Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Henry K. Karlsson, Lauri Tuominen, Semi Helin, Paulina Salminen, Pirjo Nuutila, Lauri Nummenmaa
Summary: Bariatric surgery is the most effective method for treating morbid obesity, with significant individual variability in postoperative weight outcomes. Brain receptor systems such as MOR may play a key role in predicting weight development post-surgery, offering new potential for treatment possibilities.
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Anil Joshi, Marion Schott, Susanne Eva la Fleur, Michel Barrot
Summary: Food intake is a necessary behavior for all animals, but excessive consumption of fat and sugar can lead to obesity. This review provides insights into the impact of food intake on the striatal complex and the modulation of palatable food intake by different neurochemical systems.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Simeone Marino, Hassan Jassar, Dajung J. J. Kim, Manyoel Lim, Thiago D. D. Nascimento, Ivo D. D. Dinov, Robert A. A. Koeppe, Alexandre F. F. DaSilva
Summary: This study utilized a novel machine learning method to accurately identify migraine patients based on the analysis of central mu-opioid and dopamine D2/D3 receptors. The results showed that dysfunction in the μ-opioid and D2/D3 receptors in the neurotransmission of migraine patients may partly explain the severe impact of migraine and associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Alexander Soutschek, Susanna C. Weber, Thorsten Kahnt, Boris B. Quednow, Philippe N. Tobler
Summary: The study found that pharmacological manipulations can affect human desires for rewards rather than preferences, with stronger neural connectivity. Opioid receptors impact reward motivation, whereas dopamine receptors do not affect behavior or neural activity.
Article
Neurosciences
Bernard N. Johnson, Ashish Kumar, Yixin Su, Sangeeta Singh, Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai, Susan H. Nader, Songye Li, Beth A. Reboussin, Yiyun Huang, Gagan Deep, Michael A. Nader
Summary: Recent PET studies have shown that there are significant relationships between kappa opioid receptors (KOR) availability and social status as well as cocaine choice in humans. This study aimed to examine the KOR availability in socially housed, cocaine-naive female and male monkeys using PET imaging, and also analyzed peripheral measures of KORs with neuron-derived extracellular vesicles (NDE). The results revealed that there were significant interactions between sex and social rank in KOR availability, with higher KOR availability found in subordinate female monkeys compared to dominant ones, while the opposite was observed among males but not statistically significant. This study highlights the importance of KOR in understanding vulnerability to drug abuse and sex differences, and its detectability in peripheral circulation.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Yasuharu Yamamoto, Keisuke Takahata, Manabu Kubota, Harumasa Takano, Hiroyoshi Takeuchi, Yasuyuki Kimura, Yasunori Sano, Shin Kurose, Hiroshi Ito, Masaru Mimura, Makoto Higuchi
Summary: The study revealed a significant positive correlation between DA synthesis capacity and DA transporter availability in the putamen, but no significant correlation between DA synthesis capacity and D2 receptor availability in the striatum, indicating a relationship between DA synthesis capacity and reuptake, while the total abundance of D2 receptors may not directly participate in the regulatory mechanism.
Article
Neurosciences
Finnegan J. Calabroab, David F. Montezad, Bart Larsen, Charles M. Laymon, William Foran, Michael N. Hallquist, Julie C. Price, Beatriz Luna
Summary: Converging evidence suggests that mesolimbic processing in the brain is responsible for reward learning behaviors by computing reward prediction errors. However, there is also evidence supporting the role of human dopamine signaling in the basal ganglia for generating higher order learning heuristics. In this study, using simultaneous task fMRI and PET imaging, researchers found that striatal dopaminergic signaling interacts with a network of cortical regions to generate task-optimal learning strategies, rather than solely representing reward outcomes.
