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Ng QX, Lim YL, Ong C, New S, Fam J, Liew TM. Hype or hope? Ketamine for the treatment of depression: results from the application of deep learning to Twitter posts from 2010 to 2023. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1369727. [PMID: 38800065 PMCID: PMC11117142 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1369727] [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] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate societal perceptions of ketamine's use in depression therapy by analysing Twitter posts from January 1, 2010 to April 1, 2023. Methods Using Twitter as the social media platform of choice, and employing search terms based on (depression OR depressed OR depressive) AND (ketamine OR esketamine OR Spravato), we collected English-language tweets from January 1, 2010, to April 1, 2023. Using unsupervised machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) techniques, including Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and BERTopic, the study identified prevalent topics surrounding public chatter around the use of ketamine in depression treatment. Manual thematic analyses further refined these topics into themes. Results Out of an initial dataset of 99,405 tweets, after removing duplicate tweets, re-tweets and tweets posted by organizations over Twitter, 18,899 unique tweets from presumably individual users were analysed. Analysis of temporal trends revealed a shift in public attitudes, particularly after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s 2019 approval of ketamine for depression. Three major themes emerged: a changing regulatory landscape, cautious optimism, and personal experiences with the drug. There was an initial spike in discussions post-FDA approval in 2019. Thereafter, cautious optimism (Theme 2) decreased among the general public, with more personal accounts (Theme 3) highlighting the potential benefits for some treatment-resistant patients. Limitations of the study include Twitter's inherent biases towards younger, English-speaking demographics. Conclusion In summary, the public's multifaceted perception leans towards a hopeful stance on ketamine's therapeutic potential for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Xiang Ng
- Health Services Research Unit, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Liang Lim
- Department of General Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Clarence Ong
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Silas New
- Department of Pharmacy, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Johnson Fam
- Department of Psychiatry, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tau Ming Liew
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Psychiatry, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Glue P, Neehoff S, Beaglehole B, Shadli S, McNaughton N, Hughes-Medlicott NJ. Ketamine for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: Double-blind active-controlled crossover study. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:162-167. [PMID: 38293803 PMCID: PMC10863359 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241227026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist ketamine has rapid onset antidepressant activity in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). AIMS To evaluate mood rating, safety and tolerability data from patients with TRD treated with ketamine and the psychoactive control fentanyl, as part of a larger study to explore EEG biomarkers associated with mood response. METHODS We evaluated the efficacy and safety of intramuscular racemic ketamine in 25 patients with TRD, using a double-blind active-controlled randomized crossover design. Ketamine doses were 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, and the psychoactive control was fentanyl 50 mcg, given at weekly intervals. RESULTS/OUTCOMES Within 1 h of ketamine dosing, patients reported reduced depression and anxiety ratings, which persisted for up to 7 days. A dose-response profile for ketamine was noted for dissociative side effects, adverse events and changes in blood pressure; however, changes in mood ratings were broadly similar for both ketamine doses. Overall, 14/25 patients (56%) were responders (⩾50% reduction at 24 h compared with baseline) for either ketamine dose for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and 18/25 (72%) were responders for the HADS-anxiety scale. After fentanyl, only 1/25 (HADS-depression) and 3/25 (HADS-anxiety) were responders. Ketamine was generally safe and well tolerated in this population. CONCLUSIONS Our findings add to the literature confirming ketamine's activity against depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with TRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Glue
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Shona Neehoff
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ben Beaglehole
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Shabah Shadli
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain-Behaviour Research Group, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil McNaughton
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Chrenek C, Duong B, Khullar A, McRee C, Thomas R, Swainson J. Use of ketamine for treatment resistant depression: updated review of literature and practical applications to a community ketamine program in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1283733. [PMID: 38260793 PMCID: PMC10801061 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1283733] [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] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Though intravenous (IV) ketamine and intranasal (IN) esketamine are noted to be efficacious for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), access to each of these treatments within healthcare systems is limited due to cost, availability, and/or monitoring requirements. IV ketamine has been offered at two public hospital sites in Edmonton, Canada since 2015. Since then, demand for maintenance ketamine treatments has grown. This has required creative solutions for safe, accessible, evidence-based patient care. Objectives Aims of this paper are twofold. First, we will provide a synthesis of current knowledge with regards to the clinical use