszko Wieckiewicz
- Department of Experimental Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Helena Martynowicz
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Gilles Lavigne
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universite de Montreal, CIUSSS Nord Ile de Montreal and CHUM, Montreal, Canada
| | - Frank Lobbezoo
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Takafumi Kato
- Department of Oral Physiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Japan
| | - Efraim Winocur
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Joanna Wezgowiec
- Department of Experimental Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Danel
- Department of Anthropology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wojakowska
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Smardz
- Department of Experimental Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Guliyeva SM, Mekhtiev AA. Involvement of Dihydropyrimidinase-Related Protein 2 in Human Anxiety Regulation. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2023. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093023010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
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Tilgar V. Sex-Specific Effects of Blood Serotonin on Reproductive Effort in a Small Passerine. Physiol Biochem Zool 2023; 96:75-85. [PMID: 36626843 DOI: 10.1086/722132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AbstractLaboratory animal models have shown that blood serotonin levels reflect consistent individual differences in behavioral decision-making and maternal behavior. Serotonin could also help to understand intraspecific variation in reproductive strategies, although the mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, the relationships of plasma serotonin with breeding parameters and parental behavior were examined in wild great tits (Parus major). Females who laid eggs earlier had higher levels of serotonin in the second half of the nestling period, while no significant relationship of serotonin with clutch size, brood size, and body size was detected. In males, serotonin levels were negatively related to clutch size and brood size and positively related to body size. The association of serotonin with provisioning behavior was sex specific, and acute fear stress induced by a predator presentation did not change this relationship. Food provisioning was positively related to size-corrected serotonin levels in females and negatively related to size-corrected serotonin levels in males. These results suggest that peripheral serotonin is a sensitive marker of parental behavior and reproductive effort in wild birds, while the mechanisms linking this neurotransmitter to reproduction are probably mediated by interplay between the serotonergic system, sex hormones, and other neurotransmitters.
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Arianas GΚ, Kostopoulou E, Ioannidis A, Dimopoulos I, Chiotis C, Prezerakos P, Spiliotis BE, Rojas Gil AP. Emotional intelligence scores in children and adolescents with subclinical hypothyroidism-correlation with serum serotonin and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. Hormones (Athens) 2022; 21:53-60. [PMID: 34780029 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-021-00320-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thyroxine is essential for nervous system development. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), also known as mild thyroid failure, is associated with impaired cognitive function in children and mood disorders in adults. Serotonin is also involved in brain development as well as in mood and behavior modulation. The possible interaction between thyroid function tests, serum serotonin concentrations, and emotional intelligence (EI) was studied. METHODS A total of 224 schoolchildren from the Peloponnese, Greece, aged 11-19, were included in the study, of whom 26.3% had SCH. Emotional quotients (EQ), such as well-being, self-control, emotionality, and sociability, were assessed using the TEIQue-ASF questionnaire, and TSH, fT4, and serum serotonin concentrations were also evaluated. RESULTS Children and adolescents with SCH had a lower EQ total score (p < 0.001), EQ well-being score (p = 0.025), EQ self-control score (p = 0.029), EQ emotionality score (p = 0.029), and EQ sociability score (p = 0.010) and lower serum serotonin concentrations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Children and adolescents with SCH exhibited lower EI scores and lower serum serotonin concentrations when compared with age-matched healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Κ Arianas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Laboratory of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Peloponnese, Dept. of Economics Building 2nd floor, Sehi area, Tripoli, 22100, Greece
| | - Eirini Kostopoulou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Patras School of Medicine, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Anastasios Ioannidis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Laboratory of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Peloponnese, Dept. of Economics Building 2nd floor, Sehi area, Tripoli, 22100, Greece
| | | | | | - Panagiotis Prezerakos
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Laboratory of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Peloponnese, Dept. of Economics Building 2nd floor, Sehi area, Tripoli, 22100, Greece
| | - Bessie E Spiliotis
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Patras School of Medicine, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Andrea Paola Rojas Gil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Laboratory of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Peloponnese, Dept. of Economics Building 2nd floor, Sehi area, Tripoli, 22100, Greece.
