Biomedicines

Editorial

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7 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Integrating Armchair, Bench, and Bedside Research for Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry: Editorial

by Masaru Tanaka, Ágnes Szabó and László Vécsei

Biomedicines 2022, 10(12), 2999; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10122999 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 2848

Abstract

“To learning much inclined, who went to see the Elephant (though all of them were blind) that each by observation might satisfy the mind” [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 1297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Interplay between Vitamin D, Exposure of Anticholinergic Antipsychotics and Cognition in Schizophrenia

by Arnim Johannes Gaebler, Michelle Finner-Prével, Federico Pacheco Sudar, Felizia Hannah Langer, Fatih Keskin, Annika Gebel, Jana Zweerings and Klaus Mathiak

Biomedicines 2022, 10(5), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10051096 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2914

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is a frequent finding in schizophrenia and may contribute to neurocognitive dysfunction, a core element of the disease. However, there is limited knowledge about the neuropsychological profile of vitamin D deficiency-related cognitive deficits and their underlying molecular mechanisms. As an [...] Read more.

Vitamin D deficiency is a frequent finding in schizophrenia and may contribute to neurocognitive dysfunction, a core element of the disease. However, there is limited knowledge about the neuropsychological profile of vitamin D deficiency-related cognitive deficits and their underlying molecular mechanisms. As an inductor of cytochrome P450 3A4, a lack of vitamin D might aggravate cognitive deficits by increased exposure to anticholinergic antipsychotics. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the relationship between 25-OH-vitamin D-serum concentrations, anticholinergic drug exposure and neurocognitive functioning (Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, BACS, and Trail Making Test, TMT) in 141 patients with schizophrenia. The anticholinergic drug exposure was estimated by adjusting the concentration of each drug for its individual muscarinic receptor affinity. Using regression analysis, we observed a positive relationship between vitamin D levels and processing speed (TMT-A and BACS Symbol Coding) as well as executive functioning (TMT-B and BACS Tower of London). Moreover, a negative impact of vitamin D on anticholinergic drug exposure emerged, but the latter did not significantly affect cognition. When other cognitive items were included as regressors, the impact of vitamin D remained only significant for the TMT-A. Among the different cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, vitamin D deficiency may most directly affect processing speed, which in turn may aggravate deficits in executive functioning. This finding is not explained by a cytochrome P450-mediated increased exposure to anticholinergic antipsychotics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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28 pages, 4894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Behavioral Assessment and Re-Test as Functional Trainings That Modify Survival, Anxiety and Functional Profile (Physical Endurance and Motor Learning) of Old Male and Female 3xTg-AD Mice and NTg Mice with Normal Aging

by Lidia Castillo-Mariqueo and Lydia Giménez-Llort

Biomedicines 2022, 10(5), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10050973 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3145

Abstract

Longitudinal approaches for disease-monitoring in old animals face survival and frailty limitations, but also assessment and re-test bias on genotype and sex effects. The present work investigated these effects on 56 variables for behavior, functional profile, and biological status of male and female [...] Read more.

Longitudinal approaches for disease-monitoring in old animals face survival and frailty limitations, but also assessment and re-test bias on genotype and sex effects. The present work investigated these effects on 56 variables for behavior, functional profile, and biological status of male and female 3xTg-AD mice and NTg counterparts using two designs: (1) a longitudinal design: naïve 12-month-old mice re-tested four months later; and (2) a cross-sectional design: naïve 16-month-old mice compared to those re-tested. The results confirmed the impact as (1) improvement of survival (NTg rested females), variability of gait (3xTg-AD 16-month-old re-tested and naïve females), physical endurance (3xTg-AD re-tested females), motor learning (3xTg-AD and NTg 16-month-old re-tested females), and geotaxis (3xTg-AD naïve 16-month-old males); but (2) worse anxiety (3xTg-AD 16-month-old re-tested males), HPA axis (3xTg-AD 16-month-old re-tested and naïve females) and sarcopenia (3xTg-AD 16-month-old naïve females). Males showed more functional correlations than females. The functional profile, biological status, and their correlation are discussed as relevant elements for AD-pathology. Therefore, repetition of behavioral batteries could be considered training by itself, with some variables sensitive to genotype, sex, and re-test. In the AD-genotype, females achieved the best performance in physical endurance and motor learning, while males showed a deterioration in most studied variables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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19 pages, 3779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inflammation and Rho-Associated Protein Kinase-Induced Brain Changes in Vascular Dementia

by Eun Chae Lee, Dong-Yong Hong, Dong-Hun Lee, Sang-Won Park, Ji Young Lee, Ji Hun Jeong, Eun-Young Kim, Hyung-Min Chung, Ki-Sung Hong, Se-Pill Park, Man Ryul Lee and Jae Sang Oh