of ketamine for TRD. Consideration will be given regarding; off-label racemic ketamine uses versus FDA-approved intranasal esketamine, populations treated, inclusion/exclusion criteria, dosing, assessing clinical response, concomitant medications, and tolerability/safety. Second, this paper will describe our experience as a community case study in applying evidence-based treatment. We will describe application of the literature review to our clinical programming, and in particular focus on cost-effective maintenance treatments, long-term safety concerns, routes of ketamine administration other than via intravenous, and cautious prescribing of ketamine outside of clinically monitored settings. Methodology We conducted a literature review of the on the use of ketamine for TRD up to June 30, 2023. Key findings are reviewed, and we describe their application to our ketamine program. Conclusion Evidence for the use of ketamine in resistant depression has grown in recent years, with evolving data to support and direct its clinical use. There is an increasing body of evidence to guide judicious use of ketamine in various clinical circumstances, for a population of patients with a high burden of suffering and morbidity. While large-scale, randomized controlled trials, comparative studies, and longer-term treatment outcomes is lacking, this community case study illustrates that currently available evidence can be applied to real-world clinical settings with complex patients. As cost is often a significant barrier to accessing initial and/or maintenance IV or esketamine treatments, public ketamine programs may incorporate SL or IN ketamine to support a sustainable and accessible treatment model. Three of such models are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson Chrenek
- Department of Psychiatry, Misericordia Community Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bryan Duong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Atul Khullar
- Department of Psychiatry, Grey Nuns Community Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Chris McRee
- Grey Nuns Community Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rejish Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry, Grey Nuns Community Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer Swainson
- Department of Psychiatry, Misericordia Community Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Zaretsky TG, Jagodnik KM, Barsic R, Antonio JH, Bonanno PA, MacLeod C, Pierce C, Carney H, Morrison MT, Saylor C, Danias G, Lepow L, Yehuda R. The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:636-735. [PMID: 38284341 PMCID: PMC10845102 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231027111147] [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] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following exposure to a traumatic experience. An estimated 12 million U.S. adults are presently affected by this disorder. Current treatments include psychological therapies (e.g., exposure-based interventions) and pharmacological treatments (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)). However, a significant proportion of patients receiving standard-of-care therapies for PTSD remain symptomatic, and new approaches for this and other trauma-related mental health conditions are greatly needed. Psychedelic compounds that alter cognition, perception, and mood are currently being examined for their efficacy in treating PTSD despite their current status as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)- scheduled substances. Initial clinical trials have demonstrated the potential value of psychedelicassisted therapy to treat PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the state of the science of PTSD clinical care, including current treatments and their shortcomings. We review clinical studies of psychedelic interventions to treat PTSD, trauma-related disorders, and common comorbidities. The classic psychedelics psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and DMT-containing ayahuasca, as well as the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and the dissociative anesthetic ketamine, are reviewed. For each drug, we present the history of use, psychological and somatic effects, pharmacology, and safety profile. The rationale and proposed mechanisms for use in treating PTSD and traumarelated disorders are discussed. This review concludes with an in-depth consideration of future directions for the psychiatric applications of psychedelics to maximize therapeutic benefit and minimize risk in individuals and communities impacted by trauma-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Glatman Zaretsky
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Jagodnik
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Barsic
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josimar Hernandez Antonio
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philip A. Bonanno
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn MacLeod
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charlotte Pierce
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hunter Carney
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan T. Morrison
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Saylor
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - George Danias
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Lepow