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Smardz J, Martynowicz H, Wojakowska A, Wezgowiec J, Danel D, Mazur G, Wieckiewicz M. Lower serotonin levels in severe sleep bruxism and its association with sleep, heart rate, and body mass index. J Oral Rehabil 2021; 49:422-429. [PMID: 34907576 DOI: 10.1111/joor.13295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep bruxism (SB) is a complex behaviour that seems to be associated with the serotoninergic pathway. OBJECTIVES This exploratory research aimed to evaluate the levels of serotonin in individuals with sleep bruxism diagnosed by video polysomnography. The study also evaluated whether the levels of serotonin were associated with body mass index, heart rate, and sleep parameters. METHODS The study participants were adults hospitalised in the Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology at the Wroclaw Medical University. They underwent a single-night video polysomnography during which sleep and SB parameters and heart rate were evaluated. Additionally, body mass index and blood serotonin levels were evaluated for each patient. RESULTS A total of 105 patients were included in this study (80 women and 25 men). All the patients were Caucasians aged 18-63 years, with a mean age ± (standard deviation) of 33.43± 10.8 years. Seventy-five patients (71.43%) presented sleep bruxism (bruxism episodes index ≥2) and 30 (28.57%) did not. Fifty patients (47.62%) presented severe sleep bruxism (bruxism episodes index >4). The results showed that lower blood serotonin levels were associated with severe sleep bruxism; increased bruxism episodes index, rapid eye movement sleep, and body mass index; and decreased maximal pulse. CONCLUSION Severe sleep bruxism and the associated phenomena seem to co-occur with lower blood serotonin levels. The study supports the hypothesis on the relationship between the serotoninergic pathway and sleep bruxism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Smardz
- Department of Experimental Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Helena Martynowicz
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wojakowska
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Wezgowiec
- Department of Experimental Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Danel
- Department of Anthropology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mieszko Wieckiewicz
- Department of Experimental Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Beloborodova NV, Chernevskaya EA, Getsina ML. Indolic Structure Metabolites as Potential Biomarkers of Non-infectious Diseases. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:238-249. [PMID: 33092503 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201022121653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Interest in indolic structure metabolites, including a number of products of microbial biotransformation of the aromatic amino acid tryptophan, is increasingly growing. The review prepared by a team of authors is based on in-depthscrutiny of data available in PubMed, Scopus, Cyberleninka, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane Library, eventually narrowing the search to a set of keywords such as tryptophan metabolites; plasma metabolomics profiling; metabolomics fingerprinting; gas-, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry; serotonin; melatonin; tryptamine; indoxyl sulfate; indole-3-acetic acid; indole-3-propionic acid; 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid; gut microbiota and microbial metabolites. It provides a summary that outlines the pattern of changes in the level of indolic structure metabolites in a number of diseases and deals with the data from the field of human microbiota metabolites. In modern experimental studies, including the use of gnotobiological (germ-free) animals, it has been convincingly proved that the formation of tryptophan metabolites such as indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-propionic acid, tryptamine, and indoxyl sulfate is associated with gut bacteria. Attention to some concentration changes of indolic compounds is due to the fact that pronounced deviations and a significant decrease of these metabolites in the blood were found in a number of serious cardiovascular, brain or gastrointestinal diseases. The literature-based analysis allowed the authors to conclude that a constant (normal) level of the main metabolites of the indolic structure in the human body is maintained by a few strict anaerobic bacteria from the gut of a healthy body belonging to the species of Clostridium, Bacteroides, Peptostreptococcus, Eubacteria, etc. The authors focus on several metabolites of the indolic structure that can be called clinically significant in certain diseases, such as schizophrenia, depression, atherosclerosis, colorectal cancer, etc. Determining the level of indole metabolites in the blood can be used to diagnose and monitor the effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Beloborodova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology, Petrovka 25, bild 2, Moscow, 107031, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina A Chernevskaya
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology, Petrovka 25, bild 2, Moscow, 107031, Russian Federation
| | - Maria L Getsina
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology, Petrovka 25, bild 2, Moscow, 107031, Russian Federation
