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Jensen SB, Sheikh MA, Akkouh IA, Szabo A, O’Connell KS, Lekva T, Engh JA, Agartz I, Elvsåshagen T, Ormerod MBEG, Weibell MA, Johnsen E, Kroken RA, Melle I, Drange OK, Nærland T, Vaaler AE, Westlye LT, Aukrust P, Djurovic S, Eiel Steen N, Andreassen OA, Ueland T. Elevated Systemic Levels of Markers Reflecting Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Inflammasome Activation Are Correlated in Severe Mental Illness. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:635-645. [PMID: 36462169 PMCID: PMC10154716 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac191] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Gut microbiota alterations have been reported in severe mental illness (SMI) but fewer studies have probed for signs of gut barrier disruption and inflammation. We hypothesized that gut leakage of microbial products due to intestinal inflammation could contribute to systemic inflammasome activation in SMI. STUDY DESIGN We measured plasma levels of the chemokine CCL25 and soluble mucosal vascular addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (sMAdCAM-1) as markers of T cell homing, adhesion and inflammation in the gut, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as markers of bacterial translocation and gut barrier dysfunction, in a large SMI cohort (n = 567) including schizophrenia (SCZ, n = 389) and affective disorder (AFF, n = 178), relative to healthy controls (HC, n = 418). We assessed associations with plasma IL-18 and IL-18BPa and leukocyte mRNA expression of NLRP3 and NLRC4 as markers of inflammasome activation. STUDY RESULTS Our main findings were: (1) higher levels of sMAdCAM-1 (P = .002), I-FABP (P = 7.6E-11), CCL25 (P = 9.6E-05) and LBP (P = 2.6E-04) in SMI compared to HC in age, sex, BMI, CRP and freezer storage time adjusted analysis; (2) the highest levels of sMAdCAM-1 and CCL25 (both P = 2.6E-04) were observed in SCZ and I-FABP (P = 2.5E-10) and LBP (3) in AFF; and (3), I-FABP correlated with IL-18BPa levels and LBP correlated with NLRC4. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support that intestinal barrier inflammation and dysfunction in SMI could contribute to systemic inflammation through inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren B Jensen
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mashhood A Sheikh
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ibrahim A Akkouh
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Attila Szabo
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Neurodevelopmental disorders, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kevin S O’Connell
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tove Lekva
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - John A Engh
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Ingrid Agartz
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Neurodevelopmental disorders, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torbjørn Elvsåshagen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Monica B E G Ormerod
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Melissa A Weibell
- Division of Psychiatry, Network for Clinical Psychosis Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Network for Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Erik Johnsen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, University of Bergen and Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune A Kroken
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, University of Bergen and Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole K Drange
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Østmarka, Division of Mental Health, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry, Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Terje Nærland
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Neurodevelopmental disorders, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Rare Disorders, Division of Child and Adolescent medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arne E Vaaler
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Østmarka, Division of Mental Health, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Neurodevelopmental disorders, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Aukrust
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Srdjan Djurovic
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Neurodevelopmental disorders, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Eiel Steen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Neurodevelopmental disorders, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Ueland
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Thrombosis Research and Expertise Center, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
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Sheikh MA, O'Connell KS, Lekva T, Szabo A, Akkouh IA, Osete JR, Agartz I, Engh JA, Andreou D, Boye B, Bøen E, Elvsåshagen T, Hope S, Frogner Werner MC, Joa I, Johnsen E, Kroken RA, Lagerberg TV, Melle I, Drange OK, Morken G, Nærland T, Sørensen K, Vaaler AE, Weibell MA, Westlye LT, Aukrust P, Djurovic S, Steen NE, Andreassen OA, Ueland T. Systemic Cell Adhesion Molecules in Severe Mental Illness: Potential Role of Intercellular CAM-1 in Linking Peripheral and Neuroinflammation. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:187-196. [PMID: 36182530 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) orchestrate leukocyte trafficking and could link peripheral and neuroinflammation in patients with severe mental illness (SMI), by promoting inflammatory and immune-mediated responses and mediating signals across blood-brain barrier. We hypothesized that CAMs would be dysregulated in SMI and evaluated plasma levels of different vascular and neural CAMs. Dysregulated CAMs in plasma were further evaluated in vivo in leukocytes and brain tissue and in vitro in induced pluripotent stem cells. METHODS We compared plasma soluble levels of different vascular (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, P-SEL) and neural (JAM-A, NCAD) CAMs in circulating leukocytes in a large SMI sample of schizophrenia (SCZ) spectrum disorder (n = 895) and affective disorder (n = 737) and healthy control participants (n = 1070) controlling for age, sex, body mass index, C-reactive protein, and freezer storage time. We also evaluated messenger RNA expression of ICAM1 and related genes encoding ICAM-1 receptors in leukocytes using microarray (n = 842) and in available RNA sequencing data from the CommonMind Consortium (CMC) in postmortem samples from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (n = 474). The regulation of soluble ICAM-1 in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons and astrocytes was assessed in patients with SCZ and healthy control participants (n = 8 of each). RESULTS Our major findings were 1) increased soluble ICAM-1 in patients with SMI compared with healthy control participants; 2) increased ITGB2 messenger RNA, encoding the beta chain of the ICAM-1 receptor, in circulating leukocytes from patients with SMI and increased prefrontal cortex messenger RNA expression of ICAM1 in SCZ; and 3) enhanced soluble ICAM-1 release in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons from patients with SCZ. CONCLUSIONS Our results support a systemic and cerebral dysregulation of soluble ICAM-1 expression in SMI and especially in patients with SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashhood A Sheikh
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kevin S O'Connell
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tove Lekva
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Attila Szabo
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ibrahim A Akkouh
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jordi Requena Osete
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Agartz
- NORMENT, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John A Engh
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Vestfold Hospital Trust, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Dimitrios Andreou
- NORMENT, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Torbjørn Elvsåshagen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrun Hope
- Department of Neuro Habilitation, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maren Caroline Frogner Werner
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inge Joa
- Network for Clinical Psychosis Research, Division of Psychiatry, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; Network for Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Erik Johnsen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune A Kroken
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Bergen, Norway
| | - Trine Vik Lagerberg
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole Kristian Drange
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Østmarka, Division of Mental Health, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Gunnar Morken
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Kjetil Sørensen
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arne E Vaaler
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Østmarka, Division of Mental Health, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Melissa Authen Weibell
- Network for Clinical Psychosis Research, Division of Psychiatry, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; Network for Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Aukrust
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Srdjan Djurovic
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; K.G. Jebsen Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Eiel Steen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Ueland
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; K.G. Jebsen Thrombosis Research and Expertise Center, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway.