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Datta MS, Chen Y, Chauhan S, Zhang J, De La Cruz ED, Gong C, Tomer R. Whole-brain mapping reveals the divergent impact of ketamine on the dopamine system. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113491. [PMID: 38052211 PMCID: PMC10843582 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ketamine is a multifunctional drug with clinical applications as an anesthetic, pain management medication, and a fast-acting antidepressant. However, it is also recreationally abused for its dissociative effects. Recent studies in rodents are revealing the neuronal mechanisms mediating its actions, but the impact of prolonged exposure to ketamine on brain-wide networks remains less understood. Here, we develop a sub-cellular resolution whole-brain phenotyping approach and utilize it in male mice to show that repeated ketamine administration leads to a dose-dependent decrease in dopamine neurons in midbrain regions linked to behavioral states, alongside an increase in the hypothalamus. Additionally, diverse changes are observed in long-range innervations of the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and sensory areas. Furthermore, the data support a role for post-transcriptional regulation in enabling ketamine-induced neural plasticity. Through an unbiased, high-resolution whole-brain analysis, this study provides important insights into how chronic ketamine exposure reshapes brain-wide networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malika S Datta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Yannan Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Shradha Chauhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Cheng Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Raju Tomer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Zavaliangos-Petropulu A, McClintock SM, Joshi SH, Taraku B, Al-Sharif NB, Espinoza RT, Narr KL. Hippocampal subfield volumes in treatment resistant depression and serial ketamine treatment. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1227879. [PMID: 37876623 PMCID: PMC10590913 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1227879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Subanesthetic ketamine is a rapidly acting antidepressant that has also been found to improve neurocognitive performance in adult patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD). Provisional evidence suggests that ketamine may induce change in hippocampal volume and that larger pre-treatment volumes might be related to positive clinical outcomes. Here, we examine the effects of serial ketamine treatment on hippocampal subfield volumes and relationships between pre-treatment subfield volumes and changes in depressive symptoms and neurocognitive performance. Methods Patients with TRD (N = 66; 31M/35F; age = 39.5 ± 11.1 years) received four ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg) over 2 weeks. Structural MRI scans, the National Institutes of Health Toolbox (NIHT) Cognition Battery, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were collected at baseline, 24 h after the first and fourth ketamine infusion, and 5 weeks post-treatment. The same data was collected for 32 age and sex matched healthy controls (HC; 17M/15F; age = 35.03 ± 12.2 years) at one timepoint. Subfield (CA1/CA3/CA4/subiculum/molecular layer/GC-ML-DG) volumes corrected for whole hippocampal volume were compared across time, between treatment remitters/non-remitters, and patients and HCs using linear regression models. Relationships between pre-treatment subfield volumes and clinical and cognitive outcomes were also tested. All analyses included Bonferroni correction. Results Patients had smaller pre-treatment left CA4 (p = 0.004) and GC.ML.DG (p = 0.004) volumes compared to HC, but subfield volumes remained stable following ketamine treatment (all p > 0.05). Pre-treatment or change in hippocampal subfield volumes over time showed no variation by remission status nor correlated with depressive symptoms (p > 0.05). Pre-treatment left CA4 was negatively correlated with improved processing speed after single (p = 0.0003) and serial ketamine infusion (p = 0.005). Left GC.ML.DG also negatively correlated with improved processing speed after single infusion (p = 0.001). Right pre-treatment CA3 positively correlated with changes in list sorting working memory at follow-up (p = 0.0007). Discussion These results provide new evidence to suggest that hippocampal subfield volumes at baseline may present a biomarker for neurocognitive improvement following ketamine treatment in TRD. In contrast, pre-treatment subfield volumes and changes in subfield volumes showed negligible relationships with ketamine-related improvements in depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artemis Zavaliangos-Petropulu
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shawn M. McClintock
- Division of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Shantanu H. Joshi
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brandon Taraku
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Noor B. Al-Sharif
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Randall T. Espinoza
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Katherine L. Narr
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Cutler AJ, Mattingly GW, Maletic V. Understanding the mechanism of action and clinical effects of neuroactive steroids and GABAergic compounds in major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:228. [PMID: 37365161 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is thought to result from impaired connectivity between key brain networks. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, working primarily via GABAA receptors, with an important role in virtually all physiologic functions in the brain. Some neuroactive steroids (NASs) are positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors and potentiate phasic and tonic inhibitory responses via activation of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, respectively. This review first discusses preclinical and clinical data that support the association of depression with diverse defects in the GABAergic system of neurotransmission. Decreased levels of GABA and NASs have been observed in adults with depression compared with healthy controls, while treatment with antidepressants normalized the altered levels of GABA and NASs. Second, as there has been intense interest in treatment approaches for depression that target dysregulated GABAergic neurotransmission, we discuss NASs approved or currently in clinical development for the treatment of depression. Brexanolone, an intravenous NAS and a GABAA receptor PAM, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in patients 15 years and older. Other NASs include zuranolone, an investigational oral GABAA receptor PAM, and PH10, which acts on nasal chemosensory receptors; clinical data to date have shown improvement in depressive symptoms with these investigational NASs in adults with MDD or PPD. Finally, the review discusses how NAS GABAA receptor PAMs may potentially address the unmet need for novel and effective treatments with rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in patients with MDD.