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Abuin-Martínez C, Vidal R, Gutiérrez-López MD, Pérez-Hernández M, Giménez-Gómez P, Morales-Puerto N, O'Shea E, Colado MI. Increased kynurenine concentration attenuates serotonergic neurotoxicity induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in rats through activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Neuropharmacology 2021; 187:108490. [PMID: 33607146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an amphetamine derivative that has been shown to produce serotonergic damage in the brains of primates, including humans, and of rats. Tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin, is primarily degraded through the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, producing among others KYN, the main metabolite of this route. KYN has been reported as an endogenous agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor involved in several neurological functions. This study aims to determine the effect of MDMA on the KYN pathway and on AhR activity and to establish their role in the long-term serotonergic neurotoxicity induced by the drug in rats. Our results show that MDMA induces the activation of the KYN pathway, mediated by hepatic tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). MDMA also activated AhR as evidenced by increased AhR nuclear translocation and CYP1B1 mRNA expression. Autoradiographic quantification of serotonin transporters showed that both the TDO inhibitor 680C91 and the AhR antagonist CH-223191 potentiated the neurotoxicity induced by MDMA, while administration of exogenous l-kynurenine or of the AhR positive modulator 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) partially prevented the serotonergic damage induced by the drug. The results demonstrate for the first time that MDMA increases KYN levels and AhR activity, and these changes appear to play a role in limiting the neurotoxicity induced by the drug. This work provides a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms that attenuate the brain damage induced by MDMA and identify modulation of the KYN pathway and of AhR as potential therapeutic strategies to limit the negative effects of MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Abuin-Martínez
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Vidal
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - M D Gutiérrez-López
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Pérez-Hernández
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Giménez-Gómez
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - N Morales-Puerto
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - E O'Shea
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M I Colado
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
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Deza-Araujo YI, Baez-Lugo S, Vuilleumier P, Chocat A, Chételat G, Poisnel G, Klimecki OM. Whole blood serotonin levels in healthy elderly are negatively associated with the functional activity of emotion-related brain regions. Biol Psychol 2021; 160:108051. [PMID: 33592271 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2021.108051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the role of neuromodulators of socio-affective processing is important to ensure psychological wellbeing during older years. Here, we investigated the link between blood serotonin levels and brain and behavioral responses to emotional information in healthy elderly. A priori regions of interest (ROI) were selected due to their role in emotion processing and their dense serotonergic innervation. Correlation analyses were performed between ROI-specific responses to emotional stimuli and whole blood serotonin levels. We found significant negative associations between serotonin and functional activity for the bilateral insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and subgenual gyrus. No association with behavioral measures survived correction for multiple testing. Our results mirror prior pharmacological and genetic work on the link between serotonin and emotional brain reactivity in younger adults. Given the involvement of serotonin in several age-related changes, our study encourages future research to characterize the role of this neuromodulator in emotion processing across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacila I Deza-Araujo
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Sebastian Baez-Lugo
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrik Vuilleumier
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anne Chocat
- Inserm, UMR-S U1237, Université De Caen-Normandie, GIP Cyceron, Caen, France
| | - Gaël Chételat
- Inserm, UMR-S U1237, Université De Caen-Normandie, GIP Cyceron, Caen, France
| | - Géraldine Poisnel
- Inserm, UMR-S U1237, Université De Caen-Normandie, GIP Cyceron, Caen, France
| | - Olga M Klimecki
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01187, Dresden, Germany
