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Debs SR, Conn I, Navaneethan B, Penklis AG, Meyer U, Killcross S, Weickert CS, Purves-Tyson TD. Maternal immune activation and estrogen receptor modulation induce sex-specific dopamine-related behavioural and molecular alterations in adult rat offspring. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:236-251. [PMID: 38431238 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Dopamine dysregulation contributes to psychosis and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia that can be modelled in rodents by inducing maternal immune activation (MIA). The selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator, raloxifene, can improve psychosis and cognition in men and women with schizophrenia. However, few studies have examined how raloxifene may exert its therapeutic effects in mammalian brain in both sexes during young adulthood (age relevant to most prevalent age at diagnosis). Here, we tested the extent to which raloxifene alters dopamine-related behaviours and brain transcripts in young adult rats, both control and MIA-exposed females and males. We found that raloxifene increased amphetamine (AMPH)-induced locomotor activity in female controls, and in contrast, raloxifene reduced AMPH-induced locomotor activity in male MIA offspring. We did not detect overt prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits in female or male MIA offspring, yet raloxifene enhanced PPI in male MIA offspring. Whereas, raloxifene ameliorated increased startle responsivity in female MIA offspring. In the substantia nigra (SN), we found reduced Drd2s mRNA in raloxifene-treated female offspring with or without MIA, and increased Comt mRNA in placebo-treated male MIA offspring relative to placebo-treated controls. These data demonstrate an underlying dopamine dysregulation in MIA animals that can become more apparent with raloxifene treatment, and may involve selective alterations in dopamine receptor levels and dopamine breakdown processes in the SN. Our findings support sex-specific, differential behavioural responses to ER modulation in MIA compared to control offspring, with beneficial effects of raloxifene treatment on dopamine-related behaviours relevant to schizophrenia found in male MIA offspring only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie R Debs
- Preclinical Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Illya Conn
- Preclinical Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brendan Navaneethan
- Preclinical Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andriane G Penklis
- Preclinical Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich-Vetsuisse, Zürich, Switzerland; Switzerland Neuroscience Centre Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Simon Killcross
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
| | - Tertia D Purves-Tyson
- Preclinical Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Arsenault‐Mehta K, Hochman‐Bérard M, Johnson A, Semenova D, Nguyen B, Willis J, Mouravska N, Joober R, Zhand N. Pharmacological management of neurocognitive impairment in schizophrenia: A narrative review. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2024; 44:2-16. [PMID: 37794723 PMCID: PMC10932777 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment are among the core features of schizophrenia, experienced by up to 75% of patients. Available treatment options for schizophrenia including dopamine antagonists and traditional antipsychotic medications have not been shown to confer significant benefits on cognitive deficits. Contrary to the focus on management of positive symptoms in schizophrenia, cognitive abilities are main predictor of independent living skills, functional abilities, employment, engagement in relapse prevention, and patients' subjective sense of well-being and quality of life. This review aims to provide a summary of recent literature on pharmacological options for the treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. METHODS We conducted a literature search of studies from 2011 to 2021 across four electronic databases including PubMed, PsycInfo, MEDLINE, and Embase. Human studies using a pharmacological treatment for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia were included. RESULTS Fifty-eight eligible publications, representing 11 pharmacological classes, were included in this review. Major limitations involved small sample size, methodological limitations as well as heterogeneity of participants and outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS Overall evidence remains inconclusive for any pharmacological classes studied for the treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Methodological limitations in a majority of the studies rendered their findings preliminary. We further discuss possible explanations for these findings that could guide future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Arsenault‐Mehta
- The Royal Ottawa Mental Health CenterThe University of Ottawa Faculty of MedicineOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Dar'ya Semenova
- The University of Ottawa Faculty of MedicineOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Bea Nguyen
- The University of Ottawa Faculty of MedicineOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Jessie Willis
- The University of Ottawa Faculty of MedicineOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Natalia Mouravska
- The Royal Ottawa Mental Health CenterThe University of Ottawa Faculty of MedicineOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Ridha Joober
- Department of PsychiatryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Naista Zhand
- The Royal Ottawa Mental Health CenterThe University of Ottawa Faculty of MedicineOttawaOntarioCanada
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Brand BA, de Boer JN, Marcelis MC, Grootens KP, Luykx JJ, Sommer IE. The Direct and Long-Term Effects of Raloxifene as Adjunctive Treatment for Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:1579-1590. [PMID: 37116866 PMCID: PMC10686337 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Several studies suggest that raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, improves symptoms and cognition in post-menopausal women with Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders (SSD). We aimed to assess the effects of adjunctive raloxifene in women and men with SSD. STUDY DESIGN This parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included adult SSD patients across the Netherlands and Belgium. Participants were stratified by age, sex, and global functioning and randomly assigned 1:1 to 12-week add-on raloxifene or placebo. Primary outcomes were symptom severity at 6, 12, and 38 weeks and cognition at 12 and 38 weeks, as measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, respectively. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed using linear mixed-effect models. STUDY RESULTS We assessed 261 patients for eligibility, of which 102 (28% female) were assigned to raloxifene (n = 52) or placebo (n = 48). Although we found no main effect of raloxifene, secondary sex-specific analysis showed that in women, raloxifene had beneficial effects on negative symptoms at week 6 (LSM -2.92; adjusted P = 0.020) and week 12 (LSM -3.12; adjusted P = 0.030), and on working memory at week 38 (LSM 0.73; adjusted P = 0.040), while having negative effects on working memory at week 38 in men (LSM -0.53; adjusted P = 0.026). The number of adverse events was similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results do not support the use of raloxifene in patients with SSD in general, but suggest female-specific beneficial effects of raloxifene on negative symptoms and working memory. Our findings encourage further research on sex-specific pharmacotherapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodyl A Brand
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janna N de Boer
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Machteld C Marcelis
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Mental Health Care Eindhoven (GGzE), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Koen P Grootens
- Reinier van Arkel Institute for Mental Health Care (RvA), ‘s Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
- Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen J Luykx
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Network Antwerp (ZNA), Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Outpatient Second Opinion Clinic, GGNet Mental Health, Warnsveld, The Netherlands
| | - Iris E Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
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Brand BA, Willemse EJM, Hamers IMH, Sommer IE. Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Pharmacological Treatment of Women with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:723-733. [PMID: 37864676 PMCID: PMC10654163 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite clear evidence that sex differences largely impact the efficacy and tolerability of antipsychotic medication, current treatment guidelines for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) do not differentiate between men and women. This review summarizes the available evidence on strategies that may improve pharmacotherapy for women and provides evidence-based recommendations to optimize treatment for women with schizophrenia. RECENT FINDINGS We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for peer-reviewed studies on three topics: (1) sex differences in dose-adjusted antipsychotic serum concentrations, (2) hormonal augmentation therapy with estrogen and estrogen-like compounds to improve symptom severity, and (3) strategies to reduce antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Based on three database studies and one RCT, we found higher dose-adjusted concentrations in women compared to men for most antipsychotics. For quetiapine, higher concentrations were specifically found in older women. Based on two recent meta-analyses, both estrogen and raloxifene improved overall symptomatology. Most consistent findings were found for raloxifene augmentation in postmenopausal women. No studies evaluated the effects of estrogenic contraceptives on symptoms. Based on two meta-analyses and one RCT, adjunctive aripiprazole was the best-studied and safest strategy for lowering antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Evidence-based recommendations for female-specific pharmacotherapy for SSD consist of (1) female-specific dosing for antipsychotics (guided by therapeutic drug monitoring), (2) hormonal replacement with raloxifene in postmenopausal women, and (3) aripiprazole addition as best evidenced option in case of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Combining these strategies could reduce side effects and improve outcome of women with SSD, which should be confirmed in future longitudinal RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodyl A Brand