Biomedicines 2022, 10(2), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10020446 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4305

Abstract

Patients with vascular dementia, caused by cerebral ischemia, experience long-term cognitive impairment due to the lack of effective treatment. The mechanisms of and treatments for vascular dementia have been investigated in various animal models; however, the insufficient information on gene expression changes that [...] Read more.

Patients with vascular dementia, caused by cerebral ischemia, experience long-term cognitive impairment due to the lack of effective treatment. The mechanisms of and treatments for vascular dementia have been investigated in various animal models; however, the insufficient information on gene expression changes that define pathological conditions hampers progress. To investigate the underlying mechanism of and facilitate treatment development for vascular dementia, we established a mouse model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, including bilateral carotid artery stenosis, by using microcoils, and elucidated the molecular pathway underlying vascular dementia development. Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) 1/2, which regulates cellular structure, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-6) were upregulated in the vascular dementia model. However, expression of claudin-5, which maintains the blood–brain barrier, and MAP2 as a nerve cell-specific factor, was decreased in the hippocampal region of the vascular dementia model. Thus, we revealed that ROCK pathway activation loosens the tight junction of the blood–brain barrier and increases the influx of inflammatory cytokines into the hippocampal region, leading to neuronal death and causing cognitive and emotional dysfunction. Our vascular dementia model allows effective study of the vascular dementia mechanism. Moreover, the ROCK pathway may be a target for vascular dementia treatment development in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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17 pages, 1383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tryptophan Metabolites, Cytokines, and Fatty Acid Binding Protein 2 in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

by Manuela Simonato, Stefano Dall’Acqua, Caterina Zilli, Stefania Sut, Romano Tenconi, Nicoletta Gallo, Paolo Sfriso, Leonardo Sartori, Francesco Cavallin, Ugo Fiocco, Paola Cogo, Paolo Agostinis, Anna Aldovini, Daniela Bruttomesso, Renzo Marcolongo, Stefano Comai and Aldo Baritussio

Biomedicines 2021, 9(11), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9111724 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8426

Abstract

Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) differ for triggers, mode of start, associated symptoms, evolution, and biochemical traits. Therefore, serious attempts are underway to partition them into subgroups useful for a personalized medicine approach to the disease. Here, we investigated clinical and [...] Read more.

Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) differ for triggers, mode of start, associated symptoms, evolution, and biochemical traits. Therefore, serious attempts are underway to partition them into subgroups useful for a personalized medicine approach to the disease. Here, we investigated clinical and biochemical traits in 40 ME/CFS patients and 40 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Particularly, we analyzed serum levels of some cytokines, Fatty Acid Binding Protein 2 (FAPB-2), tryptophan, and some of its metabolites via serotonin and kynurenine. ME/CFS patients were heterogeneous for genetic background, trigger, start mode, symptoms, and evolution. ME/CFS patients had higher levels of IL-17A (p = 0.018), FABP-2 (p = 0.002), and 3-hydroxykynurenine (p = 0.037) and lower levels of kynurenine (p = 0.012) and serotonin (p = 0.045) than controls. Changes in kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine were associated with increased kynurenic acid/kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine/kynurenine ratios, indirect measures of kynurenine aminotransferases and kynurenine 3-monooxygenase enzymatic activities, respectively. No correlation was found among cytokines, FABP-2, and tryptophan metabolites, suggesting that inflammation, anomalies of the intestinal barrier, and changes of tryptophan metabolism may be independently associated with the pathogenesis of the disease. Interestingly, patients with the start of the disease after infection showed lower levels of kynurenine (p = 0.034) than those not starting after an infection. Changes in tryptophan metabolites and increased IL-17A levels in ME/CFS could both be compatible with anomalies in the sphere of energy metabolism. Overall, clinical traits together with serum biomarkers related to inflammation, intestine function, and tryptophan metabolism deserve to be further considered for the development of personalized medicine strategies for ME/CFS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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16 pages, 2112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chronic Lithium Treatment Affects Anxious Behaviors and theExpression of Serotonergic Genes in Midbrain Raphe Nuclei of Defeated Male Mice