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Valeri J, Gisabella B, Pantazopoulos H. Dynamic regulation of the extracellular matrix in reward memory processes: a question of time. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1208974. [PMID: 37396928 PMCID: PMC10311570 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1208974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders are a global health problem with increasing prevalence resulting in significant socioeconomic burden and increased mortality. Converging lines of evidence point to a critical role of brain extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules in the pathophysiology of substance use disorders. An increasing number of preclinical studies highlight the ECM as a promising target for development of novel cessation pharmacotherapies. The brain ECM is dynamically regulated during learning and memory processes, thus the time course of ECM alterations in substance use disorders is a critical factor that may impact interpretation of the current studies and development of pharmacological therapies. This review highlights the evidence for the involvement of ECM molecules in reward learning, including drug reward and natural reward such as food, as well as evidence regarding the pathophysiological state of the brain's ECM in substance use disorders and metabolic disorders. We focus on the information regarding time-course and substance specific changes in ECM molecules and how this information can be leveraged for the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Valeri
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Barbara Gisabella
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Harry Pantazopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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Datta MS, Chen Y, Chauhan S, Zhang J, De La Cruz ED, Gong C, Tomer R. Whole-brain mapping reveals the divergent impact of ketamine on the dopamine system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.12.536506. [PMID: 37090584 PMCID: PMC10120808 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.12.536506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Ketamine is a multifunctional drug with clinical applications as an anesthetic, as a pain management medication and as a transformative fast-acting antidepressant. It is also abused as a recreational drug due to its dissociative property. Recent studies in rodents are revealing the neuronal mechanisms that mediate the complex actions of ketamine, however, its long-term impact due to prolonged exposure remains much less understood with profound scientific and clinical implications. Here, we develop and utilize a high-resolution whole-brain phenotyping approach to show that repeated ketamine administration leads to a dosage-dependent decrease of dopamine (DA) neurons in the behavior state-related midbrain regions and, conversely, an increase within the hypothalamus. Congruently, we show divergently altered innervations of prefrontal cortex, striatum, and sensory areas. Further, we present supporting data for the post-transcriptional regulation of ketamine-induced structural plasticity. Overall, through an unbiased whole-brain analysis, we reveal the divergent brain-wide impact of chronic ketamine exposure on the association and sensory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malika S. Datta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University
| | - Yannan Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
| | | | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University
| | | | - Cheng Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
| | - Raju Tomer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
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Toxicity patterns associated with chronic ketamine exposure. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
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Miao HC, Liu M, Wu F, Li HB. Expression changes of c-Fos and D1R/p-ERK1/2 signal pathways in nucleus accumbens of rats after ketamine abuse. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 629:183-188. [PMID: 36152451 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.08.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine is a commonly used dissociative anesthetic in clinical applications. However, the abuse potential has posted limits to its use and the mechanism remains to be studied. We aimed to investigate the changes of dopamine D1 receptors (D1R), phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), and c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of ketamine abuse rats. Ketamine induced severe anxiety in rats, as shown by an open field test. Nissl staining demonstrated clearly different morphologies between neurons of ketamine abuse rats and normal rats. The molecular expression changes were examined using immunohistochemistry assay and western blotting. D1R, p-ERK1/2, and c-Fos were significantly highly-expressed in NAc during ketamine exposure and were decreased by D1R antagonist SCH23390 and MAPK kinases inhibitor U0126. Taken together, the results suggest that ketamine abuse may induce the overexpression of c-Fos in NAc by up-regulating the expression of D1R and p-ERK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Chun Miao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wannan Medical College, 22 West Wenchang Road, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wannan Medical College, 22 West Wenchang Road, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wannan Medical College, 22 West Wenchang Road, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Huai-Bin Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wannan Medical College, 22 West Wenchang Road, Wuhu, 241002, China.
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Smith-Apeldoorn SY, Veraart JK, Spijker J, Kamphuis J, Schoevers RA. Maintenance ketamine treatment for depression: a systematic review of efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Lancet Psychiatry 2022; 9:907-921. [PMID: 36244360 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(22)00317-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine has rapid yet often transient antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Different strategies have been proposed to prolong these effects. Maintenance ketamine treatment appears promising, but little is known about its efficacy, safety, and tolerability in depression. We searched Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library and identified three randomised controlled trials, eight open-label trials, and 30 case series and reports on maintenance ketamine treatment. We found intravenous, intranasal, oral, and possibly intramuscular and subcutaneous maintenance ketamine treatment to be effective in sustaining antidepressant effect in treatment-resistant depression. Tachyphylaxis, cognitive impairment, addiction, and serious renal and urinary problems seem uncommon. Despite the methodological limitations, we conclude that from a clinical view, maintenance ketamine treatment seems to be of therapeutic potential. We recommend both controlled and naturalistic studies with long-term follow-up and sufficient power to determine the position of maintenance ketamine treatment within routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Y Smith-Apeldoorn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
| | - Jolien Ke Veraart
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Department of Mood Disorders, PsyQ Haaglanden, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Jan Spijker
- Pro Persona Mental Health Care, Depression Expertise Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Kamphuis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Robert A Schoevers
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Esmethadone (REL-1017) and Other Uncompetitive NMDAR Channel Blockers May Improve Mood Disorders via Modulation of Synaptic Kinase-Mediated Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012196. [PMID: 36293063 PMCID: PMC9602945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents a mechanism of action hypothesis to explain the rapid antidepressant effects of esmethadone (REL-1017) and other uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists and presents a corresponding mechanism of disease hypothesis for major depressive disorder (MDD). Esmethadone and other uncompetitive NMDAR antagonists may restore physiological neural plasticity in animal models of depressive-like behavior and in patients with MDD via preferential tonic block of pathologically hyperactive GluN2D subtypes. Tonic Ca2+ currents via GluN2D subtypes regulate the homeostatic availability of synaptic proteins. MDD and depressive behaviors may be determined by reduced homeostatic availability of synaptic proteins, due to upregulated tonic Ca2+ currents through GluN2D subtypes. The preferential activity of low-potency NMDAR antagonists for GluN2D subtypes may explain their rapid antidepressant effects in the absence of dissociative side effects.