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Neuro Imaging Center 3111, Deusinglaan 2, 9713 AW, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Elske J M Willemse
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Neuro Imaging Center 3111, Deusinglaan 2, 9713 AW, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris M H Hamers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Neuro Imaging Center 3111, Deusinglaan 2, 9713 AW, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris E Sommer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Neuro Imaging Center 3111, Deusinglaan 2, 9713 AW, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Peng Q, Dai Z, Yin J, Lv D, Luo X, Xiong S, Yang Z, Chen G, Wei Y, Wang Y, Zhang D, Wang L, Yu D, Zhao Y, Lin D, Liao Z, Zhong Y, Lin Z, Lin J. Schizophrenia plausible protective effect of microRNA-137 is potentially related to estrogen and prolactin in female patients. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1187111. [PMID: 37680447 PMCID: PMC10482089 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1187111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a serious chronic mental disorder. Our previous case-control genetic association study has shown that microRNA-137 (miR-137) may only protect females against SCZ. Since estrogen, an important female sex hormone, exerts neuroprotective effects, the relationship between estrogen and miR-137 in the pathophysiology of SCZ was further studied in this study. Methods Genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphism rs1625579 of miR-137 gene in 1,004 SCZ patients and 896 healthy controls was conducted using the iMLDR assay. The effect of estradiol (E2) on the miR-137 expression was evaluated on the human mammary adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and the mouse hippocampal neuron cell line (HT22). The relationships between serum E2, prolactin (PRL), and peripheral blood miR-137 were investigated in 41 SCZ patients and 43 healthy controls. The miR-137 and other reference miRNAs were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Results Based on the well-known SNP rs1625579, the distributions of protective genotypes and alleles of the miR-137 gene were not different between patients and healthy controls but were marginally significantly lower in female patients. E2 upregulated the expression of miR-137 to 2.83 and 1.81 times in MCF-7 and HT22 cells, respectively. Both serum E2 and blood miR-137 were significantly decreased or downregulated in SCZ patients, but they lacked expected positive correlations with each other in both patients and controls. When stratified by sex, blood miR-137 was negatively correlated with serum E2 in female patients. On the other hand, serum PRL was significantly increased in SCZ patients, and the female patients had the highest serum PRL level and a negative correlation between serum PRL and blood miR-137. Conclusion The plausible SCZ-protective effect of miR-137 may be female specific, of which the underlying mechanism may be that E2 upregulates the expression of miR-137. This protective mechanism may also be abrogated by elevated PRL in female patients. These preliminary findings suggest a new genetic/environmental interaction mechanism for E2/miR-137 to protect normal females against SCZ and a novel E2/PRL/miR-137-related pathophysiology of female SCZ, implying some new antipsychotic ways for female patients in future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhixiong Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Juda Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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Dróżdż W, Wiciński M, Szota AM, Szambelan M, Radajewska I, Popławski I, Wojciechowski P. Augmentation Therapies as Treatments for Coexisting Somatic Problems in Schizophrenia-A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4012. [PMID: 37373704 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to appraise the data from available randomized clinical trials (RCT) regarding the possible combinations of neuroleptic and non-antipsychotic treatment which could enhance antipsychotic therapy efficacy whilst simultaneously addressing somatic symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia. A systematic search of the PubMed database up to February 2022 was conducted. Inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials using augmentation therapy in chronic schizophrenia in adults, written in English, and only studies with psychometric assessments of schizophrenia were incorporated. Exclusion criteria: non-clinical, first episode of schizophrenia, patients on medication other than antipsychotics augmented, and not adjunctive therapy. Overall, 37 studies of 1931 patients with schizophrenia who received a combination of antipsychotic medication with other drugs were selected. A statistically significant reduction of negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia, measured with the PANSS scale, when using a combination of antipsychotic treatment along with aspirin, simvastatin, N-acetylcysteine, or pioglitazone was found. A combination of antipsychotic medication with aspirin, simvastatin, N-acetylcysteine, or pioglitazone seems to be effective in the reduction of symptoms of schizophrenia in adults, but long-term studies are required to confirm this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktor Dróżdż
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie Skłodowskiej Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Michał Wiciński
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie Skłodowskiej Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anna Maria Szota
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie Skłodowskiej Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Monika Szambelan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie Skłodowskiej Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Izabela Radajewska
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie Skłodowskiej Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Igor Popławski
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie Skłodowskiej Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Paweł Wojciechowski
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie Skłodowskiej Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Li Z, Wang Y, Wang Z, Kong L, Liu L, Li L, Tang Y. Estradiol and raloxifene as adjunctive treatment for women with schizophrenia: A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2023; 147:360-372. [PMID: 36585771 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of all available trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators as adjunctive treatment for women with schizophrenia. METHODS Multiple databases were searched from the inception until March 2022. Only randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (randomized controlled trials) were included. Mean differences (MDs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models. RESULTS The meta-analysis included six estradiol versus placebo studies (n = 724) and seven raloxifene versus placebo studies (n = 419), covering a total of 1143 patients. Adjunctive estradiol outperformed the placebo in terms of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score (MD = -7.29; 95% CI = -10.67 to -3.91; I2 = 59.1%; p < 0.001; k = 9; N = 858), positive symptom score (MD = -1.54; 95% CI = -3.04 to -0.72; I2 = 45.8%; p < 0.001; k = 7; N = 624), negative symptom score (MD = -1.9; 95% CI = -1.77 to -0.34; I2 = 37.6%; p < 0.05; k = 14; N = 1042), and general psychopathology score (MD = -4.27; 95% CI = -7.14 to -1.41; I2 = 76.3%; p < 0.005; k = 7; N = 624). Adjunctive raloxifene outperformed the placebo in terms of the PANSS total score (MD = -6.83; 95% CI = -11.69 to -1.97; I2 = 67.8%; p = 0.006; k = 8; N = 432) and general psychopathology score (MD = -3.82; 95% CI = -6.36 to -1.28; I2 = 65.3%; p < 0.005; k = 8; N = 432). CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis showed that estradiol and raloxifene are effective and safe adjunctive treatments that improve schizophrenia symptoms in women. Moreover, the effects of estradiol and raloxifene differed in terms of timing and dosage. Both are promising adjunctive treatments that merit further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijia Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingtao Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Linzi Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Li
- Shenyang Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqing Tang
- Department of Psychiatry and Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
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Matuszewska A, Kowalski K, Jawień P, Tomkalski T, Gaweł-Dąbrowska D, Merwid-Ląd A, Szeląg E, Błaszczak K, Wiatrak B, Danielewski M, Piasny J, Szeląg A. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Men with Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076492. [PMID: 37047464 PMCID: PMC10094807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with a chronic, progressive course. The etiology of this condition is linked to the interactions of multiple genes and environmental factors. The earlier age of onset of schizophrenia, the higher frequency of negative symptoms in the clinical presentation, and the poorer response to antipsychotic treatment in men compared to women suggests the involvement of sex hormones in these processes. This article aims to draw attention to the possible relationship between testosterone and some clinical features in male schizophrenic patients and discuss the complex nature of these phenomena based on data from the literature. PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched to select the papers without limiting the time of the publications. Hormone levels in the body are regulated by many organs and systems, and take place through the neuroendocrine, hormonal, neural, and metabolic pathways. Sex hormones play an important role in the development and function of the organism. Besides their impact on secondary sex characteristics, they influence brain development and function, mood, and cognition. In men with schizophrenia, altered testosterone levels were noted. In many cases, evidence from available single studies gave contradictory results. However, it seems that the testosterone level in men affected by schizophrenia may differ depending on the phase of the disease, types of clinical symptoms, and administered therapy. The etiology of testosterone level disturbances may be very complex. Besides the impact of the illness (schizophrenia), stress, and antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinemia, testosterone levels may be influenced by, i.a., obesity, substances of abuse (e.g., ethanol), or liver damage.