by Dmitry A. Smagin, Irina L. Kovalenko, Anna G. Galyamina, Irina V. Belozertseva, Nikolay V. Tamkovich, Konstantin O. Baranov and Natalia N. Kudryavtseva

Biomedicines 2021, 9(10), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9101293 - 22 Sep 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3241

Abstract

There is experimental evidence that chronic social defeat stress is accompanied by the development of an anxiety, development of a depression-like state, and downregulation of serotonergic genes in midbrain raphe nuclei of male mice. Our study was aimed at investigating the effects of [...] Read more.

There is experimental evidence that chronic social defeat stress is accompanied by the development of an anxiety, development of a depression-like state, and downregulation of serotonergic genes in midbrain raphe nuclei of male mice. Our study was aimed at investigating the effects of chronic lithium chloride (LiCl) administration on anxiety behavior and the expression of serotonergic genes in midbrain raphe nuclei of the affected mice. A pronounced anxiety-like state in male mice was induced by chronic social defeat stress in daily agonistic interactions. After 6 days of this stress, defeated mice were chronically treated with saline or LiCl (100 mg/kg, i.p., 2 weeks) during the continuing agonistic interactions. Anxiety was assessed by behavioral tests. RT-PCR was used to determine Tph2, Htr1a, Htr5b, and Slc6a4 mRNA expression. The results revealed anxiolytic-like effects of LiCl on social communication in the partition test and anxiogenic-like effects in both elevated plus-maze and social interaction tests. Chronic LiCl treatment upregulated serotonergic genes in midbrain raphe nuclei. Thus, LiCl effects depend on the treatment mode, psycho-emotional state of the animal, and experimental context (tests). It is assumed that increased expression of serotonergic genes is accompanied by serotonergic system activation and, as a side effect, by higher anxiety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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30 pages, 5142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Oscillatory Profile Induced by the Anxiogenic Drug FG-7142 in the Amygdala–Hippocampal Network Is Reversed by Infralimbic Deep Brain Stimulation: Relevance for Mood Disorders

by Hanna Vila-Merkle, Alicia González-Martínez, Rut Campos-Jiménez, Joana Martínez-Ricós, Vicent Teruel-Martí, Arantxa Blasco-Serra, Ana Lloret, Pau Celada and Ana Cervera-Ferri

Biomedicines 2021, 9(7), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9070783 - 6 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4396

Abstract

Anxiety and depression exhibit high comorbidity and share the alteration of the amygdala–hippocampal–prefrontal network, playing different roles in the ventral and dorsal hippocampi. Deep brain stimulation of the infralimbic cortex in rodents or the human equivalent—the subgenual cingulate cortex—constitutes a fast antidepressant treatment. [...] Read more.

Anxiety and depression exhibit high comorbidity and share the alteration of the amygdala–hippocampal–prefrontal network, playing different roles in the ventral and dorsal hippocampi. Deep brain stimulation of the infralimbic cortex in rodents or the human equivalent—the subgenual cingulate cortex—constitutes a fast antidepressant treatment. The aim of this work was: (1) to describe the oscillatory profile in a rodent model of anxiety, and (2) to deepen the therapeutic basis of infralimbic deep brain stimulation in mood disorders. First, the anxiogenic drug FG-7142 was administered to anaesthetized rats to characterize neural oscillations within the amygdala and the dorsoventral axis of the hippocampus. Next, deep brain stimulation was applied. FG-7142 administration drastically reduced the slow waves, increasing delta, low theta, and beta oscillations in the network. Moreover, FG-7142 altered communication in these bands in selective subnetworks. Deep brain stimulation of the infralimbic cortex reversed most of these FG-7142 effects. Cross-frequency coupling was also inversely modified by FG-7142 and by deep brain stimulation. Our study demonstrates that the hyperactivated amygdala–hippocampal network associated with the anxiogenic drug exhibits an oscillatory fingerprint. The study contributes to comprehending the neurobiological basis of anxiety and the effects of infralimbic deep brain stimulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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12 pages, 2054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fine-Tuning the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway Intensity by Sex and Genotype-Load: Sex-Dependent Homozygotic Threshold for Somatic Growth but Feminization of Anxious Phenotype in Middle-Aged PDK1 K465E Knock-In and Heterozygous Mice