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Carneiro IBC, Toscano AE, Lacerda DC, da Cunha MDSB, de Castro RM, Deiró TCBDJ, Medeiros JMB. L-tryptophan administration and increase in cerebral serotonin levels: Systematic review. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 836:129-135. [PMID: 30098308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The amino acid tryptophan (2-Amino-3-(lH-indol-3-yl)-propanoic acid; Trp) is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) that performs various brain functions. The administration of Trp is used in experimental studies to manipulate the serotonergic system, however the dose of Trp required to raise brain 5-HT levels is controversial. The aim of this study was to systemically review the effect of the administration of different doses of Trp on cerebral 5-HT levels. Two independent authors conducted a systematic review in the electronic databases. Twenty-five studies were included in the present review. Trp was administered orally, intraperitoneally or subcutaneous in adult animals. The brain 5-HT levels elevated after Trp administration in different intensities, dependent of the brain region evaluated and the time of administration. Further studies are needed to assess the dose-response of Trp administration to brain 5-HT levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Braga Contreiras Carneiro
- Graduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of Bahia, Av Araújo Pinho, 32 - Canela, 40110-150 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Western Bahia, Estrada da Prainha s/n, 47805-000 Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Ana Elisa Toscano
- Department of Nursing, CAV, Federal University of Pernambuco, 55608-680 Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.
| | - Diego Cabral Lacerda
- Graduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Marcela de Sá Barreto da Cunha
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Western Bahia, Estrada da Prainha s/n, 47805-000 Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Raul Manhães de Castro
- Graduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | | | - Jairza Maria Barreto Medeiros
- Graduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of Bahia, Av Araújo Pinho, 32 - Canela, 40110-150 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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12
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Khong TK, Selvanayagam VS, Hamzah SH, Yusof A. Effect of quantity and quality of pre-exercise carbohydrate meals on central fatigue. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 125:1021-1029. [PMID: 29975601 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00221.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Both the quantity and quality of pre-exercise carbohydrate (CHO) meals have been shown to improve endurance performance. However, their role in attenuating central fatigue (CF) is inconclusive. The use of neurophysiological techniques, such as voluntary activation (VA) and the central activation ratio (CAR), alongside maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and sustained MVC (sMVC) can provide information on CF. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of isocaloric pre-exercise meals: 1) a high versus low quantity of CHO and 2) a high quantity of CHO with a high versus low glycemic index (GI) on MVC, VA, and CAR following a 90-min run. The high and low quantity of CHO was 1.5 and 0.8 g/kg body wt, respectively, and high and low GI was ~75 and ~40, respectively. Blood insulin, serotonin, tryptophan, and gaseous exchange were also measured. High CHO preserved sMVC, VA, CAR, and serotonin postrunning with greater CHO oxidation and insulin response, whereas in low CHO, greater reductions in sMVC, VA, and CAR were accompanied by higher serotonin and fat oxidation with lower insulin response. These observations indicate central involvements. Meanwhile, high GI CHO better preserved force (sMVC), CAR, and tryptophan with greater CHO oxidation and insulin response compared with low GI. The findings of this study suggest that pre-exercise meals with varying quantity and quality of CHO can have an effect on CF, where greater CHO oxidation and insulin response found in both high CHO and high GI lead to attenuation of CF. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper examined the effects of carbohydrate interventions (high and low: quantity and quality wise) on central activity during prolonged exercise using mainly neurophysiological techniques along with gaseous exchange and blood insulin, serotonin, and tryptophan data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Keen Khong
- Centre of Sports and Exercise Sciences, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.,Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Victor S Selvanayagam
- Centre of Sports and Exercise Sciences, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Sareena Hanim Hamzah
- Centre of Sports and Exercise Sciences, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Ashril Yusof
- Centre of Sports and Exercise Sciences, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
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13