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Ringen PA, Lund-Stenvold E, Andreassen OA, Gaarden TL, Hartberg CB, Johnsen E, Myklatun S, Osnes K, Sørensen K, Sørensen K, Vaaler A, Tonstad S, Engh JA, Høye A. Quality of clinical management of cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with severe mental illness in a specialist mental health care setting. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 76:602-609. [PMID: 35200088 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2022.2039288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cardiometabolic disease in patients with severe mental illness is a major cause of shortened life expectancy. There is sparse evidence of real-world clinical risk prevention practice. We investigated levels of assessments of cardiometabolic risk factors and risk management interventions in patients with severe mental illness in the Norwegian mental health service according to an acknowledged international standard. METHODS We collected data from 264 patients residing in six country-wide health trusts for: (a) assessments of cardiometabolic risk and (b) assessments of levels of risk reducing interventions. Logistic regressions were employed to investigate associations between risk and interventions. RESULTS Complete assessments of all cardiometabolic risk variables were performed in 50% of the participants and 88% thereof had risk levels requiring intervention according to the standard. Smoking cessation advice was provided to 45% of daily smokers and 4% were referred to an intervention program. Obesity was identified in 62% and was associated with lifestyle interventions. Reassessment of psychotropic medication was done in 28% of the obese patients. Women with obesity were less likely to receive dietary advice, and use of clozapine or olanzapine reduced the chances for patients with obesity of getting weight reducing interventions. CONCLUSIONS Nearly nine out of the ten participants were identified as being at cardiometabolic high risk and only half of the participants were adequately screened. Women with obesity and patients using antipsychotics with higher levels of cardiometabolic side effects had fewer adequate interventions. The findings underscore the need for standardized recommendations for identification and provision of cardiometabolic risk reducing interventions in all patients with severe mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petter A Ringen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Lund-Stenvold
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torfinn L Gaarden
- Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilie B Hartberg
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Johnsen
- NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Silje Myklatun
- Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kåre Osnes
- Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsten Sørensen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjetil Sørensen
- Division of Mental Health, Østmarka, St Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arne Vaaler
- Department of acute psychiatry, St. Olavs University Hospital and Department of Mental Health, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Serena Tonstad
- Section for Preventive Cardiology Endocrinology, Morbid Obesity and Preventive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - John A Engh
- Division of Mental health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Anne Høye
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Engh JA, Egeland J, Andreassen OA, Bang-Kittilsen G, Bigseth TT, Holmen TL, Martinsen EW, Mordal J, Andersen E. Objectively Assessed Daily Steps-Not Light Intensity Physical Activity, Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Sedentary Time-Is Associated With Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients With Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:82. [PMID: 30863327 PMCID: PMC6399376 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
People with schizophrenia often have an unhealthy sedentary lifestyle with low level of physical activity and poor cardiorespiratory fitness-an important predictor of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the relations between cardiorespiratory fitness and both sedentary time and different aspects of physical activity, such as daily steps, light intensity physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Using accelerometer as an objective measure of sedentary time and physical activity we estimated their relations to cardiorespiratory fitness in 62 patients with schizophrenia with roughly equal gender distribution, mean age of 36 and 15 years illness duration. We found a significant association between daily steps and cardiorespiratory fitness when accounting for gender, age, sedentary time, light intensity physical activity, and respiratory exchange ratio (maximal effort). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was not significantly associated with cardiorespiratory fitness. In conclusion, the amount of steps throughout the day contributes to cardiorespiratory fitness in people with schizophrenia, independently of light intensity physical activity and sedentary time. We did not find a significant relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness. This may have implications for the choice of strategies when helping patients with schizophrenia improve their cardiorespiratory fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Engh
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Jens Egeland
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gry Bang-Kittilsen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Therese T Bigseth
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Tom L Holmen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Egil W Martinsen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Mordal
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Eivind Andersen
- Faculty of Humanities, Sports and Educational Science, University of South-Eastern Norway, Horten, Norway
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Engh JA, Bramness JG. Psychosis relapse, medication non-adherence, and cannabis. Lancet Psychiatry 2017; 4:578-579. [PMID: 28705599 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(17)30254-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John A Engh
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
| | - Jørgen G Bramness
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Hamar, Norway
