Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barchiesi Riccardo, Chanthongdee Kanat, Petrella Michele, Xu Li, Soderholm Simon, Domi Esi, Augier Gaelle, Coppola Andrea, Joost Wiskerke, Ilona Szczot, Domi Ana, Adermark Louise, Augier Eric, Cantu Claudio, Heilig Markus, Barbier Estelle
Summary: Excessive fear is associated with anxiety disorders and is a significant global burden. This study reveals that downregulation of the histone methyltransferase PRDM2 in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex enhances fear expression by modulating fear memory consolidation. The study also demonstrates that PRDM2 knock-down in the dmPFC-BLA circuit promotes increased fear expression and the expression of genes involved in synaptogenesis. Moreover, PRDM2 knock-down increases glutamatergic release probability in the amygdala and enhances the activity of amygdala neurons in response to fear-associated cues.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danil I. I. Peregud, Valeria Yu. Baronets, Natalia N. N. Terebilina, Natalia V. V. Gulyaeva
Summary: Chronic alcohol consumption leads to disturbances in neuroplasticity, with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) playing a critical role in this process. Experimental and clinical data show that BDNF is involved in neuroplasticity in the context of alcohol dependence. Alcohol consumption in rodents causes region-specific changes in BDNF expression, as well as structural and behavioral impairments. BDNF can reverse these abnormal neuroplasticity changes observed during alcohol intoxication. Clinical data also indicate that parameters associated with BDNF are closely correlated with neuroplastic changes in alcohol dependence, with the rs6265 polymorphism and peripheral BDNF concentration serving as potential biomarkers, diagnostic or prognostic factors in the treatment of alcohol abuse.
BIOCHEMISTRY-MOSCOW
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
So-Ryoung Lee, Eue-Keun Choi, Jin-Hyung Jung, Kyung-Do Han, Seil Oh, Gregory Y. H. Lip
Summary: This study found that patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation who abstained from alcohol or were non-drinkers had a lower risk of ischemic stroke compared to current drinkers.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Delphine C. Malherbe, Ilhem Messaoudi
Summary: Drinking alcohol, even in moderation, can have disproportionate effects on the immune system, particularly on myeloid cells. These effects depend on the pattern of alcohol exposure, with acute drinking dampening inflammatory mediators and chronic drinking enhancing their production. Alcohol's impact on myeloid cells is thought to be mediated by oxidative stress and changes in cellular epigenetic landscapes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Julien Guiraud, Giovanni Addolorato, Henri-Jean Aubin, Philippe Batel, Andrea de Bejczy, Fabio Caputo, Anna E. Goudriaan, Antoni Gual, Otto Lesch, Icro Maremmani, Pascal Perney, Roch Poulnais, Quentin Raffaillac, Bo Soderpalm, Rainer Spanagel, Henriette Walter, Wim van den Brink
Summary: The phase IIb trial of sodium oxybate (SMO) for maintaining abstinence in alcohol dependent patients showed that while the primary endpoint was not significant, there were significant improvements in the severe group. A high placebo response may have affected the results.
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Manuel Rodriguez, Maria Luisa Gonzalez-Dieguez, Maria Varela, Valle Cadahia, Sara Maria Andres-Vizan, Alicia Mesa, Andres Castano, Carmen Alvarez-Navascues
Summary: Alcohol abstinence can reduce the risk of HCC in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis, particularly in those without a history of decompensated disease. Early diagnosis of alcohol-related liver disease and strategies to achieve and maintain abstinence are crucial for this population.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Jean-Louis Nandrino, Caroline Claisse, Christelle Duprez, Lydie Defrance, Emmanuelle Brunelle, Mickael Naassila, Marie-Charlotte Gandolphe
Summary: The study aimed to assess the benefits of enhanced emotional regulation strategies in abstinent individuals with alcohol use disorders using the ART program. Results showed improvements in emotional regulation and mindfulness, particularly in short-term abstinent individuals. This highlights the effectiveness of ART in promoting rapid implementation of new emotion regulation strategies in individuals recovering from alcohol use disorders.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Subathra Brammanathan, Raka Jain, Siddharth Sarkar, Rahul Raghav, Rajesh Sagar
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with alcohol dependence, depression, and comorbid alcohol dependence with depression. The results showed that the BDNF levels in patients with comorbid depression and alcohol dependence were significantly lower compared to the other two groups.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Andrei Garziera Valerio, Felipe Ornell, Vinicius Serafini Roglio, Juliana Nichterwitz Scherer, Jaqueline Bohrer Schuch, Giovana Bristot, Flavio Pechansky, Flavio Kapczinski, Felix Henrique Paim Kessler, Lisia von Diemen
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of alcohol withdrawal on BDNF levels in severe alcohol users and assessed potential confounding factors. The results showed an increase in BDNF levels during alcohol withdrawal, with individuals with a family history of alcohol dependence having smaller increases in BDNF levels.