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Karkaba A, Soualeh N, Soulimani R, Bouayed J. Perinatal effects of exposure to PCBs on social preferences in young adult and middle-aged offspring mice. Horm Behav 2017; 96:137-146. [PMID: 28935448 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In social species, social interactions between conspecifics constitute a fundamental component to establish relations, provide best chances to reproduce, and even improve survival rates. In this study, a three-chambered social approach test was used to estimate the level of sociability and level of preference for social novelty in both male and female young adult (postnatal day (PND) 50) and middle-aged (PND 330) offspring mice (n=10 per group) that were perinatally exposed to a mixture of six polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180, at environmentally low doses (10 and 1000ng/kg b.w. for dams during gestation and lactation), a profile that closely mimics human exposure to contaminated fish. Our results showed that PCBs bidirectionally modulated social preferences in offspring mice, and the effects were sex and age dependent. However, increased levels of social interactions were rather frequently detected in both assays of the three-chambered test. Reduced social interaction was only induced in 1000ng/kg PCB-exposed middle-aged males, which exhibited similar preferences to social and non-social stimuli when compared to middle-aged controls. Furthermore, results showed that plasma levels of both corticosterone and acetylcholinesterase activity were higher in all PCB-exposed middle-aged males and females than in their control counterparts. In summary, although the effects of PCBs were only of moderate magnitude, our results suggest that a PCB mixture can act as an endocrine disruptor in offspring mice, disturbing the formation of normal social habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Karkaba
- Université de Lorraine, Neurotoxicologie Alimentaire et Bioactivité, Rue du Général Delestraint, Campus Bridoux, 57070 Metz, France
| | - Nidhal Soualeh
- Université de Lorraine, Neurotoxicologie Alimentaire et Bioactivité, Rue du Général Delestraint, Campus Bridoux, 57070 Metz, France
| | - Rachid Soulimani
- Université de Lorraine, Neurotoxicologie Alimentaire et Bioactivité, Rue du Général Delestraint, Campus Bridoux, 57070 Metz, France
| | - Jaouad Bouayed
- Université de Lorraine, Neurotoxicologie Alimentaire et Bioactivité, Rue du Général Delestraint, Campus Bridoux, 57070 Metz, France.
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Tomasi CD, Salluh J, Soares M, Vuolo F, Zanatta F, Constantino LDS, Zugno AI, Ritter C, Dal-Pizzol F. Baseline acetylcholinesterase activity and serotonin plasma levels are not associated with delirium in critically ill patients. Rev Bras Ter Intensiva 2016; 27:170-7. [PMID: 26340158 PMCID: PMC4489786 DOI: 10.5935/0103-507x.20150029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma serotonin levels or
acetylcholinesterase activities determined upon intensive care unit admission
could predict the occurrence of acute brain dysfunction in intensive care unit
patients. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted with a sample of 77 non-consecutive
patients observed between May 2009 and September 2010. Delirium was determined
using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit tool, and the
acetylcholinesterase and serotonin measurements were determined from blood samples
collected up to a maximum of 24 h after the admission of the patient to the
intensive care unit. Results In the present study, 38 (49.6%) patients developed delirium during their
intensive care unit stays. Neither serum acetylcholinesterase activity nor
serotonin level was independently associated with delirium. No significant
correlations of acetylcholinesterase activity or serotonin level with
delirium/coma-free days were observed, but in the patients who developed delirium,
there was a strong negative correlation between the acetylcholinesterase level and
the number of delirium/coma-free days, indicating that higher acetylcholinesterase
levels are associated with fewer days alive without delirium or coma. No
associations were found between the biomarkers and mortality. Conclusions Neither serum acetylcholinesterase activity nor serotonin level was associated
with delirium or acute brain dysfunction in critically ill patients. Sepsis did
not modify these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Damiani Tomasi
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brasil
| | - Jorge Salluh
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oncologia, Instituto Nacional do Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Márcio Soares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oncologia, Instituto Nacional do Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Francieli Vuolo
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brasil
| | - Francieli Zanatta
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brasil
| | - Larissa de Souza Constantino
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brasil
| | - Alexandra Ioppi Zugno
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brasil
| | - Cristiane Ritter
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brasil
| | - Felipe Dal-Pizzol
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brasil