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Correll CU, Solmi M, Cortese S, Fava M, Højlund M, Kraemer HC, McIntyre RS, Pine DS, Schneider LS, Kane JM. The future of psychopharmacology: a critical appraisal of ongoing phase 2/3 trials, and of some current trends aiming to de-risk trial programmes of novel agents. World Psychiatry 2023; 22:48-74. [PMID: 36640403 PMCID: PMC9840514 DOI: 10.1002/wps.21056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in pharmacotherapy over the past seven decades, many mental disorders remain insufficiently treated. This situation is in part due to the limited knowledge of the pathophysiology of these disorders and the lack of biological markers to stratify and individualize patient selection, but also to a still restricted number of mechanisms of action being targeted in monotherapy or combination/augmentation treatment, as well as to a variety of challenges threatening the successful development and testing of new drugs. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the most promising drugs with innovative mechanisms of action that are undergoing phase 2 or 3 testing for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety and trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, and dementia. Promising repurposing of established medications for new psychiatric indications, as well as variations in the modulation of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin receptor functioning, are also considered. We then critically discuss the clinical trial parameters that need to be considered in depth when developing and testing new pharmacological agents for the treatment of mental disorders. Hurdles and perils threatening success of new drug development and testing include inadequacy and imprecision of inclusion/exclusion criteria and ratings, sub-optimally suited clinical trial participants, multiple factors contributing to a large/increasing placebo effect, and problems with statistical analyses. This information should be considered in order to de-risk trial programmes of novel agents or known agents for novel psychiatric indications, increasing their chances of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph U Correll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Mental Health, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mikkel Højlund
- Department of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Department of Psychiatry Aabenraa, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Helena C Kraemer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Cupertino, CA, USA
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel S Pine
- Section on Developmental Affective Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lon S Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, and L. Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John M Kane
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
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10
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Seeman MV, González-Rodríguez A. Stratification by Sex and Hormone Level When Contrasting Men and Women in Schizophrenia Trials Will Improve Personalized Treatment. J Pers Med 2021; 11:929. [PMID: 34575706 PMCID: PMC8471344 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex and gender differences have been reported in the prevalence, expression, treatment response, and outcome of schizophrenia, but most reports are based on relatively small samples that have not been stratified for the impact of sex hormone levels. This literature review aims to show how women's hormone levels can impact the results of male/female comparisons. METHODS This is a narrative review of data from publications of the last decade. RESULTS Epidemiologic evidence, reports of the impact of hormones on cognition, results of sexually dimorphic responses to treatment, and male/female trajectories of illness over time all suggest that female hormone fluctuations exert major effects on male/female differences in schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Information on hormonal status in women participants is rarely available in clinical studies in schizophrenia, which makes male/female comparisons largely uninterpretable. These are the current challenges. Opportunities for individualized treatment are growing, however, and will undoubtedly result in improved outcomes for both women and men in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V. Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, #605 260 Heath St. W., Toronto, ON M5P 3L6, Canada
| | - Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, University of Barcelona, 08221 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain;
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11
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Martínez AL, Brea J, Rico S, de Los Frailes MT, Loza MI. Cognitive Deficit in Schizophrenia: From Etiology to Novel Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22. [PMID: 34576069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a major mental illness characterized by positive and negative symptoms, and by cognitive deficit. Although cognitive impairment is disabling for patients, it has been largely neglected in the treatment of schizophrenia. There are several reasons for this lack of treatments for cognitive deficit, but the complexity of its etiology-in which neuroanatomic, biochemical and genetic factors concur-has contributed to the lack of effective treatments. In the last few years, there have been several attempts to develop novel drugs for the treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Despite these efforts, little progress has been made. The latest findings point to the importance of developing personalized treatments for schizophrenia which enhance neuroplasticity, and of combining pharmacological treatments with non-pharmacological measures.
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12
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González-Rodríguez A, Guàrdia A, Monreal JA. Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women with Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Are a Population with Specific Needs: A Narrative Review of Current Theories. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11090849. [PMID: 34575626 PMCID: PMC8465365 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: While gender differences in antipsychotic response have been recognized, the potential role of menopause in changing drug efficacy and clinical outcome in schizophrenia related disorders has been understudied. We aimed to review the relevant literature to test whether optimizing menopausal and post-menopausal treatment and addressing specific health needs of this stage in life will improve outcome. Methods: Non-systematic narrative review using the PubMed database (1900–July 2021) focusing on randomized controlled trial results addressing our question. Forty-nine studies met our criteria. Results: Premenopausal women show significantly better antipsychotic response than postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapies (HRT) should be used in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia with caution. Raloxifene, combined with antipsychotics, is effective for psychotic and cognitive symptoms in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia and related disorders. Medical comorbidities increase after menopause, but the influence of comorbidities on clinical outcomes has been poorly investigated. Preventive strategies include weighing risks and benefits of treatment, preventing medical comorbidities, and enhancing psychosocial support. Ideal treatment settings for this population warrant investigation. Conclusions: Antipsychotic dose adjustment at menopause is recommended for schizophrenia. Raloxifene may play an important role in permitting dose reduction and lessening adverse effects. Prevention of comorbidities will help to reduce the mortality rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, University of Barcelona, 08221 Terrassa, Spain; (A.G.); (J.A.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Armand Guàrdia
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, University of Barcelona, 08221 Terrassa, Spain; (A.G.); (J.A.M.)
| | - José Antonio Monreal
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, University of Barcelona, 08221 Terrassa, Spain; (A.G.); (J.A.M.)
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08211 Terrassa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 08221 Terrassa, Spain
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13
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Brand BA, de Boer JN, Oude Ophuis SB, Slot MI, De Wilde B, Catthoor KC, Goverde AJ, Bakker PR, Marcelis MC, Grootens KP, Luykx JJ, Heringa SM, Weickert CS, Sommer IE, Weickert TW. Raloxifene augmentation in men and women with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder: A study protocol. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2020; 20:100681. [PMID: 33364517 PMCID: PMC7750317 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although acute psychotic symptoms are often reduced by antipsychotic treatment, many patients with schizophrenia are impaired in daily functioning due to the persistence of negative and cognitive symptoms. Raloxifene, a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) has been shown to be an effective adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia. Yet, there is a paucity in evidence for raloxifene efficacy in men and premenopausal women. We report the design of a study that aims to replicate earlier findings concerning the efficacy of raloxifene augmentation in reducing persisting symptoms and cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women, and to extend these findings to a male and peri/premenopausal population of patients with schizophrenia. The study is a multisite, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised clinical trial in approximately 110 adult men and women with schizophrenia. Participants are randomised 1:1 to adjunctive raloxifene 120 mg or placebo daily during 12 weeks. The treatment phase includes measurements at three time points (week 0, 6 and 12), followed by a follow-up period of two years. The primary outcome measure is change in symptom severity, as measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and cognition, as measured with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Secondary outcome measures include social functioning and quality of life. Genetic, hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers are measured to assess potential associations with treatment effects. If it becomes apparent that raloxifene reduces psychotic symptoms and/or improves cognition, social functioning and/or quality of life as compared to placebo, implementation of raloxifene in clinical psychiatric practice can be considered.