Article
Substance Abuse
David Matuskey, Gustavo A. Angarita, Patrick Worhunsky, Sheida Koohsari, Paul Gravel, Brian Pittman, Edward C. Gaiser, Jean-Dominque Gallezot, Nabeel Nabulsi, Yiyun Huang, Richard E. Carson, Marc N. Potenza, Robert T. Malison
Summary: This study found that in individuals with CUD, obesity was not associated with significant differences in D2/3R availability, and BMI was inversely correlated with BP(ND) in the SN/VTA. These findings contrast with previous studies in non-CUD individuals, suggesting that CUD may lead to dysregulation of D3R.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Gui-Ying Zan, Yu-Jun Wang, Xue-Ping Li, Jun-Fan Fang, Song-Yu Yao, Jun-Ying Du, Qian Wang, Xiang Sun, Rui Liu, Xiao-Mei Shao, Jian-Dong Long, Jing-Rui Chai, Ying-Zhi Deng, Ye-Qing Chen, Qing-Lin Li, Jian-Qiao Fang, Zhi-Qiang Liu, Jing-Gen Liu
Summary: The study reveals that morphine abstinence activates KORs by increasing endogenous KOR ligand dynorphin expression in the amygdala, leading to upregulation of GLT1 expression and subsequent modulation of glutamate inputs to the NAc, resulting in depressive-like behaviors associated with opiate abstinence.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siroshini K. Thiagarajan, Siew Ying Mok, Satoshi Ogawa, Ishwar S. Parhar, Pek Yee Tang
Summary: This study used zebrafish as a biological model to assess the molecular and behavioral changes associated with schizophrenia, opioid addiction, and withdrawal. The findings suggest that there may be common mechanisms underlying schizophrenia-like symptoms and opioid dependence.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Stephanie Kullmann, Dominik Blum, Benjamin Assad Jaghutriz, Christoph Gassenmaier, Benjamin Bender, Hans-Ulrich Haering, Gerald Reischl, Hubert Preissl, Christian la Fougere, Andreas Fritsche, Matthias Reimold, Martin Heni
Summary: This study demonstrates that central administration of insulin can impact dopaminergic activity in the striatum, which in turn affects regional brain activity and connectivity. The interaction between insulin and dopamine and the regulation of whole-body metabolism through a complex network are further elucidated by our findings.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Kyoungjune Pak, Lauri Nummenmaa
Summary: This study investigated the association between dopamine receptor availability and overweight/obesity using Bayesian and frequentist meta-analysis. The results showed that there was no difference in dopamine receptor availability between lean and overweight/obese subjects, but this effect was dependent on the radiopharmaceutical and the degree of obesity.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yuen-Siang Ang, Cristina Cusin, Yoann Petibon, Daniel G. Dillon, Micah Breiger, Emily L. Belleau, Marc Normandin, Hans Schroder, Sean Boyden, Emma Hayden, M. Taylor Levine, Aava Jahan, Ashley K. Meyer, Min Su Kang, Devon Brunner, Steven E. Gelda, Jacob Hooker, Georges El Fakhri, Maurizio Fava, Diego A. Pizzagalli
Summary: This study investigated option generation in major depressive disorder and how dopamine might modulate this process, as well as the effects of modafinil on option generation in healthy individuals. The findings showed that patients with major depressive disorder generated fewer but more unique options, and dopamine activity in the putamen played a key role in option generation. Modafinil was also found to reduce the creativity of options produced by healthy individuals.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yongsheng Zhu, Kejia Wang, Tengfei Ma, Yuanyuan Ji, Yin Lou, Xiaoyu Fu, Ye Lu, Yige Liu, Wei Dang, Qian Zhang, Fangyuan Yin, Kena Wang, Bing Yu, Hongbo Zhang, Jianghua Lai, Yunpen Wang
Summary: This study identified neural pathways involved in controlling depressive-like behaviors and acute withdrawal symptoms after morphine withdrawal. Furthermore, a new DBS treatment protocol was developed to reverse abnormal plasticity and alleviate withdrawal symptoms and depressive-like behaviors.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andreas-Antonios Roussakis, Zhou Zeng, Nicholas P. Lao-Kaim, Antonio Martin-Bastida, Paola Piccini
Summary: The study found that in moderate-stage Parkinson's disease, asymmetry in striatal dopaminergic degeneration becomes less prominent over time, while the asymmetry of motor symptoms remains consistent between the clinically most and least affected body sides.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Denise Ollas-Skogster, Pirkko Rautakoski, David Bridgett, Eeva-Leena Kataja, Hasse Karlsson, Linnea Karlsson, Saara Nolvi
Summary: Self-regulation and negative affectivity are related to early communicative development, but the nature of their relations is complex and not well understood. This study suggests that self-regulation may be both a risk and protective factor for early language development.