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Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry platform for both small neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in blood, with automatic and robust solid phase extraction. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9308. [PMID: 25791195 PMCID: PMC5380133 DOI: 10.1038/srep09308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons communicate via chemical signals called neurotransmitters (NTs). The numerous identified NTs can have very different physiochemical properties (solubility, charge, size etc.), so quantification of the various NT classes traditionally requires several analytical platforms/methodologies. We here report that a diverse range of NTs, e.g. peptides oxytocin and vasopressin, monoamines adrenaline and serotonin, and amino acid GABA, can be simultaneously identified/measured in small samples, using an analytical platform based on liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The automated platform is cost-efficient as manual sample preparation steps and one-time-use equipment are kept to a minimum. Zwitter-ionic HILIC stationary phases were used for both on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography (capillary format, cLC). This approach enabled compounds from all NT classes to elute in small volumes producing sharp and symmetric signals, and allowing precise quantifications of small samples, demonstrated with whole blood (100 microliters per sample). An additional robustness-enhancing feature is automatic filtration/filter back-flushing (AFFL), allowing hundreds of samples to be analyzed without any parts needing replacement. The platform can be installed by simple modification of a conventional LC-MS system.
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16
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The role of serotonin in drug use and addiction. Behav Brain Res 2014; 277:146-92. [PMID: 24769172 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of psychoactive drugs is a wide spread behaviour in human societies. The systematic use of a drug requires the establishment of different drug use-associated behaviours which need to be learned and controlled. However, controlled drug use may develop into compulsive drug use and addiction, a major psychiatric disorder with severe consequences for the individual and society. Here we review the role of the serotonergic (5-HT) system in the establishment of drug use-associated behaviours on the one hand and the transition and maintenance of addiction on the other hand for the drugs: cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), morphine/heroin, cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine. Results show a crucial, but distinct involvement of the 5-HT system in both processes with considerable overlap between psychostimulant and opioidergic drugs and alcohol. A new functional model suggests specific adaptations in the 5-HT system, which coincide with the establishment of controlled drug use-associated behaviours. These serotonergic adaptations render the nervous system susceptible to the transition to compulsive drug use behaviours and often overlap with genetic risk factors for addiction. Altogether we suggest a new trajectory by which serotonergic neuroadaptations induced by first drug exposure pave the way for the establishment of addiction.
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Scharinger C, Rabl U, Kasess CH, Meyer BM, Hofmaier T, Diers K, Bartova L, Pail G, Huf W, Uzelac Z, Hartinger B, Kalcher K, Perkmann T, Haslacher H, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Kasper S, Freissmuth M, Windischberger C, Willeit M, Lanzenberger R, Esterbauer H, Brocke B, Moser E, Sitte HH, Pezawas L. Platelet serotonin transporter function predicts default-mode network activity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92543. [PMID: 24667541 PMCID: PMC3965432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is abundantly expressed in humans by the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4 and removes serotonin (5-HT) from extracellular space. A blood-brain relationship between platelet and synaptosomal 5-HT reuptake has been suggested, but it is unknown today, if platelet 5-HT uptake can predict neural activation of human brain networks that are known to be under serotonergic influence. Methods A functional magnetic resonance study was performed in 48 healthy subjects and maximal 5-HT uptake velocity (Vmax) was assessed in blood platelets. We used a mixed-effects multilevel analysis technique (MEMA) to test for linear relationships between whole-brain, blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) activity and platelet Vmax. Results The present study demonstrates that increases in platelet Vmax significantly predict default-mode network (DMN) suppression in healthy subjects independent of genetic variation within SLC6A4. Furthermore, functional connectivity analyses indicate that platelet Vmax is related to global DMN activation and not intrinsic DMN connectivity. Conclusion This study provides evidence that platelet Vmax predicts global DMN activation changes in healthy subjects. Given previous reports on platelet-synaptosomal Vmax coupling, results further suggest an important role of neuronal 5-HT reuptake in DMN regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Scharinger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich Rabl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian H. Kasess
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard M. Meyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tina Hofmaier
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomolecular Medicine and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kersten Diers