TRENDS IN PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ming-Fen Ho, Cheng Zhang, Irene Moon, Joanna Biernacka, Brandon Coombes, Quyen Ngo, Cedric Skillon, Michelle Skime, Tyler Oesterle, Paul E. Croarkin, Victor M. Karpyak, Hu Li, Richard M. Weinshilboum
Summary: This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of FGF21 and its long-acting analog in iPSC-derived forebrain neurons, revealing their promotion of GABA levels and involvement in the epigenetic regulation of genes related to GABA catabolism.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Shihang Zhou, Hongliang Zeng, Jinhua Huang, Li Lei, Xiaoliang Tong, Si Li, Ying Zhou, Haoran Guo, Manal Khan, Liping Luo, Rong Xiao, Jing Chen, Qinghai Zeng
Summary: Melanogenesis is a complex process involving multiple genes and signaling pathways, with epigenetics playing a key role in regulating the expression of key genes. Epigenetic-based therapy provides novel opportunities for treating dermatoses caused by pigmentation disturbances.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jae-woo Leea, Seung-Young Roh, Woong-Su Yoon, Jinseob Kim, Eunseo Jo, Dae-Hwan Bae, Min Kim, Ju-Hee Lee, Sang Min Kim, Woong Gil Choi, Jang-Whan Bae, Kyung-Kuk Hwang, Dong-Woon Kim, Myeong-Chan Cho, Ye-Seul Kim, Yonghwan Kim, Hyo-Sun You, Hee-Taik Kan, Dae-In Lee
Summary: The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heavy habitual drinkers can be reduced by absolute abstinence, according to this study. However, reducing alcohol consumption does not have a significant effect on AF incidence. These findings highlight the importance of promoting alcohol abstinence in heavy drinkers.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anastasia Levchenko, Sergey Malov, Alexey Antonik, Anastasia Protsvetkina, Kseniya V. Rybakova, Alexander Kanapin, Alexey N. Yakovlev, Anna Y. Nenasteva, Anton E. Nikolishin, Nikolay Cherkasov, Natalia A. Chuprova, Anna S. Blagonravova, Angelica V. Sergeeva, Tatyana V. Zhilyaeva, Maria K. Denisenko, Raul R. Gainetdinov, Alexander O. Kibitov, Evgeny M. Krupitsky
Summary: This study identifies a significant association between a genetic variant and alcohol dependence (AD) in female patients. Other genetic variants previously associated with psychiatric and addiction traits show different associations with AD and related clinical measures in male and female patients. Bioinformatic analysis reveals that the associated genetic variants control the expression of 80 protein-coding genes, many of which directly interact with previously published genes associated with alcohol phenotypes, with BDNF being the most important hub gene.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nela Pivac, Gordana Nedic Erjavec, Marina Sagud, Matea Nikolac Perkovic, Lucija Tudor, Suzana Uzun, Zrnka Kovacic Petrovic, Marcela Konjevod, Anja Dvojkovic, Oliver Kozumplik, Dubravka Svob Strac, Tina Peraica, Ninoslav Mimica, Maja Zivkovic, Mika Hirasawa-Fujita, Edward F. Domino
Summary: The study found a significant association between smoking and BDNF C270T polymorphism, rather than BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. This association was confirmed in healthy subjects but not in patients with mental disorders, and was not related to the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Yi Wang, Lawrence Berger, Christine Durrance, Russell S. Kirby, Daphne Kuo, Jessica Pac, Deborah B. Ehrenthal
Summary: Prenatal exposure to prescription opioid analgesics is associated with the incidence of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), particularly when exposure lasts for more than 30 days and occurs in the late stages of pregnancy (third trimester).