by Mikel Santana-Santana, José-Ramón Bayascas and Lydia Giménez-Llort

Biomedicines 2021, 9(7), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9070747 - 28 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2999

Abstract

According to the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), phenotypic differences among disorders may be explained by variations in the nature and degree of neural circuitry disruptions and/or dysfunctions modulated by several biological and environmental factors. We recently demonstrated the in vivo behavioral translation of [...] Read more.

According to the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), phenotypic differences among disorders may be explained by variations in the nature and degree of neural circuitry disruptions and/or dysfunctions modulated by several biological and environmental factors. We recently demonstrated the in vivo behavioral translation of tweaking the PI3K/Akt signaling, an essential pathway for regulating cellular processes and physiology, and its modulation through aging. Here we describe, for the first time, the in vivo behavioral impact of the sex and genetic-load tweaking this pathway. The anxiety-like phenotypes of 61 mature (11–14-month-old) male and female PDK1 K465E knock-in, heterozygous, and WT mice were studied. Forced (open-field) anxiogenic environmental conditions were sensitive to detect sex and genetic-load differences at middle age. Despite similar neophobia and horizontal activity among the six groups, females exhibited faster ethograms than males, with increased thigmotaxis, increased wall and bizarre rearing. Genotype-load unveiled increased anxiety in males, resembling female performances. The performance of mutants in naturalistic conditions (marble test) was normal. Homozygotic-load was needed for reduced somatic growth only in males. Factor interactions indicated the complex interplay in the elicitation of different negative valence system’s items and the fine-tuning of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway intensity by genotype-load and sex. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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26 pages, 9013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genotype Load Modulates Amyloid Burden and Anxiety-Like Patterns in Male 3xTg-AD Survivors despite Similar Neuro-Immunoendocrine, Synaptic and Cognitive Impairments

by Aida Muntsant and Lydia Giménez-Llort

Biomedicines 2021, 9(7), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9070715 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4035

Abstract

The wide heterogeneity and complexity of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients’ clinical profiles and increased mortality highlight the relevance of personalized-based interventions and the need for end-of-life/survival predictors. At the translational level, studying genetic and age interactions in a context of different levels of [...] Read more.

The wide heterogeneity and complexity of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients’ clinical profiles and increased mortality highlight the relevance of personalized-based interventions and the need for end-of-life/survival predictors. At the translational level, studying genetic and age interactions in a context of different levels of expression of AD-genetic-load can help to understand this heterogeneity better. In the present report, a singular cohort of long-lived (19-month-old survivors) heterozygous and homozygous male 3xTg-AD mice were studied to determine whether their AD-genotype load can modulate the brain and peripheral pathological burden, behavioral phenotypes, and neuro-immunoendocrine status, compared to age-matched non-transgenic controls. The results indicated increased amyloid precursor protein (APP) levels in a genetic-load-dependent manner but convergent synaptophysin and choline acetyltransferase brain levels. Cognitive impairment and HPA-axis hyperactivation were salient traits in both 3xTg-AD survivor groups. In contrast, genetic load elicited different anxiety-like profiles, with hypoactive homozygous, while heterozygous resembled controls in some traits and risk assessment. Complex neuro-immunoendocrine crosstalk was also observed. Bodyweight loss and splenic, renal, and hepatic histopathological injury scores provided evidence of the systemic features of AD, despite similar peripheral organs’ oxidative stress. The present study provides an interesting translational scenario to study further genetic-load and age-dependent vulnerability/compensatory mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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22 pages, 3282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Survival Bias and Crosstalk between Chronological and Behavioral Age: Age- and Genotype-Sensitivity Tests Define Behavioral Signatures in Middle-Aged, Old, and Long-Lived Mice with Normal and AD-Associated Aging

by Lydia Giménez-Llort, Daniela Marin-Pardo, Paula Marazuela and Mar Hernández-Guillamón

Biomedicines 2021, 9(6), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9060636 - 2 Jun 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4499

Abstract

New evidence refers to a high degree of heterogeneity in normal but also Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical and temporal patterns, increased mortality, and the need to find specific end-of-life prognosticators. This heterogeneity is scarcely explored in very old male AD mice models due [...] Read more.