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Engh JA, Andersen E, Holmen TL, Martinsen EW, Mordal J, Morken G, Egeland J. Effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise on psychotic symptoms and neurocognition in outpatients with schizophrenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2015; 16:557. [PMID: 26646670 PMCID: PMC4672547 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-015-1094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The focus in recent years on physical inactivity and metabolic disturbances in individuals with schizophrenia raises the question of potential effects of physical activity. Physical activity has shown beneficial effects on cognition in healthy older individuals as well as on symptom severity in depression. However, opinions diverge regarding whether aerobic high-intensity interval training reduces cognition and key symptoms in schizophrenia. The main objective for the trial is to investigate the potential effects of aerobic high-intensity interval training on neurocognitive function and mental symptoms in outpatients with schizophrenia. Methods/Design The trial is designed as a randomized controlled, observer-blinded clinical trial. Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms with 12-week duration: aerobic high-intensity interval training or computer gaming skills training. All participants also receive treatment as usual. Primary outcome measure is neurocognitive function. Secondary outcome measures will be positive and negative symptoms, wellbeing, tobacco-smoking patterns and physiological/metabolic parameters. Patient recruitment takes place in catchment area-based outpatient clinics. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02205684. Registered 29 July 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Engh
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
| | - Eivind Andersen
- Faculty of Humanities and Education, Department of Practical, Physical and Aesthetic Education, Buskerud and Vestfold University College, Borre, Norway.
| | - Tom L Holmen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
| | - Egil W Martinsen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jon Mordal
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
| | - Gunnar Morken
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. .,Department of Psychiatry, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Jens Egeland
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway. .,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Ringen PA, Engh JA, Birkenaes AB, Dieset I, Andreassen OA. Increased mortality in schizophrenia due to cardiovascular disease - a non-systematic review of epidemiology, possible causes, and interventions. Front Psychiatry 2014; 5:137. [PMID: 25309466 PMCID: PMC4175996 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is among the major causes of disability worldwide and the mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) is significantly elevated. There is a growing concern that this health challenge is not fully understood and efficiently addressed. METHODS Non-systematic review using searches in PubMed on relevant topics as well as selection of references based on the authors' experience from clinical work and research in the field. RESULTS In most countries, the standardized mortality rate in schizophrenia is about 2.5, leading to a reduction in life expectancy between 15 and 20 years. A major contributor of the increased mortality is due to CVD, with CVD mortality ranging from 40 to 50% in most studies. Important causal factors are related to lifestyle, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and substance abuse. Recent findings suggest that there are overlapping pathophysiology and genetics between schizophrenia and CVD-risk factors, further increasing the liability to CVD in schizophrenia. Many pharmacological agents used for treating psychotic disorders have side effects augmenting CVD risk. Although several CVD-risk factors can be effectively prevented and treated, the provision of somatic health services to people with schizophrenia seems inadequate. Further, there is a sparseness of studies investigating the effects of lifestyle interventions in schizophrenia, and there is little knowledge about effective programs targeting physical health in this population. DISCUSSION The risk for CVD and CVD-related deaths in people with schizophrenia is increased, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully known. Coordinated interventions in different health care settings could probably reduce the risk. There is an urgent need to develop and implement effective programs to increase life expectancy in schizophrenia, and we argue that mental health workers should be more involved in this important task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petter Andreas Ringen
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway ; Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - John A Engh
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust , Tønsberg , Norway
| | - Astrid B Birkenaes
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Ingrid Dieset
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway ; Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway ; Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
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Jónsdóttir H, Opjordsmoen S, Birkenaes AB, Simonsen C, Engh JA, Ringen PA, Vaskinn A, Friis S, Sundet K, Andreassen OA. Predictors of medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013; 127:23-33. [PMID: 22900964 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2012.01911.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate potential risk factors for medication non-adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. METHOD A total of 255 patients underwent clinical assessments, neurocognitive testing and blood sampling. The patients were divided into groups of 'No', 'Partial' or 'Full' adherence. Relationships to different risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS In schizophrenia, use of illicit substances, alcohol and poor insight were related to worse adherence. Schizophrenia patients with No adherence did better on tests of executive functioning, verbal learning and memory and had higher IQ than patients with better adherence. There were higher levels of autonomic side effects in the non-adherence group, but body mass index was lower in the Partial adherence group than in the Full adherence group. In the bipolar disorder patients, there was an association between the use of illicit substances and alcohol and poor adherence. We found no relationship between adherence behavior and neurocognition in the bipolar disorder group. CONCLUSION Substance use is an important risk factor for non-adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Poor insight is also a risk factor in schizophrenia. The results suggest that cognitive dysfunction is not a risk factor for non-adherence in these diagnostic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Jónsdóttir
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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9
