International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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3 pages, 165 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Molecular Insights in Psychiatry

by Giovanna Traina, Jack Adam Tuszynski and Massimo Cocchi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(9), 4878; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23094878 - 28 Apr 2022

Viewed by 1353

Abstract

This Special Issue included articles discussing several important psychiatric phenomena whose elucidation can be provided by cellular and subcellular molecular mechanisms [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights in Psychiatry)

Research

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20 pages, 2505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sounds Stimulation on In Vitro HL1 Cells: A Pilot Study and a Theoretical Physical Model

by Carlo Dal Lin, Claudia Maria Radu, Giuseppe Vitiello, Paola Romano, Albino Polcari, Sabino Iliceto, Paolo Simioni and Francesco Tona

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(1), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22010156 - 25 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3882

Abstract

Mechanical vibrations seem to affect the behaviour of different cell types and the functions of different organs. Pressure waves, including acoustic waves (sounds), could affect cytoskeletal molecules via coherent changes in their spatial organization and mechano-transduction signalling. We analyzed the sounds spectra and [...] Read more.

Mechanical vibrations seem to affect the behaviour of different cell types and the functions of different organs. Pressure waves, including acoustic waves (sounds), could affect cytoskeletal molecules via coherent changes in their spatial organization and mechano-transduction signalling. We analyzed the sounds spectra and their fractal features. Cardiac muscle HL1 cells were exposed to different sounds, were stained for cytoskeletal markers (phalloidin, beta-actin, alpha-tubulin, alpha-actinin-1), and studied with multifractal analysis (using FracLac for ImageJ). A single cell was live-imaged and its dynamic contractility changes in response to each different sound were analysed (using Musclemotion for ImageJ). Different sound stimuli seem to influence the contractility and the spatial organization of HL1 cells, resulting in a different localization and fluorescence emission of cytoskeletal proteins. Since the cellular behaviour seems to correlate with the fractal structure of the sound used, we speculate that it can influence the cells by virtue of the different sound waves’ geometric properties that we have photographed and filmed. A theoretical physical model is proposed to explain our results, based on the coherent molecular dynamics. We stress the role of the systemic view in the understanding of the biological activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights in Psychiatry)

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17 pages, 2574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oxidative Stress Impact on the Transcriptome of Differentiating Neuroblastoma Cells: Implication for Psychiatric Disorders

by Behnaz Khavari, Ebrahim Mahmoudi, Michael P. Geaghan and Murray J. Cairns

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(23), 9182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21239182 - 2 Dec 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3263

Abstract

Prenatal environmental exposures that have been shown to induce oxidative stress (OS) during pregnancy, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, are risk factors for the onset of schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). While the OS role in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases [...] Read more.

Prenatal environmental exposures that have been shown to induce oxidative stress (OS) during pregnancy, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, are risk factors for the onset of schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). While the OS role in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases is well known, its contribution to the genomic dysregulation associated with psychiatric disorders is less well defined. In this study we used the SH-SY5Y cell line and applied RNA-sequencing to explore transcriptomic changes in response to OS before or during neural differentiation. We observed differential expression of many genes, most of which localised to the synapse and were involved in neuronal differentiation. These genes were enriched in schizophrenia-associated signalling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, axon guidance, and signalling by retinoic acid. Interestingly, circulatory system development was affected by both treatments, which is concordant with observations of increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients with NDDs. We also observed a very significant increase in the expression of immunity-related genes, supporting current hypotheses of immune system involvement in psychiatric disorders. While further investigation of this influence in other cell and animal models is warranted, our data suggest that early life exposure to OS has a disruptive influence on neuronal gene expression that may perturb normal differentiation and neurodevelopment, thereby contributing towards overall risk for developing psychiatric diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights in Psychiatry)

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Review

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31 pages, 2611 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on MS-Based Proteomics Applied to Human Peripheral Fluids to Assess Potential Biomarkers of Bipolar Disorder

by Joao E. Rodrigues, Ana Martinho, Vítor Santos, Catia Santa, Nuno Madeira, Maria J. Martins, Carlos N. Pato, Antonio Macedo and Bruno Manadas

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(10), 5460; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23105460 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3616

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a clinically heterogeneous condition, presenting a complex underlying etiopathogenesis that is not sufficiently characterized. Without molecular biomarkers being used in the clinical environment, several large screen proteomics studies have been conducted to provide valuable molecular information. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based [...] Read more.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a clinically heterogeneous condition, presenting a complex underlying etiopathogenesis that is not sufficiently characterized. Without molecular biomarkers being used in the clinical environment, several large screen proteomics studies have been conducted to provide valuable molecular information. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques can be a powerful tool for the identification of disease biomarkers, improving prediction and diagnosis ability. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of MS proteomics applied to human peripheral fluids to assess BD biomarkers and identify relevant networks of biological pathways. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched for studies using MS proteomics to identify proteomic differences between BD patients and healthy controls (PROSPERO database: CRD42021264955). Fourteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, allowing the identification of 266 differentially expressed proteins. Gene ontology analysis identified complement and coagulation cascades, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, and focal adhesion as the main enriched biological pathways. A meta-analysis was performed for apolipoproteins (A-I, C-III, and E); however, no significant differences were found. Although the proven ability of MS proteomics to characterize BD, there are several confounding factors contributing to the heterogeneity of the findings. In the future, we encourage the scientific community to use broader samples and validation cohorts, integrating omics with bioinformatics tools towards providing a comprehensive understanding of proteome alterations, seeking biomarkers of BD, and contributing to individualized prognosis and stratification strategies, besides aiding in the differential diagnosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights in Psychiatry)

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30 pages, 3415 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Applied to Human Peripheral Fluids to Assess Potential Biomarkers of Schizophrenia

by João E. Rodrigues, Ana Martinho, Catia Santa, Nuno Madeira, Manuel Coroa, Vítor Santos, Maria J. Martins, Carlos N. Pato, Antonio Macedo and Bruno Manadas

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(9), 4917; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23094917 - 28 Apr 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4365

Abstract

Mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques can be a powerful tool to identify neuropsychiatric disorder biomarkers, improving prediction and diagnosis ability. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of MS proteomics applied to human peripheral fluids of schizophrenia (SCZ) patients to identify disease biomarkers and relevant networks [...] Read more.

Mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques can be a powerful tool to identify neuropsychiatric disorder biomarkers, improving prediction and diagnosis ability. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of MS proteomics applied to human peripheral fluids of schizophrenia (SCZ) patients to identify disease biomarkers and relevant networks of biological pathways. Following PRISMA guidelines, a search was performed for studies that used MS proteomics approaches to identify proteomic differences between SCZ patients and healthy control groups (PROSPERO database: CRD42021274183). Nineteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, allowing the identification of 217 differentially expressed proteins. Gene ontology analysis identified lipid metabolism, complement and coagulation cascades, and immune response as the main enriched biological pathways. Meta-analysis results suggest the upregulation of FCN3 and downregulation of APO1, APOA2, APOC1, and APOC3 in SCZ patients. Despite the proven ability of MS proteomics to characterize SCZ, several confounding factors contribute to the heterogeneity of the findings. In the future, we encourage the scientific community to perform studies with more extensive sampling and validation cohorts, integrating omics with bioinformatics tools to provide additional comprehension of differentially expressed proteins. The produced information could harbor potential proteomic biomarkers of SCZ, contributing to individualized prognosis and stratification strategies, besides aiding in the differential diagnosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights in Psychiatry)

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24 pages, 3699 KiB

Open AccessReview

Smoking and Neuropsychiatric Disease—Associations and Underlying Mechanisms

by Omar Hahad, Andreas Daiber, Matthias Michal, Marin Kuntic, Klaus Lieb, Manfred Beutel and Thomas Münzel

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(14), 7272; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22147272 - 6 Jul 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6785

Abstract

Despite extensive efforts to combat cigarette smoking/tobacco use, it still remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, killing more than eight million people each year. While tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases related to the four main [...] Read more.

Despite extensive efforts to combat cigarette smoking/tobacco use, it still remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, killing more than eight million people each year. While tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases related to the four main groups—cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, and diabetes—its impact on neuropsychiatric risk is rather elusive. The aim of this review article is to emphasize the importance of smoking as a potential risk factor for neuropsychiatric disease and to identify central pathophysiological mechanisms that may contribute to this relationship. There is strong evidence from epidemiological and experimental studies indicating that smoking may increase the risk of various neuropsychiatric diseases, such as dementia/cognitive decline, schizophrenia/psychosis, depression, anxiety disorder, and suicidal behavior induced by structural and functional alterations of the central nervous system, mainly centered on inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. From a public health perspective, preventive measures and policies designed to counteract the global epidemic of smoking should necessarily include warnings and actions that address the risk of neuropsychiatric disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights in Psychiatry)

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26 pages, 396 KiB

Open AccessReview

Oxytocin in Schizophrenia: Pathophysiology and Implications for Future Treatment

by Kah Kheng Goh, Chun-Hsin Chen and Hsien-Yuan Lane

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(4), 2146; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22042146 - 21 Feb 2021

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 5099

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a form of mental disorder that is behaviorally characterized by abnormal behavior, such as social function deficits or other behaviors that are disconnected from reality. Dysregulation of oxytocin may play a role in regulating the expression of schizophrenia. Given oxytocin’s role [...] Read more.

Schizophrenia is a form of mental disorder that is behaviorally characterized by abnormal behavior, such as social function deficits or other behaviors that are disconnected from reality. Dysregulation of oxytocin may play a role in regulating the expression of schizophrenia. Given oxytocin’s role in social cognition and behavior, a variety of studies have examined the potential clinical benefits of oxytocin in improving the psychopathology of patients with schizophrenia. In this review, we highlight the evidence for the role of endogenous oxytocin in schizophrenia, from animal models to human studies. We further discuss the potential of oxytocin as a therapeutic agent for schizophrenia and its implication in future treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights in Psychiatry)

50 pages, 742 KiB

Open AccessReview

Beyond the Mind—Serum Trace Element Levels in Schizophrenic Patients: A Systematic Review

by Jacek Baj, Alicja Forma, Elżbieta Sitarz, Kaja Karakuła, Wojciech Flieger, Monika Sitarz, Cezary Grochowski, Ryszard Maciejewski and Hanna Karakula-Juchnowicz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(24), 9566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21249566 - 15 Dec 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5275

Abstract

The alterations in serum trace element levels are common phenomena observed in patients with different psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, or major depressive disorder. The fluctuations in the trace element concentrations might act as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of [...] Read more.

The alterations in serum trace element levels are common phenomena observed in patients with different psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, or major depressive disorder. The fluctuations in the trace element concentrations might act as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of many psychiatric and neurological disorders. This paper aimed to assess the alterations in serum trace element concentrations in patients with a diagnosed schizophrenia. The authors made a systematic review, extracting papers from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Among 5009 articles identified through database searching, 59 of them were assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 33 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. This review includes the analysis of serum levels of the following trace elements: iron, nickel, molybdenum, phosphorus, lead, chromium, antimony, uranium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, and manganese. Currently, there is no consistency regarding serum trace element levels in schizophrenic patients. Thus, it cannot be considered as a reliable prognostic or diagnostic marker of schizophrenia. However, it can be assumed that altered concentrations of those elements are crucial regarding the onset and exaggeration of either psychotic or negative symptoms or cognitive dysfunctions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights in Psychiatry)

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