New evidence refers to a high degree of heterogeneity in normal but also Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical and temporal patterns, increased mortality, and the need to find specific end-of-life prognosticators. This heterogeneity is scarcely explored in very old male AD mice models due to their reduced survival. In the present work, using 915 (432 APP23 and 483 C57BL/6 littermates) mice, we confirmed the better survival curves in male than female APP23 mice and respective wildtypes, providing the chance to characterize behavioral signatures in middle-aged, old, and long-lived male animals. The sensitivity of a battery of seven paradigms for comprehensive screening of motor (activity and gait analysis), neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms was analyzed using a cohort of 56 animals, composed of 12-, 18- and 24-month-old male APP23 mice and wildtype littermates. Most variables analyzed detected age-related differences. However, variables related to coping with stress, thigmotaxis, frailty, gait, and poor cognition better discriminated the behavioral phenotype of male APP23 mice through the three old ages compared with controls. Most importantly, non-linear age- and genotype-dependent behavioral signatures were found in long-lived animals, suggesting crosstalk between chronological and biological/behavioral ages useful to study underlying mechanisms and distinct compensations through physiological and AD-associated aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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17 pages, 3491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine/Anserine Supplementation against Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

by Giuseppe Caruso, Justyna Godos, Sabrina Castellano, Agnieszka Micek, Paolo Murabito, Fabio Galvano, Raffaele Ferri, Giuseppe Grosso and Filippo Caraci

Biomedicines 2021, 9(3), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9030253 - 4 Mar 2021

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 8645

Abstract

Carnosine is a natural occurring endogenous dipeptide that was proposed as an anti-aging agent more than 20 years ago. Carnosine can be found at low millimolar concentrations at brain level and different preclinical studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aggregation activity with [...] Read more.

Carnosine is a natural occurring endogenous dipeptide that was proposed as an anti-aging agent more than 20 years ago. Carnosine can be found at low millimolar concentrations at brain level and different preclinical studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aggregation activity with neuroprotective effects in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A selective deficit of carnosine has also been linked to cognitive decline in AD. Different clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of carnosine supplementation against cognitive decline in elderly and AD subjects. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines coupled to the PICOS approach, to investigate the therapeutic potential of carnosine against cognitive decline and depressive symptoms in elderly subjects. We found five studies matching the selection criteria. Carnosine/anserine was administered for 12 weeks at a dose of 1 g/day and improved global cognitive function, whereas no effects were detected on depressive symptoms. These data suggest a preliminary evidence of clinical efficacy of carnosine against cognitive decline both in elderly subjects and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, although larger and long-term clinical studies are needed in MCI patients (with or without depression) to confirm the therapeutic potential of carnosine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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15 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Psychostimulants and Antipsychotics on Serum Lipids in an Animal Model for Schizophrenia

by Banny Silva Barbosa Correia, João Victor Nani, Raniery Waladares Ricardo, Danijela Stanisic, Tássia Brena Barroso Carneiro Costa, Mirian A. F. Hayashi and Ljubica Tasic

Biomedicines 2021, 9(3), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9030235 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4581