Editorial Material
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kyoungjune Pak, Tuulia Malen, Severi Santavirta, Seunghyeon Shin, Hyun-Yeol Nam, Sven De Maeyer, Lauri Nummenmaa
Article
Neurosciences
Kyoungjune Pak, Tatu Kantonen, Laura Pekkarinen, Pirjo Nuutila, Lauri Nummenmaa
Summary: This study aimed to integrate genomic mapping with protein expression from PET scans to compare the predictive power of CB1 receptor with other neuroreceptors/transporters. The results showed moderate to strong correlations between gene and protein expression for CB1 receptor, as well as other genes, which is important for improving and accelerating drug development.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Ru Li, Jani Kajanoja, Jetro J. Tuulari, Linnea Karlsson, Hasse Karlsson, Max Karukivi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and food addiction, as well as to evaluate the validity of the YFAS-F in assessing food addiction. The results showed a positive correlation between alexithymia and food addiction. Additionally, the YFAS-F was confirmed as a valid tool for evaluating food addiction. These findings have important clinical implications for interventions.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Niloofar Hashempour, Jetro J. Tuulari, Harri Merisaari, Henriette Acosta, John D. Lewis, Juho Pelto, Noora M. Scheinin, Vladimir S. Fonov, D. Louis Collins, Satu J. Lehtola, Jani Saunavaara, Tuire Lahdesmaki, Riitta Parkkola, Linnea Karlsson, Hasse Karlsson
Summary: Exposures to prenatal maternal depressive symptoms (PMDS) may lead to sex-dependent neurodevelopmental changes in the offspring, particularly in subcortical structures like the amygdala. This study used diffusion tensor imaging to investigate the associations between PMDS measured at different prenatal stages and infant amygdala microstructural properties. The results showed that PMDS had no significant main effect on amygdala microstructure, but there was a significant interaction effect between PMDS and infant sex. Boys exposed to greater PMDS during gestational week 14 exhibited higher left amygdala mean diffusivity (MD) compared to girls. These findings suggest a link between PMDS and amygdala microstructure in boys, which may have implications for later neuropsychiatric outcomes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Venla Kumpulainen, Harri Merisaari, Eero Silver, Anni Copeland, Elmo P. Pulli, John D. Lewis, Ekaterina Saukko, Satu J. Shulist, Jani Saunavaara, Riitta Parkkola, Tuire Laehdesmaeki, Linnea Karlsson, Hasse Karlsson, Jetro J. Tuulari
Summary: The rapid early-life white matter maturation is followed by slower and long-lasting development, accompanied by the learning of more complex skills. By the age of 5, differences in behavior and cognition between females and males as well as brain lateralization functions such as language skills start to appear. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to measure the fractional anisotropy (FA) within the white matter, with higher values indicating more advanced brain development. This study examined the normal features of white matter development in early childhood using DTI data from 166 healthy infants (mean age 3.8 weeks) and 144 healthy children (mean age 5.4 years). The results showed sex differences and age-dependent changes in white matter development, as well as the presence of asymmetry in white matter microstructure in infants.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lauri Nummenmaa, Tuulia Malen, Sanaz Nazari-Farsani, Kerttu Seppala, Lihua Sun, Severi Santavirta, Henry K. Karlsson, Matthew Hudson, Jussi Hirvonen, Mikko Sams, Sophie Scott, Vesa Putkinen
Summary: In this study, using naturalistic functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) approach, the researchers investigated the brain basis of perceiving laughter and crying. They found that laughter induced widespread activity in ventral visual cortex and superior and middle temporal and motor cortices, while crying activated thalamus, cingulate cortex, insula and orbitofrontal cortex. They were able to accurately predict laughter and crying episodes from the brain activity, with superior temporal cortex playing a significant role. These findings suggest that perceiving laughter and crying involve distinct neural networks that suppress each other to manage appropriate behavioral responses.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marco Bucci, Patricia Iozzo, Harri Merisaari, Ville Huovinen, Heta Lipponen, Katri Raikkonen, Riitta Parkkola, Minna Salonen, Samuel Sandboge, Johan Gunnar Eriksson, Lauri Nummenmaa, Pirjo Nuutila
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal obesity on brain structure and metabolism in frail women and their reversibility in response to exercise. The results showed that offspring of lean/normal-weight mothers had higher white matter density compared to offspring of obese/overweight mothers. Exercise intervention resulted in an increase in white matter density, with a greater effect observed in offspring of lean/normal-weight mothers. These findings suggest that exercise has an impact on brain morphology and cognition in elderly frail women.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mueez U-Din, Eleni Rebelos, Teemu Saari, Tarja Niemi, Katharina Kuellmer, Olli Eskola, Tobias Fromme, Johan Rajander, Markku Taittonen, Martin Klingenspor, Pirjo Nuutila, Lauri Nummenmaa, Kirsi A. Virtanen
Summary: The expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) in supraclavicular brown adipose tissue (BAT) is directly related to brain metabolism during cold stress. This relationship is observed in various brain regions, such as the hypothalamus, medulla, and frontal lobe. Future research is needed to determine the clinical implications of these findings, particularly in relation to cognitive functions under cold stress.