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Jónsdóttir H, Opjordsmoen S, Birkenaes AB, Simonsen C, Engh JA, Ringen PA, Vaskinn A, Friis S, Sundet K, Andreassen OA. Predictors of medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2012. [PMID: 22900964 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2012.01911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate potential risk factors for medication non-adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. METHOD A total of 255 patients underwent clinical assessments, neurocognitive testing and blood sampling. The patients were divided into groups of 'No', 'Partial' or 'Full' adherence. Relationships to different risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS In schizophrenia, use of illicit substances, alcohol and poor insight were related to worse adherence. Schizophrenia patients with No adherence did better on tests of executive functioning, verbal learning and memory and had higher IQ than patients with better adherence. There were higher levels of autonomic side effects in the non-adherence group, but body mass index was lower in the Partial adherence group than in the Full adherence group. In the bipolar disorder patients, there was an association between the use of illicit substances and alcohol and poor adherence. We found no relationship between adherence behavior and neurocognition in the bipolar disorder group. CONCLUSION Substance use is an important risk factor for non-adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Poor insight is also a risk factor in schizophrenia. The results suggest that cognitive dysfunction is not a risk factor for non-adherence in these diagnostic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Jónsdóttir
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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10
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Engh JA, Sundet K, Simonsen C, Vaskinn A, Lagerberg TV, Opjordsmoen S, Friis S, Andreassen OA. Verbal learning contributes to cognitive insight in schizophrenia independently of affective and psychotic symptoms. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:1059-63. [PMID: 21392553 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with schizophrenia exhibit distorted beliefs and experiences, and their own evaluation of this is labeled cognitive insight. We examined the relationship between cognitive insight and neurocognition, as well as the contribution of neurocognition in explaining cognitive insight. METHOD Clinically characterized patients with schizophrenia (n=102) were assessed with a measure of cognitive insight, Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) and a neuropsychological test battery. The contribution of neurocognition to the explained variance in BCIS components self-reflectiveness (i.e. objectivity and reflectiveness) and self-certainty (i.e. overconfidence in own beliefs) was examined controlling for current affective and psychotic symptoms. RESULTS A significant negative correlation was found between self-certainty and verbal learning, whereas no associations were found between self-reflectiveness and any of the neuropsychological tests. Verbal learning was added significantly to the explained variance in self-certainty after controlling for potential confounders. CONCLUSION High self-certainty was associated with poor verbal learning. This suggests that overconfidence in own beliefs is associated with cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Engh
- Psychosis Research Unit, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo, Norway.
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11
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Simonsen C, Sundet K, Vaskinn A, Birkenaes AB, Engh JA, Færden A, Jónsdóttir H, Ringen PA, Opjordsmoen S, Melle I, Friis S, Andreassen OA. Neurocognitive dysfunction in bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders depends on history of psychosis rather than diagnostic group. Schizophr Bull 2011; 37:73-83. [PMID: 19443616 PMCID: PMC3004191 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbp034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [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: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurocognitive dysfunction is milder in bipolar disorders than in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, supporting a dimensional approach to severe mental disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of lifetime history of psychosis for neurocognitive functioning across these disorders. We asked whether neurocognitive dysfunction in bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders depends more on history of psychosis than diagnostic category or subtype. METHODS A sample of individuals with schizophrenia (n=102), schizoaffective disorder (n=27), and bipolar disorder (I or II) with history of psychosis (n=75) and without history of psychosis (n=61) and healthy controls (n=280), from a large ongoing study on severe mental disorder, were included. Neurocognitive function was measured with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS Compared with controls, all 3 groups with a history of psychosis performed poorer across neurocognitive measures, while the bipolar group without a history of psychosis was only impaired on a measure of processing speed. The groups with a history of psychosis did not differ from each other but performed poorer than the group without a history of psychosis on a number of neurocognitive measures. These neurocognitive group differences were of a magnitude expected to have clinical significance. In the bipolar sample, history of psychosis explained more of the neurocognitive variance than bipolar diagnostic subtype. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that neurocognitive dysfunction in bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders is determined more by history of psychosis than by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) diagnostic category or subtype, supporting a more dimensional approach in future diagnostic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Simonsen
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kjetil Sundet
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anja Vaskinn
- Clinic for Mental Health, Oslo University Hospital, Aker, 0320 Oslo, Norway
| | - Astrid B. Birkenaes
- Department of Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, 0407 Oslo, Norway,Clinic for Mental Health, Oslo University Hospital, Aker, 0320 Oslo, Norway
| | - John A. Engh
- Department of Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, 0407 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann Færden
- Department of Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, 0407 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Halldóra Jónsdóttir
- Department of Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, 0407 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Andreas Ringen
- Department of Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, 0407 Oslo, Norway,Clinic for Mental Health, Oslo University Hospital, Aker, 0320 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Opjordsmoen