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Key Words
- AE, Adverse event
- AF, alkaline phosphatase
- ALAT, alanine aminotransferase
- ANOVA, analysis of variance
- ANSS, positive and negative syndrome scale
- APTT, activated partial thrombin time
- ASAT, aspartate aminotransferase
- Antipsychotic medication
- BACS, Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia
- BDI, Beck's Depression Inventory
- BNSS, Brief Negative Symptom scale
- CRP, C-reactive protein
- DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone
- DNA, Deoxyribonucleic acid
- DSMB, Data Safety Monitoring Board
- EQ-5D-5L, Euro Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Levels
- Estrogen
- FSH, follicle stimulating hormone
- GGZ Centraal, Psychiatric Center Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Centraal
- GGzE, Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Eindhoven
- HDL, high-density lipoprotein
- ICH-GCP, the International Conference on Harmonization – Good Clinical Practice
- IMCJE, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors
- LDL, low-density lipoprotein
- LHT, lithium heparin tube
- MINI, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus
- PSP, Personal and Social Performance
- QALYs, Quality Adjusted Life Years
- Raloxifene
- Randomised controlled trial
- RvA, Reinier van Arkel Institute for Mental Health Care
- SAE, Serious Adverse Event
- SCT, sodium citrate tube
- SERM, selective estrogen receptor modulator
- SHBG, sex hormone-binding globulin
- SMD, standard mean difference
- SST, serum separator tube
- SUSAR, Suspected Unexpected Serious Adverse Reaction
- Schizophrenia
- TALD, Thought And Language Disorder scale
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- UMCG, University Medical Center Groningen
- UMCU, University Medical Center Utrecht
- WOCBP, Women of child bearing potential
- ZNA, Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen
- eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate
- iMTA-MCQ, institute for Medical Technology Assessment's Medical Consumption Questionnaire
- iMTA-PCQ, institute for Medical Technology Assessment's Productivity Cost Questionnaire
- psychotic disorder NOS, psychotic disorder not otherwise specified
- β-HCG, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodyl A. Brand
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janna N. de Boer
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastianus B.J. Oude Ophuis
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Margot I.E. Slot
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kirsten C.E.E.R. Catthoor
- Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen (ZNA), Antwerp, Belgium
- The Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angelique J. Goverde
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - P. Roberto Bakker
- Arkin, Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Machteld C. Marcelis
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Institute for Mental Health Care Eindhoven (GGzE), Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Koen P. Grootens
- Reinier van Arkel Institute for Mental Health Care (RvA), ‘s Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Jurjen J. Luykx
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen (ZNA), Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Outpatient Second Opinion Clinic, GGNet Mental Health, Warnsveld, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie M. Heringa
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Isala, Department of Medical Psychology, Zwolle, the Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Iris E.C. Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas W. Weickert
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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14
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Jeppesen R, Christensen RHB, Pedersen EMJ, Nordentoft M, Hjorthøj C, Köhler-Forsberg O, Benros ME. Efficacy and safety of anti-inflammatory agents in treatment of psychotic disorders - A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 90:364-380. [PMID: 32890697 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antipsychotic effects of immunomodulating drugs have been suggested; however, a thorough, comprehensive meta-analysis on the effect and safety of anti-inflammatory add-on treatment on psychotic disorders is lacking. METHOD Multiple databases were searched up until February 2020. Only double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were included. Primary outcomes were change in total psychopathology and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included, amongst others, positive and negative symptoms, general psychopathology and cognitive domains. We performed random-effects meta-analyses estimating mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) for effect sizes. RESULTS Seventy RCTs (N = 4104) were included, investigating either primarily anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e. drugs developed for immunomodulation, such as NSAIDs, minocycline and monoclonal antibodies (k = 15), or drugs with potential anti-inflammatory properties (k = 55), e.g. neurosteroids, N-acetyl cysteine, estrogens, fatty acids, statins, and glitazones. Antipsychotics plus anti-inflammatory treatment, compared to antipsychotics plus placebo, was associated with a PANSS scale MD improvement of -4.57 (95%CI = -5.93 to -3.20) points, corresponding to a SMD effect size of -0.29 (95%CI = -0.40 to -0.19). Trials on schizophrenia (MD = -6.80; 95%CI, -9.08 to -4.52) showed greater improvement (p < 0.01) than trials also including other psychotic disorders. However, primarily anti-inflammatory drugs (MD = 4.00; 95%CI = -7.19 to -0.80) were not superior (p = 0.69) to potential anti-inflammatory drugs (MD = 4.71; 95%CI = -6.26 to -3.17). Furthermore, meta-regression found that smaller studies showed significantly larger effect sizes than the larger studies (p = 0.0085), and only 2 studies had low risk of bias on all domains. Small but significant effects were found on negative symptoms (MD = -1.29), positive symptoms (MD = -0.53), general psychopathology (MD = -1.50) and working memory (SMD = 0.21). No differences were found regarding adverse events, but only 26 studies reported hereon. CONCLUSIONS Anti-inflammatory add-on treatment to antipsychotics showed improvement of psychotic disorders; however, no superiority was found in primarily anti-inflammatory drugs, raising the question of the mechanism behind the effect, and treatment effect might be overestimated due to the large number of small studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Jeppesen
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rune H B Christensen
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emilie M J Pedersen
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; iPSYCH The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Denmark
| | - Carsten Hjorthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; iPSYCH The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, Denmark
| | - Ole Köhler-Forsberg
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael E Benros
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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15
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Huerta-Ramos E, Labad J, Cobo J, Núñez C, Creus M, García-Parés G, Cuadras D, Franco J, Miquel E, Reyes JC, Marcó-García S, Usall J. Effects of raloxifene on cognition in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia: a 24-week double-blind, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 270:729-737. [PMID: 31728631 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-019-01079-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the utility of raloxifene (60 mg/day) as an adjuvant treatment for cognitive symptoms in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia in a 24-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients were recruited from the inpatient and outpatient services of Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, and Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí. Seventy eight postmenopausal women with schizophrenia were randomized to either adjunctive raloxifene or placebo. Sixty-eight began the clinical trial (37 women on raloxifene adjunct) and 31 on placebo adjunct. The outcome measures were: memory, attention and executive function. Assessment was conducted at baseline and at week 24. Between groups homogeneity was tested with the Student's t test for continuous variables and/or the Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal variables and the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. The differences between the two groups in neuropsychological test scores were compared using the Student's t test. The sample was homogenous with respect to age, formal education, illness duration and previous pharmacological treatment. The addition of raloxifene to antipsychotic treatment as usual showed no differences in cognitive function. The daily use of 60 mg raloxifene as an adjuvant treatment in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia has no appreciable effect.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01573637.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Huerta-Ramos
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain. .,Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain. .,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain. .,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Javier Labad
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesus Cobo
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Núñez
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain.,Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Daniel Cuadras
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain.,Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Eva Miquel