Abstract

Schizophrenia (SCZ) treatment is essentially limited to the use of typical or atypical antipsychotic drugs, which suppress the main symptoms of this mental disorder. Metabolic syndrome is often reported in patients with SCZ under long-term drug treatment, but little is known about the [...] Read more.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) treatment is essentially limited to the use of typical or atypical antipsychotic drugs, which suppress the main symptoms of this mental disorder. Metabolic syndrome is often reported in patients with SCZ under long-term drug treatment, but little is known about the alteration of lipid metabolism induced by antipsychotic use. In this study, we evaluated the blood serum lipids of a validated animal model for SCZ (Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat, SHR), and a normal control rat strain (Normotensive Wistar Rat, NWR), after long-term treatment (30 days) with typical haloperidol (HAL) or atypical clozapine (CLZ) antipsychotics. Moreover, psychostimulants, amphetamine (AMPH) or lisdexamfetamine (LSDX), were administered to NWR animals aiming to mimic the human first episode of psychosis, and the effects on serum lipids were also evaluated. Discrepancies in lipids between SHR and NWR animals, which included increased total lipids and decreased phospholipids in SHR compared with NWR, were similar to the differences previously reported for SCZ patients relative to healthy controls. Administration of psychostimulants in NWR decreased omega-3, which was also decreased in the first episode of psychosis of SCZ. Moreover, choline glycerophospholipids allowed us to distinguish the effects of CLZ in SHR. Thus, changes in the lipid metabolism in SHR seem to be reversed by the long-term treatment with the atypical antipsychotic CLZ, which was under the same condition described to reverse the SCZ-like endophenotypes of this validated animal model for SCZ. These data open new insights for understanding the potential influence of the treatment with typical or atypical antipsychotics on circulating lipids. This may represent an outcome effect from metabolic pathways that regulate lipids synthesis and breakdown, which may be reflecting a cell lipids dysfunction in SCZ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

18 pages, 1969 KiB

Open AccessReview

Co-Players in Chronic Pain: Neuroinflammation and the Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic Pathway

by Masaru Tanaka, Nóra Török, Fanni Tóth, Ágnes Szabó and László Vécsei

Biomedicines 2021, 9(8), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9080897 - 26 Jul 2021

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 8457

Abstract

Chronic pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that persists or recurs more than three months and may extend beyond the expected time of healing. Recently, nociplastic pain has been introduced as a descriptor of the mechanism of pain, which is due [...] Read more.

Chronic pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that persists or recurs more than three months and may extend beyond the expected time of healing. Recently, nociplastic pain has been introduced as a descriptor of the mechanism of pain, which is due to the disturbance of neural processing without actual or potential tissue damage, appearing to replace a concept of psychogenic pain. An interdisciplinary task force of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) compiled a systematic classification of clinical conditions associated with chronic pain, which was published in 2018 and will officially come into effect in 2022 in the 11th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization. ICD-11 offers the option for recording the presence of psychological or social factors in chronic pain; however, cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions in the pathogenesis of chronic pain are missing. Earlier pain disorder was defined as a condition with chronic pain associated with psychological factors, but it was replaced with somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) in 2013. Recently clinical nosology is trending toward highlighting neurological pathology of chronic pain, discounting psychological or social factors in the pathogenesis of pain. This review article discusses components of the pain pathway, the component-based mechanisms of pain, central and peripheral sensitization, roles of chronic inflammation, and the involvement of tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites, exploring the participation of psychosocial and behavioral factors in central sensitization of diseases progressing into the development of chronic pain, comorbid diseases that commonly present a symptom of chronic pain, and psychiatric disorders that manifest chronic pain without obvious actual or potential tissue damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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23 pages, 3933 KiB

Open AccessReview

Immune Influencers in Action: Metabolites and Enzymes of the Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic Pathway

by Masaru Tanaka, Fanni Tóth, Helga Polyák, Ágnes Szabó, Yvette Mándi and László Vécsei

Biomedicines 2021, 9(7), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9070734 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 150 | Viewed by 13834

Abstract

The tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway is a main player of TRP metabolism through which more than 95% of TRP is catabolized. The pathway is activated by acute and chronic immune responses leading to a wide range of illnesses including cancer, immune diseases, [...] Read more.

The tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway is a main player of TRP metabolism through which more than 95% of TRP is catabolized. The pathway is activated by acute and chronic immune responses leading to a wide range of illnesses including cancer, immune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. The presence of positive feedback loops facilitates amplifying the immune responses vice versa. The TRP-KYN pathway synthesizes multifarious metabolites including oxidants, antioxidants, neurotoxins, neuroprotectants and immunomodulators. The immunomodulators are known to facilitate the immune system towards a tolerogenic state, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation (LGI) that is commonly present in obesity, poor nutrition, exposer to chemicals or allergens, prodromal stage of various illnesses and chronic diseases. KYN, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid and cinnabarinic acid are aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands that serve as immunomodulators. Furthermore, TRP-KYN pathway enzymes are known to be activated by the stress hormone cortisol and inflammatory cytokines, and genotypic variants were observed to contribute to inflammation and thus various diseases. The tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenases and the kynurenine-3-monooxygenase are main enzymes in the pathway. This review article discusses the TRP-KYN pathway with special emphasis on its interaction with the immune system and the tolerogenic shift towards chronic LGI and overviews the major symptoms, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and toxic and protective KYNs to explore the linkage between chronic LGI, KYNs, and major psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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22 pages, 2616 KiB

Open AccessReview

Psychiatric Neural Networks and Precision Therapeutics by Machine Learning

by Hidetoshi Komatsu, Emi Watanabe and Mamoru Fukuchi

Biomedicines 2021, 9(4), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9040403 - 8 Apr 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7199

Abstract

Learning and environmental adaptation increase the likelihood of survival and improve the quality of life. However, it is often difficult to judge optimal behaviors in real life due to highly complex social dynamics and environment. Consequentially, many different brain regions and neuronal circuits [...] Read more.

Learning and environmental adaptation increase the likelihood of survival and improve the quality of life. However, it is often difficult to judge optimal behaviors in real life due to highly complex social dynamics and environment. Consequentially, many different brain regions and neuronal circuits are involved in decision-making. Many neurobiological studies on decision-making show that behaviors are chosen through coordination among multiple neural network systems, each implementing a distinct set of computational algorithms. Although these processes are commonly abnormal in neurological and psychiatric disorders, the underlying causes remain incompletely elucidated. Machine learning approaches with multidimensional data sets have the potential to not only pathologically redefine mental illnesses but also better improve therapeutic outcomes than DSM/ICD diagnoses. Furthermore, measurable endophenotypes could allow for early disease detection, prognosis, and optimal treatment regime for individuals. In this review, decision-making in real life and psychiatric disorders and the applications of machine learning in brain imaging studies on psychiatric disorders are summarized, and considerations for the future clinical translation are outlined. This review also aims to introduce clinicians, scientists, and engineers to the opportunities and challenges in bringing artificial intelligence into psychiatric practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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19 pages, 2322 KiB

Open AccessReview

Crosstalk between Existential Phenomenological Psychotherapy and Neurological Sciences in Mood and Anxiety Disorders

by Lehel Balogh, Masaru Tanaka, Nóra Török, László Vécsei and Shigeru Taguchi

Biomedicines 2021, 9(4), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9040340 - 27 Mar 2021

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 11435

Abstract

Psychotherapy is a comprehensive biological treatment modifying complex underlying cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and regulatory responses in the brain, leading patients with mental illness to a new interpretation of the sense of self and others. Psychotherapy is an art of science integrated with psychology [...] Read more.

Psychotherapy is a comprehensive biological treatment modifying complex underlying cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and regulatory responses in the brain, leading patients with mental illness to a new interpretation of the sense of self and others. Psychotherapy is an art of science integrated with psychology and/or philosophy. Neurological sciences study the neurological basis of cognition, memory, and behavior as well as the impact of neurological damage and disease on these functions, and their treatment. Both psychotherapy and neurological sciences deal with the brain; nevertheless, they continue to stay polarized. Existential phenomenological psychotherapy (EPP) has been in the forefront of meaning-centered counseling for almost a century. The phenomenological approach in psychotherapy originated in the works of Martin Heidegger, Ludwig Binswanger, Medard Boss, and Viktor Frankl, and it has been committed to accounting for the existential possibilities and limitations of one’s life. EPP provides philosophically rich interpretations and empowers counseling techniques to assist mentally suffering individuals by finding meaning and purpose to life. The approach has proven to be effective in treating mood and anxiety disorders. This narrative review article demonstrates the development of EPP, the therapeutic methodology, evidence-based accounts of its curative techniques, current understanding of mood and anxiety disorders in neurological sciences, and a possible converging path to translate and integrate meaning-centered psychotherapy and neuroscience, concluding that the EPP may potentially play a synergistic role with the currently prevailing medication-based approaches for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0)

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Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain: Comorbidity in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry 2.0

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