- Department of Psychology, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lucie Bartova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Pail
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Huf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Statistics and Probability Theory, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zeljko Uzelac
- Center for Biomolecular Medicine and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beate Hartinger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaudius Kalcher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Statistics and Probability Theory, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Perkmann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmuth Haslacher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Siegfried Kasper
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Center for Biomolecular Medicine and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Windischberger
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthäus Willeit
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Esterbauer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Burkhard Brocke
- Department of Psychology, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ewald Moser
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald H. Sitte
- Center for Biomolecular Medicine and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Pezawas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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18
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Effects of acute treatment with a tryptophan-rich protein hydrolysate on plasma amino acids, mood and emotional functioning in older women. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:4595-610. [PMID: 24858376 PMCID: PMC4231284 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3609-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Effective functioning of the neurotransmitter serotonin is important for optimal cognitive and emotional function. Dietary supplements able to increase availability to the brain of the precursor amino acid, tryptophan (TRP), and thereby enhance serotonin synthesis, can have measurable impact on these psychological processes. OBJECTIVES This study involves a randomised controlled trial of a TRP-rich egg-white protein hydrolysate (DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Switzerland) on plasma amino acids, cognition, mood and emotional processing in older women. METHODS Following a baseline test day without treatment, 60 healthy women aged 45-65 years received drinks containing either 2 or 4 g of TRP-rich protein hydrolysate product or 3.11 g casein hydrolysate as a control. One hour later, they undertook a 2-h battery of cognitive and emotional tests. RESULTS The TRP-rich protein hydrolysate produced the expected dose-dependent increase in the ratio of plasma TRP to competing large neutral amino acids. TRP-rich protein hydrolysate (2 g only) prevented both the decline in wellbeing and increase in fatigue seen over the test session in the control group. This treatment dose resulted in a significant shift in emotional processing towards positive words and reduced negative bias in assessing negative facial expressions. Effects on cognition were small and not statistically reliable and are not reported here. However, there was no evidence for any adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of a low dose of TRP-rich protein hydrolysate may have beneficial effects on emotional function that could promote feelings of wellbeing, possibly conferring resistance to deterioration in mood in healthy subjects or depressive episodes.
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Abstract
The most frequently described drugs in the treatment of mood disorders are selective serotonin reuptake and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, enhancing serotonin levels in the brain. However, side-effects have been reported for these drugs. Because serotonin levels in the brain are dependent on the availability of the food-derived precursor tryptophan, foods such as chicken, soyabeans, cereals, tuna, nuts and bananas may serve as an alternative to improve mood and cognition. Here we discuss the effects of high- or low-tryptophan-containing food, as well as plant extracts with a modest monoamine reuptake and MAO-A inhibition functional profile, on mood and cognition in healthy and vulnerable human subjects and rodents. Together the studies suggest that there is an inverted U-shaped curve for plasma tryptophan levels, with low and too high tryptophan levels impairing cognition, and moderate to high tryptophan levels improving cognition. This relationship is found for both healthy and vulnerable subjects. Whereas this relationship may also exist for mood, the inverted U-shaped curve for plasma tryptophan levels and mood may be based on different tryptophan concentrations in healthyv.vulnerable individuals. Animal studies are emerging and allow further understanding of effects and the mode of action of food-derived serotonergic components on mood, cognition and mechanisms. Ultimately, insight into the concentrations of tryptophan and other serotonergic components in food having beneficial effects on mood and cognition in healthy, but particularly vulnerable, subjects may support well-being in our highly demanding society.
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