Article
Neurosciences
Elmo P. Pulli, Saara Nolvi, Eeva Eskola, Elisabeth Nordenswan, Eeva Holmberg, Anni Copeland, Venla Kumpulainen, Eero Silver, Harri Merisaari, Jani Saunavaara, Riitta Parkkola, Tuire Lahdesmaki, Ekaterina Saukko, Eeva-Leena Kataja, Riikka Korja, Linnea Karlsson, Hasse Karlsson, Jetro J. Tuulari
Summary: Non-verbal cognitive ability has predictive value for various important aspects of life, such as school and job performance. This study examined the associations between cortical anatomy and non-verbal cognitive ability in 165 5-year-old children. The results showed positive associations between non-verbal cognitive ability and volumes/surface areas in specific brain regions, highlighting the importance of cortical structure in cognitive development in young children.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ru Li, Jani Kajanoja, Linnea Karlsson, Hasse Karlsson, Saara Nolvi, Max Karukivi
Summary: This study examines the longitudinal patterns of alcohol use and psychological symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of alexithymic traits in predicting mental health problems. The findings reveal three different profiles of alcohol use and transitions between them, highlighting the stronger influence of alexithymia on risky drinking. The study provides implications for tailoring preventive and therapeutic measures based on individual characteristics.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Nicola Morrice, Susanne Vainio, Kirsi Mikkola, Lidy van Aalten, Jennifer R. Gallagher, Michael L. J. Ashford, Alison D. McNeilly, Rory J. McCrimmon, Alexandra Grosfeld, Patricia Serradas, Jukka Koffert, Ewan R. Pearson, Pirjo Nuutila, Calum Sutherland
Summary: This study aims to investigate the impact of the glucose transporter SLC2A2 on the response to metformin treatment, and reveals the differential response to metformin depending on SLC2A2 expression. It also provides evidence that metformin can modify glucose transport in the gut, contributing to its efficacy. Additionally, this study identifies an important role for this transporter in maintaining efficient glucose homoeostasis during aging.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Johanna Paivarinta, Ioanna A. A. Anastasiou, Niina Koivuviita, Kanishka Sharma, Pirjo Nuutila, Ele Ferrannini, Anna Solini, Eleni Rebelos
Summary: Thanks to medical imaging technology, the study of renal anatomy and physiology has advanced. However, difficulties in studying the metabolism and vasculature of the human kidney have limited research in these areas. This review provides an overview of recent findings on renal perfusion, oxygenation, and substrate uptake. The use of PET and fMRI has allowed for the evaluation of renal perfusion and the effects of therapeutic agents on kidney hemodynamics. Despite limited studies, these imaging modalities offer promising prospects for understanding renal pathophysiology in various diseases.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Hetti Lahtela, Saara Nolvi, Marjo Flykt, Eeva-Leena Kataja, Eeva Eskola, Juho Pelto, David J. Bridgett, Hasse Karlsson, Linnea Karlsson, Riikka Korja
Summary: Studies have shown conflicting results regarding the impacts of mother-infant interaction and maternal distress on children's negative emotional reactivity. This study examined the influences of maternal Emotional Availability and psychological distress on negative reactivity among children, and also explored the potential moderating effect of mother-infant interaction. Multiple methods, including questionnaires, observations, and maternal reports, were used to overcome limitations of previous single-method studies. The findings suggest that higher maternal sensitivity and structuring at 8 months are associated with lower mother-reported negative reactivity at 24 months, while higher postnatal distress is linked to higher parent-reported negative reactivity at 12 and 24 months, even when controlling for prenatal distress and the quality of mother-infant interaction. Mother-infant interaction and maternal distress did not have a direct association with observed child negative reactivity, and no moderation effect of mother-infant interaction was found regarding the relationship between maternal distress and children's negative emotional reactivity. These findings highlight the importance of developing interventions to reduce maternal distress symptoms and enhance maternal sensitivity and structuring to prevent potential harmful effects on child negative reactivity.
INFANT BEHAVIOR & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Katja Tervahartiala, Saara Nolvi, Eeva-Leena Kataja, Milka Seppala, Tuomo-Artturi Autere, Hetti Hakanen, Hasse Karlsson, Alice Carter, Linnea Karlsson, Riikka Korja
Summary: Toddlerhood is a critical period for socio-emotional development, and the impact of different childcare settings on child development is still debated. This study investigated social competence and socio-emotional problems in two-year-old children in Finland who were either in out-of-home, center-based childcare or cared for at home by parents. The findings suggested that toddlers in out-of-home, center-based childcare had higher internalizing symptoms according to mothers' reports. However, no significant differences were found regarding externalizing symptoms or social competence. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of different types of childcare on socio-emotional development.
EUROPEAN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)