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Silvia Marcó-García
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain.,Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Judith Usall
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, C/Antoni Pujadas, 42. Sant Boi de Llobregat, 08830, Barcelona, Spain.,Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Barnes TR, Drake R, Paton C, Cooper SJ, Deakin B, Ferrier IN, Gregory CJ, Haddad PM, Howes OD, Jones I, Joyce EM, Lewis S, Lingford-Hughes A, MacCabe JH, Owens DC, Patel MX, Sinclair JM, Stone JM, Talbot PS, Upthegrove R, Wieck A, Yung AR. Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia: Updated recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:3-78. [PMID: 31829775 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119889296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
These updated guidelines from the British Association for Psychopharmacology replace the original version published in 2011. They address the scope and targets of pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia. A consensus meeting was held in 2017, involving experts in schizophrenia and its treatment. They were asked to review key areas and consider the strength of the evidence on the risk-benefit balance of pharmacological interventions and the clinical implications, with an emphasis on meta-analyses, systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials where available, plus updates on current clinical practice. The guidelines cover the pharmacological management and treatment of schizophrenia across the various stages of the illness, including first-episode, relapse prevention, and illness that has proved refractory to standard treatment. It is hoped that the practice recommendations presented will support clinical decision making for practitioners, serve as a source of information for patients and carers, and inform quality improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Re Barnes
- Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, and Joint-head of the Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health, Centre for Quality Improvement, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Richard Drake
- Clinical Lead for Mental Health in Working Age Adults, Health Innovation Manchester, University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Carol Paton
- Joint-head of the Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health, Centre for Quality Improvement, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Stephen J Cooper
- Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Bill Deakin
- Professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Psychiatry Unit, University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - I Nicol Ferrier
- Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Catherine J Gregory
- Honorary Clinical Research Fellow, University of Manchester and Higher Trainee in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter M Haddad
- Honorary Professor of Psychiatry, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, UK and Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Oliver D Howes
- Professor of Molecular Psychiatry, Imperial College London and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ian Jones
- Professor of Psychiatry and Director, National Centre of Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Eileen M Joyce
- Professor of Neuropsychiatry, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Shôn Lewis
- Professor of Adult Psychiatry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, UK, and Mental Health Academic Lead, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Anne Lingford-Hughes
- Professor of Addiction Biology and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Imperial College London and Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James H MacCabe
- Professor of Epidemiology and Therapeutics, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | - David Cunningham Owens
- Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh. Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maxine X Patel
- Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and Consultant Psychiatrist, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Julia Ma Sinclair
- Professor of Addiction Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - James M Stone
- Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter S Talbot
- Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachel Upthegrove
- Professor of Psychiatry and Youth Mental Health, University of Birmingham and Consultant Psychiatrist, Birmingham Early Intervention Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Angelika Wieck
- Honorary Consultant in Perinatal Psychiatry, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Alison R Yung
- Professor of Psychiatry, University of Manchester, School of Health Sciences, Manchester, UK and Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia, and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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17
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Gogos A, Ney LJ, Seymour N, Van Rheenen TE, Felmingham KL. Sex differences in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder: Are gonadal hormones the link? Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:4119-4135. [PMID: 30658014 PMCID: PMC6877792 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we describe the sex differences in prevalence, onset, symptom profiles, and disease outcome that are evident in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Women with schizophrenia tend to exhibit less disease impairment than men. By contrast, women with post-traumatic stress disorder are more affected than men. The most likely candidates to explain these sex differences are gonadal hormones. This review details the clinical evidence that oestradiol and progesterone are dysregulated in these psychiatric disorders. Notably, existing data on oestradiol, and to a lesser extent, progesterone, suggest that low levels of these hormones may increase the risk of disease development and worsen symptom severity. We argue that future studies require a more inclusive, considered analysis of gonadal steroid hormones and the intricacies of the interactions between them, with methodological rigour applied, to enhance our understanding of the roles of steroid hormones in psychiatric disorders. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on The Importance of Sex Differences in Pharmacology Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.21/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gogos
- Hormones in Psychiatry LaboratoryFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Luke J. Ney
- School of Medicine (Psychology)University of TasmaniaSandy BayTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Natasha Seymour
- Hormones in Psychiatry LaboratoryFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Tamsyn E. Van Rheenen
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of PsychiatryUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Arts and DesignSwinburne UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Kim L. Felmingham
- School of Psychological SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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Çakici N, van Beveren NJM, Judge-Hundal G, Koola MM, Sommer IEC. An update on the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents for patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2019; 49:2307-2319. [PMID: 31439071 PMCID: PMC6763537 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719001995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence shows that a propensity towards a pro-inflammatory status in the brain plays an important role in schizophrenia. Anti-inflammatory drugs might compensate this propensity. This study provides an update regarding the efficacy of agents with some anti-inflammatory actions for schizophrenia symptoms tested in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS PubMed, Embase, the National Institutes of Health website (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched for RCTs that investigated clinical outcomes. RESULTS Our search yielded 56 studies that provided information on the efficacy of the following components on symptom severity: aspirin, bexarotene, celecoxib, davunetide, dextromethorphan, estrogens, fatty acids, melatonin, minocycline, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), pioglitazone, piracetam, pregnenolone, statins, varenicline, and withania somnifera extract. The results of aspirin [mean weighted effect size (ES): 0.30; n = 270; 95% CI (CI) 0.06-0.54], estrogens (ES: 0.78; n = 723; CI 0.36-1.19), minocycline (ES: 0.40; n = 946; CI 0.11-0.68), and NAC (ES: 1.00; n = 442; CI 0.60-1.41) were significant in meta-analysis of at least two studies. Subgroup analysis yielded larger positive effects for first-episode psychosis (FEP) or early-phase schizophrenia studies. Bexarotene, celecoxib, davunetide, dextromethorphan, fatty acids, pregnenolone, statins, and varenicline showed no significant effect. CONCLUSIONS Some, but not all agents with anti-inflammatory properties showed efficacy. Effective agents were aspirin, estrogens, minocycline, and NAC. We observed greater beneficial results on symptom severity in FEP or early-phase schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Çakici
- Department of Psychiatry and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Antes Center for Mental Health Care, Albrandswaardsedijk 74, 3172 AA, Poortugaal, the Netherlands
| | - N. J. M. van Beveren
- Antes Center for Mental Health Care, Albrandswaardsedijk 74, 3172 AA, Poortugaal, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - G. Judge-Hundal