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Kolevzon A, Levy T, Barkley S, Bedrosian-Sermone S, Davis M, Foss-Feig J, Halpern D, Keller K, Kostic A, Layton C, Lee R, Lerman B, Might M, Sandin S, Siper PM, Sloofman LG, Walker H, Zweifach J, Buxbaum JD. An open-label study evaluating the safety, behavioral, and electrophysiological outcomes of low-dose ketamine in children with ADNP syndrome. HGG ADVANCES 2022; 3:100138. [PMID: 36119806 PMCID: PMC9471202 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2022.100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) syndrome is a rare genetic condition associated with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Preclinical evidence suggests that low-dose ketamine may induce expression of ADNP and that neuroprotective effects of ketamine may be mediated by ADNP. The goal of the proposed research was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and behavioral outcomes of low-dose ketamine in children with ADNP syndrome. We also sought to explore the feasibility of using electrophysiological markers of auditory steady-state response and computerized eye tracking to assess biomarker sensitivity to treatment. This study utilized a single-dose (0.5 mg/kg), open-label design, with ketamine infused intravenously over 40 min. Ten children with ADNP syndrome ages 6 to 12 years were enrolled. Ketamine was generally well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events. The most common adverse events were elation/silliness (50%), fatigue (40%), and increased aggression (40%). Using parent-report instruments to assess treatment effects, ketamine was associated with nominally significant improvement in a wide array of domains, including social behavior, attention deficit and hyperactivity, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities, a week after administration. Results derived from clinician-rated assessments aligned with findings from the parent reports. Overall, nominal improvement was evident based on the Clinical Global Impressions - Improvement scale, in addition to clinician-based scales reflecting key domains of social communication, attention deficit and hyperactivity, restricted and repetitive behaviors, speech, thinking, and learning, activities of daily living, and sensory sensitivities. Results also highlight the potential utility of electrophysiological measurement of auditory steady-state response and eye-tracking to index change with ketamine treatment. Findings are intended to be hypothesis generating and provide preliminary support for the safety and efficacy of ketamine in ADNP syndrome in addition to identifying useful endpoints for a ketamine clinical development program. However, results must be interpreted with caution given limitations of this study, most importantly the small sample size and absence of a placebo-control group.
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White matter alterations in chronic MDMA use: Evidence from diffusion tensor imaging and neurofilament light chain blood levels. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2022; 36:103191. [PMID: 36126513 PMCID: PMC9486575 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") is a serotonin- and noradrenaline-releasing substance, currently among the most widely used illicit substances worldwide. In animal studies, repeated exposure to MDMA has been associated with dendritic but also axonal degeneration in the brain. However, translation of the axonal findings, specifically, to humans has been repeatedly questioned and the few existing studies investigating white matter alterations in human chronic MDMA users have yielded conflicting findings. In this study, we combined whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging and neurofilament light chain (NfL) analysis in blood to reveal potential MDMA-induced axonal neuropathology. To this end, we assessed 39 chronic MDMA users and 39 matched MDMA-naïve healthy controls. MDMA users showed increased fractional anisotropy in several white matter tracts, most prominently in the corpus callosum as well as corticospinal tracts, with these findings partly related to MDMA use intensity. However, the NfL levels of MDMA users were not significantly different from those of controls. We conclude that MDMA use is not associated with significant white matter lesions due to the absence of reduced fractional anisotropy and increased NfL levels commonly observed in conditions associated with white matter lesions, including stimulant and ketamine use disorders. Hence, the MDMA-induced axonal degradation demonstrated in animal models was not observed in this human study of chronic MDMA users.
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