- Department of Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, 0407 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- Department of Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, 0407 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Svein Friis
- Department of Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, 0407 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A. Andreassen
- Department of Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval, 0407 Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
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12
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Ringen PA, Vaskinn A, Sundet K, Engh JA, Jónsdóttir H, Simonsen C, Friis S, Opjordsmoen S, Melle I, Andreassen OA. Opposite relationships between cannabis use and neurocognitive functioning in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Psychol Med 2010; 40:1337-1347. [PMID: 19891810 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291709991620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use is associated with altered neurocognitive functioning in severe mental disorders, but data are still inconclusive and there are no studies of bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cannabis use and neurocognition in bipolar disorder compared with schizophrenia in a naturalistic setting. METHOD A total of 133 patients with bipolar disorder and 140 patients with schizophrenia underwent neuropsychological assessments and clinical characterization including measures of substance use. Relationships between cannabis users and neurocognitive function were explored in the two diagnostic groups. Possible interactions between diagnosis and cannabis use were investigated, and findings were controlled for possible confounders. RESULTS In bipolar disorder subjects, cannabis use was associated with better neurocognitive function, but the opposite was the case for the schizophrenia subjects. There was a statistically significant interaction effect of diagnosis and cannabis use on focused attention (p=0.019), executive functioning (verbal fluency--set shifting) (p=0.009), logical memory-learning (p=0.007) and on logical memory-recall (p=0.004). These differences in neurocognitive function could not be explained by putative confounders. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that cannabis use may be related to improved neurocognition in bipolar disorder and compromised neurocognition in schizophrenia. The results need to be replicated in independent samples, and may suggest different underlying disease mechanisms in the two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Ringen
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, N-0318 Oslo, Norway
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13
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Engh JA, Friis S, Birkenaes AB, Jónsdóttir H, Klungsøyr O, Ringen PA, Simonsen C, Vaskinn A, Opjordsmoen S, Andreassen OA. Delusions are associated with poor cognitive insight in schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2010; 36:830-5. [PMID: 19176474 PMCID: PMC2894586 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbn193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [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: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between the symptoms delusions and hallucinations measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and cognitive insight as assessed with the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) in patients with schizophrenia. The BCIS is based on 2 subscales, self-reflectiveness and self-certainty, measuring objectivity, reflectiveness and openness to feedback, and mental flexibility. Overall cognitive insight was defined as the difference between self-reflectiveness and self-certainty. This cross-sectional study of 143 patients showed that the occurrence of delusions is associated with low self-reflectiveness and high self-certainty, reflecting low cognitive insight. Hallucinations in the absence of delusions were associated with high self-reflectiveness and low self-certainty, possibly reflecting more open-mindedness and higher cognitive insight. The present findings suggest that delusions are associated with low cognitive insight, whereas solitary hallucinations may be associated with high cognitive insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Engh
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Section of Psychosis Research, Building 49, Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, 0407 Oslo, Norway; tel: 47-22-11-84-41, fax: 47-22-11-78-48, e-mail:
| | - Svein Friis
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Ole Klungsøyr
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter A. Ringen
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Carmen Simonsen
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anja Vaskinn
- Clinic for Mental Health, Aker University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Opjordsmoen
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A. Andreassen
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Vaskinn A, Sundet K, Friis S, Ueland T, Simonsen C, Birkenaes AB, Engh JA, Jónsdóttir H, Opjordsmoen S, Ringen PA, Andreassen OA. Using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test to assess learning potential in normal IQ schizophrenia: does it have potential? Nord J Psychiatry 2009; 63:405-11. [PMID: 19365785 DOI: 10.1080/08039480902879941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Learning potential, a dynamic multi-administration approach to assessment, is claimed to predict functional outcome in schizophrenia better than traditional single-administration neuropsychological tests. AIMS This study investigates the relation between learning potential and clinical and demographic variables, social functioning and neuropsychological abilities in a sample of 30 participants with schizophrenia with a mean IQ score within the normal range (mean Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) IQ=106). METHODS Two Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) based methods for assessing learning potential are compared. RESULTS The dimensional approach (calculation of gain scores following training) identified one aspect of executive functioning (set shifting) to be related to learning potential. Associations with other neuropsychological tests and social functioning were however limited. The categorical approach (separating high-achievers from learners and non-learners) was not sensitive within this normal IQ sample. CONCLUSIONS Although there seems to be a relation between learning potential and some aspects of executive functioning, the two existing WCST methods should be used with caution when assessing learning potential in individuals with schizophrenia who have IQ scores within the normal range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Vaskinn
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Aker, Norway.