- Antes Center for Mental Health Care, Albrandswaardsedijk 74, 3172 AA, Poortugaal, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Deusinglaan 2, 9713AW Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M. M. Koola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300I St NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - I. E. C. Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Deusinglaan 2, 9713AW Groningen, the Netherlands
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Cho M, Lee TY, Kwak YB, Yoon YB, Kim M, Kwon JS. Adjunctive use of anti-inflammatory drugs for schizophrenia: A meta-analytic investigation of randomized controlled trials. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2019; 53:742-759. [PMID: 30864461 DOI: 10.1177/0004867419835028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent evidence suggests that adjuvant anti-inflammatory agents could improve the symptoms of patients with schizophrenia. However, the effects of the adjuvant anti-inflammatory agents on cognitive function, general functioning and side effects have not yet been systematically investigated. The present meta-analysis aimed to explore the effects of anti-inflammatory agents in patients with schizophrenia comprehensively. METHOD We performed a literature search in online databases, including PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind studies that investigated clinical outcomes including psychopathology, neurocognition, general functioning and extrapyramidal side effects were included. The examined anti-inflammatory agents included aspirin, celecoxib, omega-3 fatty acids, estrogen, selective estrogen receptor modulator, pregnenolone, N-acetylcysteine, minocycline, davunetide and erythropoietin. RESULTS Sixty-two double-blind randomized clinical trials studying 2914 patients with schizophrenia met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. Significant overall effects were found for anti-inflammatory agents for reducing total, positive and negative symptom scores in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Cognitive improvements were significant with minocycline and pregnenolone augmentation therapy. General functioning was significantly enhanced by overall anti-inflammatory agents. There were no significant differences in side effects compared with placebo. Baseline total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score and illness duration were identified as moderating factors in the effects of anti-inflammatory augmentation on psychiatric symptom improvements. CONCLUSION The comparative evaluation of efficacy and safety supported the use of anti-inflammatory adjuvant therapy over the use of antipsychotics alone. However, future studies could focus on patients with homogeneous clinical profile to figure out more detailed effects of anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeongju Cho
- 1 College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Young Lee
- 2 Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Bin Kwak
- 3 Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngwoo Brian Yoon
- 3 Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minah Kim
- 2 Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Soo Kwon
- 2 Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,3 Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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González-Rodríguez A, Seeman MV. The association between hormones and antipsychotic use: a focus on postpartum and menopausal women. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2019; 9:2045125319859973. [PMID: 31321026 PMCID: PMC6610461 DOI: 10.1177/2045125319859973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During the postpartum and menopausal periods of women's lives, there is a well-established and significant drop of circulating estrogens. This may be the reason why both these periods are associated with an increased risk for onset or exacerbation of psychiatric disorders. Whether symptoms are mainly affective or mainly psychotic, these disorders are frequently treated with antipsychotic medications, which calls for an examination of the relationship between hormone replacement and antipsychotic agents at these time periods. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize what is known about the association of hormones and antipsychotics in the postnatal period and at menopause. In the review, we focus on estrogen and oxytocin hormones and include, for the most part, only papers published within the last 10 years. Both estradiol and oxytocin have at various times been implicated in the etiology of postpartum disorders, and estrogens, sometimes combined with progesterone, have been tested as potential treatments for these conditions. The role of estradiol as an adjunct to antipsychotics in the prevention of postpartum relapses is currently controversial. With respect to oxytocin, studies are lacking. Psychosis in menopausal and postmenopausal women has been successfully treated with estrogens and selective estrogen-receptor modulators, mainly raloxifene, in addition to antipsychotics. Some symptoms appear to respond better than others. No oxytocin study has specifically targeted postmenopausal women. Because of feedback mechanisms, there is a theoretical danger of therapy with exogenous hormones interfering with endogenous secretion and disturbing the balance among inter-related hormones. When used with antipsychotics, hormones may also affect the metabolism and, hence, the brain level of specific antipsychotics. This makes treatment with antipsychotics plus hormones complicated. Dose, timing and route of intervention may all prove critical to efficacy. While much remains unknown, this literature review indicates that, within standard dose ranges, the combination of hormones and antipsychotics for postnatal and menopausal women suffering severe mental distress can be beneficial, and is safe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary V. Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto,
260 Heath Street West, Suite 605, Toronto, Ontario M5P 3L6, Canada
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21
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Owens SJ, Weickert TW, Purves-Tyson TD, Ji E, White C, Galletly C, Liu D, O'Donnell M, Shannon Weickert C. Sex-Specific Associations of Androgen Receptor CAG Trinucleotide Repeat Length and of Raloxifene Treatment with Testosterone Levels and Perceived Stress in Schizophrenia. Mol Neuropsychiatry 2019; 5:28-41. [PMID: 31019916 DOI: 10.1159/000495062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lower testosterone levels are associated with greater negative symptoms in men with schizophrenia. Testosterone signals via androgen receptor (AR). A functional variant in the AR gene (CAG trinucleotide repeat polymorphism) is associated with circulating testosterone and mood-related symptoms in healthy people. Raloxifene increases testosterone in healthy males and reduces symptom severity and improves cognition in schizophrenia; however, whether raloxifene increases testosterone in men with schizophrenia is unknown. We assessed the interaction of a functional AR gene variant and adjunctive raloxifene on peripheral testosterone and symptom severity in schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia (59 males and 38 females) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of adjunctive raloxifene (120 mg/day). Healthy adults (46 males and 41 females) were used for baseline comparison. Baseline circulating testosterone was decreased in male patients compared to male controls and positively correlated with CAG repeat length in male controls and female patients. Male patients with short, compared to long, CAG repeat length had higher stress scores. Raloxifene treatment increased testosterone in male patients, but was unrelated to AR CAG repeat length, suggesting that raloxifene's effects may not depend on AR activity. Sex-specific alterations of the relationship between AR CAG repeat length and testosterone suggest that altered AR activity may impact perceived stress in men with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Owens
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas W Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tertia D Purves-Tyson
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ellen Ji
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher White
- Department of Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cherrie Galletly
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dennis Liu
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Maryanne O'Donnell
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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Kulkarni J, Butler S, Riecher-Rössler A. Estrogens and SERMS as adjunctive treatments for schizophrenia. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 53:100743. [PMID: 30922675 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
More than thirty years have passed since sex and gender differences were noted in the age of onset, course and outcomes for schizophrenia. The 'estrogen hypothesis" was coined in the 1990's to describe neuroprotective effects of estrogen. Intervention studies in schizophrenia patients with estradiol and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are promising but psychiatrists and other health practitioners do not generally take up this useful adjunctive treatment for their female patients with schizophrenia. The reasons for this are manifold, but overall a cultural shift in the practice of psychiatry is needed to recognise the specific needs of women with schizophrenia and tailor treatments, such as hormone adjuncts to improve the outcomes for this significant population. The two main aims of this article are to review the evidence and theory of estrogen treatments in schizophrenia and to recommend translation of adjunctive estrogen treatment into clinical practice for women with schizophrenia.