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Johannes Achenbach, Lilly Volkmann, Anh-Thu Tran, Burkard Jaeger, Mathias Rhein, Alexander Glahn, Michael Bernateck, Matthias Karst
Summary: Patients with chronic pain often have multifactorial underlying conditions without concrete pathological physical findings. Functional somatic syndromes and somatoform disorders are highly prevalent and often associated with adverse childhood experiences and chronic stress. This study found a distinct neurohumoral profile in female patients with multisomatoform disorder, indicating a dysregulated response to chronic stress and metabolic balance.
Article
Pediatrics
Nina Pfisterer, Fiona Meyer-Bockenkamp, Dong Qu, Vanessa Preuss, Thomas Rothamel, Dorothee Geisenberger, Katharina Laer, Benedikt Vennemann, Anne Albers, Theresa A. Engelmann, Helge Frieling, Mathias Rhein, Michael Klintschar
Summary: The study suggests that genetic variations in the 5-HTT gene may play a role in increasing the risk of SIDS, particularly the L allele. However, the intron 2 VNTR polymorphism and Ile425Val polymorphism do not show significant effects on the development of SIDS.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tristan Zindler, Helge Frieling, Lena Fliedner, Ilya M. Veer, Alexandra Neyazi, Swapnil Awasthi, Stephan Ripke, Henrik Walter, Eva Friedel
Summary: This study identified the association between alcohol dependence and accelerated ageing, finding that abstinence can slow down the ageing process observed in AUD patients, while relapse may lead to an even faster ageing phenotype. Genetic liability for AUD did not seem to influence epigenetic ageing in this study.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bocwinska-Kiluk Beata, Jelski Wojciech, Kornhuber Johannes, Lewczuk Piotr, Mroczko Barbara
Summary: There is a lack of empirical research on non-pharmacological interventions for Alzheimer's disease (AD) globally. This paper examines the biochemical, clinical, and social aspects of AD in relation to psychological interventions and their impact on patients' quality of life. Despite limited research, psychological interventions based on biochemical and other studies show potential for improving emotional well-being and slowing disease progression in AD patients. However, no effective methods of AD treatment have been established to date.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christiane Muehle, Johannes Kornhuber
Summary: The activity of neutral sphingomyelinase (NSM) has been detected in human serum and plasma samples, which hydrolyzes fluorescently labeled sphingomyelin to ceramide. This discovery could lead to the development of new biomarkers or therapeutic targets for diseases affected by sphingolipid derangements.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caroline Swoboda, Lena Deloch, Claudia von Zimmermann, Tanja Richter-Schmidinger, Bernd Lenz, Johannes Kornhuber, Christiane Muehle
Summary: This study investigated the potential of MIF at genetic, expression, and protein levels as a risk factor and biomarker for diagnosing, monitoring, or predicting MDD. The results suggest a genetic effect of MIF in women but do not provide strong evidence for its utility as a biomarker for MDD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Wiebke Arfmann, Johannes Achenbach, Fiona Meyer-Bockenkamp, Phileas J. Proskynitopoulos, Adrian Groh, Marc A. N. Muschler, Alexander Glahn, Lars Hagemeier, Vanessa Preuss, Michael Klintschar, Helge Frieling, Mathias Rhein
Summary: This study investigates the methylation of the DRD2 gene in blood and brain tissue, and finds altered transcription of the DRD2 gene in AUD patients, affecting reward response in the brain. While methylation in specific brain regions and blood is comparable, blood methylation may not accurately represent DRD2 promoter methylation in the brain.
ALCOHOL AND ALCOHOLISM
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian P. Mueller, Gunter Schumann, Jurgen Rehm, Johannes Kornhuber, Bernd Lenz
Summary: Self-management includes behavioral measures and cognitive activities aimed at coping with challenges throughout the lifespan. Alcohol consumption has been used as a tool to support coping with specific problems during adolescence, adulthood, and aging. This systematic review provides evidence of non-addictive alcohol use for self-managing developmental issues and psychiatric symptoms, as well as the neuropharmacological effects of alcohol. Adverse effects and risks associated with alcohol use for self-management are discussed, and a new perspective is suggested to implement harm-controlled self-management with alcohol.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Iulia Zoicas, Christiane Muehle, Fabian Schumacher, Burkhard Kleuser, Johannes Kornhuber
Summary: Currently, there are no animal models available for studying specific social fear and social fear with comorbidities. This study investigated whether social fear conditioning (SFC), an animal model for social anxiety disorder (SAD), leads to comorbidities and how it affects brain sphingolipid metabolism. The results showed that SFC altered emotional behavior and brain sphingolipid metabolism in a time-dependent manner. Social fear alone did not cause changes in non-social anxiety or depressive behavior, but comorbid depression developed five weeks after SFC, accompanied by alterations in sphingolipid metabolism in various brain regions.