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15
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Ringen PA, Melle I, Birkenaes AB, Engh JA, Faerden A, Vaskinn A, Friis S, Opjordsmoen S, Andreassen OA. The level of illicit drug use is related to symptoms and premorbid functioning in severe mental illness. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2008; 118:297-304. [PMID: 18759810 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2008.01244.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is conflicting data on drug abuse and outcome in severe mental illness. This study aims to investigate if the amount of illicit psychoactive drug use is related to symptom load or premorbid functioning across diagnosis in patients with severe mental illness. METHOD Symptom load, sociodemographic status, premorbid functioning and the level of use of illicit psychoactive drugs were assessed in 423 subjects with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS High amount of illicit drug use was associated with poorer premorbid academic functioning. In schizophrenia, there was a significant positive association between amount of drug use and severity of psychiatric symptoms. The association between symptom load and drug use was significant after controlling for premorbid functioning. CONCLUSION The results suggest a direct association between the quantity of current drug use and more severe symptoms in schizophrenia. Poor premorbid functioning was related to high amount of use, but did not explain the difference in symptom load.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Ringen
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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16
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Simonsen C, Sundet K, Vaskinn A, Birkenaes AB, Engh JA, Hansen CF, Jónsdóttir H, Ringen PA, Opjordsmoen S, Friis S, Andreassen OA. Neurocognitive profiles in bipolar I and bipolar II disorder: differences in pattern and magnitude of dysfunction. Bipolar Disord 2008; 10:245-55. [PMID: 18271903 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2007.00492.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies on neurocognitive functioning in bipolar disorder, reporting deficits in memory, attention, and executive functioning, have primarily focused on bipolar I disorder. The aim of this study was to examine whether patients with bipolar I and bipolar II disorder have different neurocognitive profiles. METHODS Forty-two patients with bipolar I disorder, 31 patients with bipolar II and 124 healthy controls, from a large ongoing study on psychotic disorders, were included. Neurocognitive function was measured with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS The bipolar I group performed significantly poorer than the healthy control group and the bipolar II group on all measures of memory. Compared with the control group, the bipolar I group also had significantly reduced performance on most measures of attention and executive functioning, while the bipolar II group only had a significantly reduced performance on a subset of these measures. On average, 24% of the bipolar I group had clinically significant cognitive impairment (< or =1.5 SD below the control group mean) across measures, compared with 13% of the bipolar II group. CONCLUSIONS Patients with bipolar I and bipolar II disorder in this study have different neurocognitive profiles. Bipolar I patients have more widespread cognitive dysfunction both in pattern and magnitude, and a higher proportion has clinically significant cognitive impairments compared with patients with bipolar II. This may suggest neurobiological differences between the two bipolar subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Simonsen
- Department of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, and Institute of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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17
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Ringen PA, Melle I, Birkenaes AB, Engh JA, Faerden A, Jónsdóttir H, Nesvåg R, Vaskinn A, Friis S, Larsen F, Opjordsmoen S, Sundet K, Andreassen OA. Illicit drug use in patients with psychotic disorders compared with that in the general population: a cross-sectional study. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2008; 117:133-8. [PMID: 18081921 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2007.01135.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prevalence estimates of illicit drug use in psychotic disorders vary between studies, and only a few studies compared prevalence estimates with those in the general population. METHOD Cross-sectional study comparing 148 stable-phase patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with 329 representative general citizens of Oslo. A total of 849 patients from the same hospital department in the same time period constituted a patient reference group. RESULTS Lifetime illicit drug use was 44% higher (P < 0.001) in study patients than in the general population sample; while lifetime use of amphetamine/cocaine was 160% higher (P < 0.001). No differences were found between user groups for sociodemographic characteristics. CONCLUSION Patients with psychotic disorders in stable phase had a markedly higher lifetime use of any illicit substance, especially amphetamine/cocaine, than the general population. They also seemed to use drugs more periodically. The same sociodemographic characteristics were associated with increased illicit drug use in both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Ringen
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, N-0317 Oslo, Norway, and Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, N-0407 Oslo, Norway.
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18
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Engh JA, Friis S, Birkenaes AB, Jónsdóttir H, Ringen PA, Ruud T, Sundet KS, Opjordsmoen S, Andreassen OA. Measuring cognitive insight in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: a comparative study. BMC Psychiatry 2007; 7:71. [PMID: 18072961 PMCID: PMC2222246 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-7-71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2007] [Accepted: 12/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) has been designed for assessment of self-reflection on patients' anomalous experiences and interpretations of own beliefs. The scale has been developed and validated for patients with schizophrenia. We wanted to study the utility of the scale for patients with bipolar disorder. The relationship between the BCIS as a measure of cognitive insight and established methods for assessment of insight of illness was explored in both diagnostic groups. METHODS The BCIS self-report inventory was administered to patients with schizophrenia (n = 143), bipolar disorder (n = 92) and controls (n = 64). The 15 items of the inventory form two subscales, self-reflectiveness and self-certainty. RESULTS The internal consistency of the subscales was good for the patient groups and the controls. The mean subscale scores were not significantly different for the three groups. Four items in subscale self-reflectiveness referring to psychotic experiences gave, however, different results in the control subjects. Self-certainty and scores on insight item PANSS correlated significantly in the schizophrenia, but not in the bipolar group. CONCLUSION BCIS with its two subscales seems applicable for patients with bipolar disorder as well as for patients with schizophrenia. The self-report inventory can also be applied to control subjects if the items referring to psychotic experiences are omitted. In schizophrenia high scores on self-certainty is possibly associated with poor insight of illness. For the bipolar group the subscales are largely independent of traditional insight measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Engh
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Svein Friis
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Astrid B Birkenaes
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Halldóra Jónsdóttir
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter A Ringen
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Torleif Ruud
- Akershus University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Stein Opjordsmoen
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Division of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Norway
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19
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Vaskinn A, Sundet K, Friis S, Simonsen C, Birkenaes AB, Engh JA, Jónsdóttir H, Ringen PA, Opjordsmoen S, Andreassen OA. The effect of gender on emotion perception in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2007; 116:263-70. [PMID: 17803756 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2007.00991.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Impaired emotion perception is documented for schizophrenia, but findings have been mixed for bipolar disorder. In healthy samples females perform better than males. This study compared emotion perception in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and investigated the effects of gender. METHOD Visual (facial pictures) and auditory (sentences) emotional stimuli were presented for identification and discrimination in groups of participants with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and healthy controls. RESULTS Visual emotion perception was unimpaired in both clinical groups, but the schizophrenia sample showed reduced auditory emotion perception. Healthy males and male schizophrenia subjects performed worse than their female counterparts, whereas there were no gender differences within the bipolar group. CONCLUSION A disease-specific auditory emotion processing deficit was confirmed in schizophrenia, especially for males. Participants with bipolar disorder performed unimpaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vaskinn
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Norway.