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23
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Gurvich C, Hudaib A, Gavrilidis E, Worsley R, Thomas N, Kulkarni J. Raloxifene as a treatment for cognition in women with schizophrenia: the influence of menopause status. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 100:113-119. [PMID: 30299258 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairments cause significant functional issues for people with schizophrenia, often emerging before the onset of hallucinations, delusions and other psychosis symptoms. Current pharmacological treatments do not target cognitive dysfunction. Several lines of evidence support the beneficial effects of estrogens on cognition. Raloxifene hydrochloride, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has been associated with cognitive improvements in healthy postmenopausal women and in schizophrenia, although findings are inconsistent. Using pooled data from two clinical trials, the aim of the current study was to compare the efficacy of 120 mg/day adjunctive raloxifene to placebo for 12 weeks on cognitive performance in women with schizophrenia who were stratified by menopause status (pre-menopausal; peri-menopausal or post-menopausal). A total of sixty-nine participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were included. Cognition was assessed at baseline and study end using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Results indicated that after stratifying for menopause status (strata) and adjusting for endogenous hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone), semantic fluency, picture naming and list recognition change from baseline scores for the raloxifene group differed significantly from the placebo group. The findings from the current study highlight the importance of considering menopause status when interpreting the effects of hormonal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - A Hudaib
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
| | - E Gavrilidis
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R Worsley
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
| | - N Thomas
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Kulkarni
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
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Lee EE, Ancoli-Israel S, Eyler LT, Tu XM, Palmer BW, Irwin MR, Jeste DV. Sleep Disturbances and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Schizophrenia: Focus on Sex Differences. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 27:21-31. [PMID: 30442531 PMCID: PMC6489497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Persons with schizophrenia, and women in particular, are at high risk for sleep disturbances and inflammatory activation. The sleep-inflammation link has been reported to be stronger in women within the general population. This study sought to examine the sleep-inflammation link in persons with schizophrenia and its relationship with demographic, clinical and cognitive variables. DESIGN Cross-sectional case-control study. PARTICIPANTS Community-dwelling outpatients with schizophrenia (N=144, 46% women) and non-psychiatric comparison (NC) participants (N=134, 52% women), age 26-65 years. MEASUREMENTS Reported sleep disturbances (sleep quality and duration), and mental and physical health were assessed. Cognitive assessments included executive functioning (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System) and global cognitive functioning (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status - modified.) Inflammatory biomarkers included pro-inflammatory cytokines [high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin (IL)-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α)] and an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). RESULTS The schizophrenia group had longer sleep duration, worse sleep quality, and increased levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to NCs. Women with schizophrenia were less likely to have good sleep quality and had elevated levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 compared to men with schizophrenia. In the schizophrenia group, worse sleep quality and global cognitive functioning were associated with higher hs-CRP and IL-6 levels. Female sex and younger age were also associated with higher hs-CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS Sleep disturbances and increased inflammation, which were common in schizophrenia, were associated in persons with schizophrenia. Moreover, women with schizophrenia had worse sleep quality and inflammation than men. Further examination of the sleep-inflammation links, their contribution to clinical outcomes, and sex-specific factors is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen E. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Sonia Ancoli-Israel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Lisa T. Eyler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Xin M. Tu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Barton W. Palmer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Michael R. Irwin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Dilip V. Jeste
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States.,Corresponding author: Dilip V. Jeste, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Healthy Aging and Senior Care, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Estelle and Edgar Levi Chair in Aging, Director, Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0664, La Jolla, CA 92023-0664, Fax: (858) 534-5475, Telephone: (858) 534-4020,
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Abstract
Recovery rates in schizophrenia remain suboptimal with up to one-third resistant to standard treatments, a population prevalence of 0.2%. Clozapine is the only evidenced-based treatment for treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS), yet there are significant delays in its use or it may not be trialled, potentially impacting the chance of recovery. Better outcomes with earlier use of clozapine may be possible. There is emerging evidence that early treatment resistance is not uncommon from the earliest stages of psychosis. In this review, we provide an update on TRS, its epidemiology and its management, with a specific focus on the optimal use and timing of clozapine and augmentation strategies for the one-third of patients who do not respond to clozapine.
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Abstract
Many brain diseases, including schizophrenia, affect men and women unequally - either more or less frequently, or at different times in the life cycle, or to varied degrees of severity. With updates from recent findings, this paper reviews the work of my research group over the last 40 years and underscores issues that remain critical to the optimal care of women with schizophrenia, issues that overlap with, but are not identical to, the cares and concerns of men with the same diagnosis. Clinicians need to be alert not only to the overarching needs of diagnostic groups, but also to the often unique needs of women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Institute of Medical Science, Toronto, ON M5P 3L6, Canada
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schizophrenia is a debilitating condition with three main symptom domains: positive, negative, and cognitive. Approximately one-third of persons with schizophrenia will fail to respond to treatment. Growing evidence suggests that treatment-resistant (refractory) schizophrenia (TRS) may be a distinct condition from treatment-respondent schizophrenia. There is limited evidence on effective treatments for TRS, and a lack of standardized diagnostic criteria for TRS has hampered research. Areas covered: A literature search was conducted using Pubmed.gov and the EMBASE literature database. The authors discuss the pragmatic definitions of TRS and review treatments consisting of antipsychotic monotherapy and augmentation strategies. Expert opinion: Currently available first-line antipsychotic medications are generally effective at treating the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, leaving residual negative and cognitive symptoms. Before diagnosing TRS, rule out any pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic failures. Most evidence supports clozapine as having the most efficacy for TRS. If clozapine is used, it should be optimized, and serum levels should be at least 350-420 ng/ml. If clozapine is unable to be tolerated, some evidence suggests olanzapine at dosages up to 40mg/day can be useful. Augmentation strategies have weak evidence. Tailoring treatment to the specific domain is the preferred approach, and the use of a structured assessment/outcome measure is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Faden
- a Psychiatry , Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Leslie Citrome
- b Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences , New York Medical College , Valhalla , NY , USA
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Paipa N, Stephan-Otto C, Cuevas-Esteban J, Núñez-Navarro A, Usall J, Brébion G. Second-to-fourth digit length ratio is associated with negative and affective symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Schizophr Res 2018; 199:297-303. [PMID: 29503231 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher levels of circulating oestrogens in women and testosterone in men have been shown to have a protective effect against the clinical manifestations of schizophrenia, mostly with respect to negative symptomatology. Certain studies suggest that they also have a protective effect against the neuropsychological impairment observed in the disease. We investigated whether greater prenatal exposure to estrogens in women and to testosterone in men, reflected by the 2D:4D ratio, was similarly associated with decreased negative symptomatology and improved neuropsychological functioning in patients. METHOD 51 schizophrenia patients and 50 healthy participants were administered a neuropsychological battery. The 2D:4D ratio was measured in all participants. Positive, negative, and affective symptoms were assessed in patients. Regression analyses were conducted separately in male and female subgroups. RESULTS No associations with positive symptoms were revealed. In male patients, the 2D:4D ratio was positively associated with avolition and inversely associated with anxiety. In female patients, it was inversely associated with alogia, and tended to be positively associated with depression. No association between higher prenatal concentration of the relevant sex hormone and improved neuropsychological performance emerged in patients. CONCLUSIONS Higher concentrations of prenatal testosterone in male patients, and prenatal oestrogens in female patients, are associated with a decrement in certain aspects of negative symptomatology. In addition, prenatal sex hormone concentration seems to be associated with predisposition to anxiety in male patients, and to depression in female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Paipa
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Christian Stephan-Otto
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Cuevas-Esteban
- Servei de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Araceli Núñez-Navarro
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Judith Usall
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gildas Brébion
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.