Article
Pediatrics
Stefan A. Mestermann, Peter A. W. Fasching, Matthias W. Beckmann, Jennifer Gerlach, Oliver H. Kratz, Gunther H. Moll, Johannes Kornhuber, Anna Eichler
Summary: Pregnancy anamnesis is crucial for child and adolescent psychiatry diagnostics. This study aimed to evaluate women's recall of prenatal events and found that retrospective self-reporting was not always accurate. The reliability of self-reporting on prenatal alcohol, smoking, partnership quality, pregnancy satisfaction, and obstetric complications varied.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Leonard P. Wenger, Oliver Hamm, Christiane Muehle, Sabine Hoffmann, Iris Reinhard, Patrick Bach, Johannes Kornhuber, Georg W. Alpers, Falk Kiefer, Tagrid Lemenager, Bernd Lenz
Summary: In this study, it was found that alcohol may affect trust in others not through modulation of oxytocin and androgens, but by inhibiting an increase in dihydrotestosterone. The study also confirmed the effects of alcohol on positive affect and risk-taking. These findings provide novel mechanistic insight into the influence of alcohol on social facilitation.
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Eva-Maria Siegmann, Pauline Olm, Bernd Lenz, Christiane Muehle, Timo Jan Oberstein, Juan Manuel Maler, Johannes Kornhuber, Christopher M. William
Summary: This study examined the relationship between 2D:4D and the development and severity of AD. The results showed no significant association between 2D:4D and AD, but suggested a potential role of 2D:4D in depression in women.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Nicolas Hoertel, Katayoun Rezaei, Marina Sanchez-Rico, Alfonso Delgado-Alvarez, Johannes Kornhuber, Erich Gulbins, Mark Olfson, Charles Ouazana-Vedrines, Alexander Carpinteiro, Celine Cougoule, Katrin Anne Becker, Jesus M. Alvarado, Frederic Limosin
Summary: The study suggests that the use of medications inhibiting acid sphingomyelinase (FIASMA) can reduce the risk of mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The multicenter retrospective observational study included 72,105 adult patients and found a significant association between FIASMA medication use and reduced 28-day mortality risk.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Stefan Mestermann, Marie A. Arndt, Peter W. Fasching, Matthias Beckmann, Oliver H. Kratz, Gunther Moll, Johannes Kornhuber, Anna Eichler, IMAC Mind Consortium
Summary: This study analyzed paternal contributions to child well-being and found that father psychopathology significantly predicted girls' quality of life, while maternal parenting behavior had a significant influence on boys' quality of life. Fathers face different individual stressors and have different parenting behavior compared to mothers, but their influences are still significant, especially for daughters. Therefore, father-addressed pre- and intervention programs in child psychotherapeutic treatment are of high relevance.
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Monique L. Mefrouche, Eva-Maria Siegmann, Stephanie Boehme, Matthias Berking, Johannes Kornhuber
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of digital-based mindfulness interventions on depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms during pregnancy. The results indicated that digital mindfulness interventions were effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, but had no significant effect on stress symptoms. The attrition rate and primiparity were found to moderate the intervention effect.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATION IN HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Hannah Meijs, Helena Voetterl, Alexander T. Sack, Hanneke van Dijk, Bieke De Wilde, Jan Van Hecke, Peter Niemegeers, Evian Gordon, Jurjen J. Luykx, Martijn Arns
Summary: This study used a polygenic score (PGS) and electroencephalography (EEG) data analysis to identify potential predictors for treatment outcomes in major depressive disorder (MDD). The results suggest the existence of a stable EEG network related to antidepressant-response that has potential as a predictor for MDD treatment, particularly in the case of venlafaxine.
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