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20
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Birkenaes AB, Opjordsmoen S, Brunborg C, Engh JA, Jonsdottir H, Ringen PA, Simonsen C, Vaskinn A, Birkeland KI, Friis S, Sundet K, Andreassen OA. The level of cardiovascular risk factors in bipolar disorder equals that of schizophrenia: a comparative study. J Clin Psychiatry 2007; 68:917-23. [PMID: 17592917 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.v68n0614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In schizophrenia, increased rates of somatic mortality have been shown to correspond with a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking and the metabolic syndrome. In bipolar disorder, the amount of cardiovascular risk is still largely unknown. This study compares the prevalence of smoking and metabolic disturbances in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in a representative sample of patients under naturalistic conditions. It also compares the prevalence of risk factors in each diagnostic group with the general population. METHOD Longitudinal data on clinical groups from October 2002 through December 2005 were from the Oslo TOP Study (DSM-IV bipolar disorder [N = 110] and schizophrenia [N = 163]). Reference data were from the 2000 to 2001 Oslo Health Study (18,770 individuals of the same area). Background variables, prevalence of smoking, and age-adjusted levels of metabolic risk factors were compared between diagnostic groups. Risk factors in both groups were then compared with the general population. RESULTS Patients with bipolar disorder had higher levels of education, better social functioning, fewer psychiatric symptoms, and less use of medication than patients with schizophrenia. There was no significant difference between diagnostic groups in the prevalence of smoking, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes. The mean level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in schizophrenia (p < .001), and systolic blood pressure was higher in bipolar disorder (p < .05). Both diagnostic groups had a prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors about twice that of the general population. CONCLUSION The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was alarmingly high for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients compared with the general population, and the prevalence was approximately the same in both diagnostic groups.
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Birkenaes AB, Søgaard AJ, Engh JA, Jonsdottir H, Ringen PA, Vaskinn A, Friis S, Sundet K, Opjordsmoen S, Andreassen OA. Sociodemographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with severe mental disorders compared with the general population. J Clin Psychiatry 2006; 67:425-33. [PMID: 16649830 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.v67n0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence and distribution of cardiovascular risk factors in a group of patients with severe mental disorders compared with the general population and investigate if differences in sociodemographic background variables between groups were associated with differences in risk profile. METHOD We compared data from the ongoing Ulleval 600 Study (205 pharmacologically stable outpatients with DSM-IV psychotic disorders) with data from the 2000-2001 Oslo Health Study (18,770 individuals from the general population of the same area). Subjects were stratified according to age and gender and compared for ethnic background, level of education, marital status, and prevalence of risk factors. RESULTS Patients had an overall prevalence of smoking, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus about twice that of the reference group. Patients aged 18 through 50 years had the highest level of risk factors when compared with the general population. There was no major difference in ethnic background or educational level between cohorts. CONCLUSION The increased cardiovascular risk profile in patients is particularly pronounced in young individuals and could not be explained by sociodemographic variables alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid B Birkenaes
- Department of Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital and University of Oslo, Norway.