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Soria V, González-Rodríguez A, Huerta-Ramos E, Usall J, Cobo J, Bioque M, Barbero JD, García-Rizo C, Tost M, Monreal JA, Labad J. Targeting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones and sex steroids for improving cognition in major mood disorders and schizophrenia: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 93:8-19. [PMID: 29680774 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are a core feature of serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and are a common cause of functional disability. There is limited efficacy of pharmacological interventions for improving the cognitive deficits in these disorders. As pro-cognitive pharmacological treatments are lacking, hormones or drugs that target the endocrine system may become potential candidates for 'repurposing' trials aiming to improve cognition. We aimed to study whether treatment with drugs targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sex steroids can improve cognition in patients with schizophrenia, MDD or BD. A systematic search was performed using PubMed (Medline), PsychInfo and clinicaltrials.gov, and a narrative synthesis was included. The systematic review identified 12 studies dealing with HPA-related drugs (mifepristone [n = 3], cortisol synthesis inhibitors [ketoconazole, n = 2], dehydroepiandrosterone [n = 5], fludrocortisone [n = 2]) and 14 studies dealing with sex steroids (oestradiol [n = 2], selective oestrogen receptor modulators [raloxifene, n = 7], pregnenolone [n = 5]). Positive trials were found for BD (mifepristone), MDD (dehydroepiandrosterone and fludrocortisone) and schizophrenia (dehydroepiandrosterone, raloxifene and pregnenolone). A replication of positive findings by at least two clinical trials was found for mifepristone in BD and raloxifene and pregnenolone in schizophrenia. The use of drugs targeting hormones related to the HPA axis and sex steroids is a promising field of research that might help to improve the cognitive outcome of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Soria
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Universitat de Barcelona, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain
| | - Alexandre González-Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Elena Huerta-Ramos
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Usall
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Cobo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Miquel Bioque
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan David Barbero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Clemente García-Rizo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Tost
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - José Antonio Monreal
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain
| | | | - Javier Labad
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I3PT, Sabadell, Barcerlona, Spain.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Drugs have been extensively prescribed for the treatment of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia and related disorders, as well as for the management of psychotic features in delirium, dementia and affective disorders. The aim of this narrative review is to focus on the recent literature on drug treatment in women with psychosis at the transition to menopause and subsequently. RECENT FINDINGS The recent literature emphasizes the following points: the efficacy of antipsychotic medication in psychosis is largely confined to the alleviation of delusions and hallucinations; menopause and ageing alter the kinetics and dynamics of drug action; drugs other than antipsychotics are currently being tested to address the cognitive, affective and negative symptoms of psychotic illnesses; menopausal symptoms add to comorbidities and require simultaneous treatment, raising the probability of deleterious drug interactions; antipsychotic drugs have many side effects and contribute to high mortality rates in the older psychosis population. SUMMARY A major implication for research is that antipsychotic drugs with a wider range of action and with fewer side effects are urgently needed. The clinical implications of the pharmacotherapy of psychotic illness are: older women's needs must be assessed through a comprehensive history and review of systems and physical and mental examination. To avoid adverse effects, drug dosages are best kept low and polypharmacy avoided wherever possible. It is important to frequently reassess older patients, as their pharmacotherapy requirements change with age and with comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reduced estrogen levels at menopause mean a loss of the neuroprotection that is conferred, from puberty until menopause, on women with schizophrenia. The postmenopausal stage of schizophrenia requires therapeutic attention because women with this diagnosis almost invariably experience increased symptoms and increased side effects at this time. So far, few targeted therapies have been successfully developed. AREAS COVERED This non-systematic, narrative review is based on the relevant published literature indexed in PubMed. A digital search was combined with a manual check of references from studies in the field of gender differences, menopause and schizophrenia. Aside from the inclusion of a few early classic papers, the review focuses on 21st century basic, psychopharmacologic, and clinical literature on the treatment of women with schizophrenia after menopause. EXPERT OPINION Beyond a relatively low dose threshold, all antipsychotic medications have adverse effects, which become more prominent for women at the time of menopause. Estrogen modulators may not help all symptoms of schizophrenia but are, nevertheless, relatively safe and, when used as adjuncts, help to keep antipsychotic doses low, thus reducing the side effect burden. The field is currently moving towards precision medicine and individual genetic profiles will help to determine the efficacy of available treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary V Seeman
- b Department of Psychiatry , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
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Wang Q, Dong X, Wang Y, Li X. Raloxifene as an adjunctive treatment for postmenopausal women with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Womens Ment Health 2018; 21:31-41. [PMID: 28849318 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-017-0773-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to meta-analytically assess the efficacy and safety of adjunctive raloxifene for postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. Six studies with 440 patients, including 225 (51.14%) patients on raloxifene and 215 (48.86%) on placebo who completed 13.71 ± 5.09 weeks of treatment, were included in this study. Meta-analysis of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores and positive, negative, and general symptom scores [standard mean difference (SMD) -0.22 to -0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.01 to -0.02, p = 0.04-0.01; I 2 = 74-79%] revealed an advantage of adjunctive raloxifene treatment over placebo treatment. There was no significant difference regarding discontinuation rate [risk ratio (RR) = 1.38, p = 0.51] and adverse drug reactions (RR = 1.27, p = 0.57) between the two groups. This meta-analysis showed that adjunctive raloxifene appears to be efficacious and safe for postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. Moreover, raloxifene may be efficacious for patients with less severe symptoms. Future studies with a large sample size are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjingbei Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Xiaomei Dong
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjingbei Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjingbei Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Xiaobai Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjingbei Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
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Owens SJ, Murphy CE, Purves-Tyson TD, Weickert TW, Shannon Weickert C. Considering the role of adolescent sex steroids in schizophrenia. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 28941299 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a disabling illness that is typically first diagnosed during late adolescence to early adulthood. It has an unremitting course and is often treatment-resistant. Many clinical aspects of the illness suggest that sex steroid-nervous system interactions may contribute to the onset, course of symptoms and the cognitive impairment displayed by men and women with schizophrenia. Here, we discuss the actions of oestrogen and testosterone on the brain during adolescent development and in schizophrenia from the perspective of experimental studies in animals, human post-mortem studies, magnetic resonance imaging studies in living humans and clinical trials of sex steroid-based treatments. We present evidence of potential beneficial, as well as detrimental, effects of both testosterone and oestrogen. We provide a rationale for the necessity to further elucidate sex steroid mechanisms of action at different ages, sexes and brain regions to more fully understand the role of testosterone and oestrogen in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The weight of the evidence suggests that sex steroid hormones influence mammalian brain function, including both cognition and emotion, and that pharmaceutical agents aimed at sex steroid receptors appear to provide a novel treatment avenue to reduce symptoms and improve cognition in men and women with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Owens
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C E Murphy
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - T D Purves-Tyson
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - T W Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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de Boer J, Prikken M, Lei WU, Begemann M, Sommer I. The effect of raloxifene augmentation in men and women with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. NPJ Schizophr 2018; 4:1. [PMID: 29321530 PMCID: PMC5762671 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-017-0043-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recognizing the robust sex differences in schizophrenia prevalence, the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) raloxifene is a likely candidate for augmentation therapy in this disorder. Therefore, a systematic search was performed using PubMed (Medline), Embase, PsychInfo, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of raloxifene in schizophrenia spectrum disorders were included in the quantitative analyses. Outcome measures were psychotic symptom severity, depression, and cognition. Meta-analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. A random-effects model was used to compute overall weighted effect sizes in Hedges’ g. Nine studies were included, investigating 561 patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Raloxifene was superior to placebo in improving total symptom severity (N = 482; Hedge’s g = .57, p = 0.009), as well as positive (N = 561; Hedge’s g = 0.32, p = 0.02), negative (N = 561; Hedge’s g = 0.40, p = 0.02), and general (N = 526; Hedge’s g = 0.46, p = 0.01) subscales, as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. No significant effects were found for comorbid depression and cognitive functioning. Altogether, these results confirm the potential of raloxifene augmentation in the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna de Boer
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Merel Prikken
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wan U Lei
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Begemann
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University & Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Iris Sommer
- Department of Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Weickert
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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