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Abstract
Recent research has exploited the inherent bending of a bevel-tipped needle during insertion, accomplishing steering of the needle by rotating the needle shaft. Combining this technique with the observation that a straight trajectory can be accomplished by spinning the needle at a constant rate during insertion, this paper presents a novel technique for proportional control of the curvature of the trajectory via duty-cycled spinning of the needle. In order to accommodate this technique to very soft tissues such as the brain, several custom needle prototypes have also been designed in order to increase the steering versatility of the system by maximizing the attainable curvature. The paper describes the needle-steering system and the needle prototypes, and presents preliminary results from tests in an artificial brain tissue substitute.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Engh
- Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report our experience with repeat microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS) in patients who have failed their first operation. METHODS The authors describe 41 redo MVDs for HFS in 36 patients performed over a 3 year period. Seven patients underwent early re-operation after an aborted seventh nerve decompression. Eight patients underwent early re-operation for clinical failure. Eighteen patients underwent late re-operation for spasm recurrence long after their original MVD. Eight MVDs were performed on patients who had already undergone at least two prior operations. RESULTS Twenty four patients experienced complete spasm resolution (70.6%), eight patients had near total resolution (23.5%), and two patients failed re-operation (5.9%). Two patients were lost to follow up (5.6%). A favourable outcome was reported by 82.4% of patients at a mean follow up interval of 18 months. A total of 91.7% of patients 50 years of age or younger were cured at follow up versus 59.1% of patients older than 50 (p = 0.04). Patients undergoing early re-operation were significantly more likely to be cured or improved than patients undergoing late re-operation (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Repeat MVD for HFS is effective in experienced hands. Younger patients respond better to repeat MVD. Late repeat MVD for HFS is a reasonable treatment option, although results are less favourable than for early re-operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Engh
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15213, USA
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Helm GA, Alden TD, Beres EJ, Hudson SB, Das S, Engh JA, Pittman DD, Kerns KM, Kallmes DF. Use of bone morphogenetic protein-9 gene therapy to induce spinal arthrodesis in the rodent. J Neurosurg 2000; 92:191-6. [PMID: 10763690 DOI: 10.3171/spi.2000.92.2.0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been shown to have significant osteoinductive activity in numerous in vitro and in vivo assay systems, and BMP-2 and BMP-7 are currently being evaluated in human clinical studies. In the spinal region, BMPs have been shown to promote spinal arthrodesis at a higher rate than autologous bone alone. The delivery of BMPs via direct or ex vivo gene therapy techniques is also currently being evaluated and has shown promise in several mammalian models. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the use of direct, percutaneous BMP-9 adenoviral gene therapy to promote spinal fusion in the rodent. METHODS Each animal was injected with 7.5x10(8) pfu of a BMP-9 adenoviral vector in the lumbar paraspinal musculature and allowed to survive 16 weeks. Computerized tomography studies and histological analysis demonstrated massive bone induction at the injection sites, clearly leading to solid spinal arthrodesis, without evidence of pseudarthroses, nerve root compression, or systemic side effects. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study strongly support the advancement of BMP gene therapy techniques toward clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Helm
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, USA.
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Alden TD, Beres EJ, Laurent JS, Engh JA, Das S, London SD, Jane JA, Hudson SB, Helm GA. The use of bone morphogenetic protein gene therapy in craniofacial bone repair. J Craniofac Surg 2000; 11:24-30. [PMID: 11314095 DOI: 10.1097/00001665-200011010-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are capable of inducing endochondral bone formation when applied on biologic carriers in numerous mammalian in vivo assay systems. Bone morphogenetic protein gene therapy is also currently being developed to promote osteogenesis for clinical indications such as spinal fusions, craniofacial bone loss, and osteoporosis. In this study, critical-sized mandibular defects were treated with a control adenoviral vector (Ad-beta-gal), a BMP-2 adenoviral vector (Ad-BMP-2), or a BMP-9 adenoviral vector (Ad-BMP-9). Gross tissue examination, radiographic analysis, and histologic analysis demonstrated significant bony healing in the BMP treated groups compared to controls. Osteogenesis was limited to the bony defect, without extension into the surrounding soft tissues. The study suggests that with further development, BMP gene therapy may be potentially useful for repair of bony defects in the craniofacial region.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Alden
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia, Box 212, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Alden TD, Pittman DD, Hankins GR, Beres EJ, Engh JA, Das S, Hudson SB, Kerns KM, Kallmes DF, Helm GA. In vivo endochondral bone formation using a bone morphogenetic protein 2 adenoviral vector. Hum Gene Ther 1999; 10:2245-53. [PMID: 10498255 DOI: 10.1089/10430349950017220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are polypeptides that induce ectopic bone formation in standard rat in vivo assay systems. Previous studies have demonstrated the clinical utility of these proteins in spinal fusion, fracture healing, and prosthetic joint stabilization. Gene therapy is also a theoretically attractive technique to express BMPs clinically, since long-term, regulatable gene expression and systemic delivery with tissue-specific expression may be possible in future. This study was performed to determine whether an adenoviral vector containing the BMP-2 gene can be used to express BMP-2 in vitro and promote endochondral bone formation in vivo. In vitro, U87 MG cells transduced per cell with 20 MOI of an adenoviral construct containing the BMP-2 gene under the control of the universal CMV promoter (Ad-BMP-2) showed positive antibody staining for the BMP-2 protein at posttransfection day 2. The synthesis and secretion of active BMP-2 into the conditioned medium of Ad-BMP-2-transduced 293 cells were confirmed by Western blot analysis and the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity in a W-20 stromal cell assay. In vivo, Sprague-Dawley rats and athymic nude rats were injected with Ad-BMP-2 in the thigh musculature and were sacrificed on day 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 21, 60, and 110 for histological analysis. The Sprague-Dawley rats showed evidence of acute inflammation, without ectopic bone formation, at the injection sites. In the athymic nude rats, BMP-2 gene therapy induced mesenchymal stem cell chemotaxis and proliferation, with subsequent differentiation to chondrocytes. The chondrocytes secreted a cartilaginous matrix, which then mineralized and was replaced by mature bone. This study demonstrates that a BMP-2 adenoviral vector can be utilized to produce BMP-2 by striated muscle cells in athymic nude rats, leading to endochondral bone formation. However, in immunocompetent animals the endochondral response is attenuated, secondary to the massive immune response elicited by the first-generation adenoviral construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Alden
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, USA
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