Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Samantha M. Fortin, Jack Chen, Harvey J. Grill, Matthew R. Hayes
Summary: The Mes5 expresses the melanocortin-4 receptor and its activation can suppress food intake and body weight in mice. NTS POMC neurons projecting to Mes5 can be chemogenetically activated to drive a suppression in food intake, highlighting a novel circuit for modulating food intake and body weight.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Anastasiia S. Boiko, Ivan Pozhidaev, Diana Z. Paderina, Irina A. Mednova, Anastasya A. Goncharova, Olga Yu Fedorenko, Elena G. Kornetova, Arkadiy Semke, Nikolay A. Bokhan, Anton J. M. Loonen, Svetlana A. Ivanova
Summary: This study found a significant association between LEP and INSIG2 genes and MetS in patients with schizophrenia, suggesting a causal role of these two genes in the development of MetS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edyta Adamska-Patruno, Witold Bauer, Dorota Bielska, Joanna Fiedorczuk, Monika Moroz, Urszula Krasowska, Przemyslaw Czajkowski, Marta Wielogorska, Katarzyna Maliszewska, Sylwia Puckowska, Lukasz Szczerbinski, Danuta Lipinska, Maria Gorska, Adam Kretowski
Summary: The study found that the associations between MC4R genotypes and obesity and metabolic parameters may depend on daily dietary intake, with an increase in protein intake being significantly linked to increases in obesity-related parameters. This suggests potential for developing personalized diets for preventing and treating obesity and its complications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhengxiang Huang, Xuehan Lu, Lili Huang, Chunhong Zhang, Johannes D. Veldhuis, Michael A. Cowley, Chen Chen
Summary: Stimulation of endogenous GH secretion by hexarelin can improve fat metabolism in obese mice by increasing lipolysis and lipid oxidation in adipose tissue, reducing de novo lipogenesis in the liver, and leading to decreased visceral and liver fat accumulation with improved insulin sensitivity, while maintaining stable levels of insulin and IGF-1.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Idris Mohammed, Senthil Selvaraj, Wesam S. Ahmed, Tara Al-Barazenji, Ayat S. Hammad, Hajar Dauleh, Luis R. Saraiva, Mashael Al-Shafai, Khalid Hussain
Summary: The study identified two novel heterozygous variants in the MC4R gene associated with obesity and evaluated their functional impact. The variants destabilized the structure of the MC4R protein, leading to intracellular receptor retention and impaired downstream signaling pathways. In vitro analysis showed reduced cell surface receptor expression and impaired ligand binding activity, resulting in decreased cAMP production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ewelina Maculewicz, Agata Leonska-Duniec, Andrzej Mastalerz, Ewa Szarska, Aleksandra Garbacz, Tomasz Lepionka, Roman Lakomy, Anna Anyzewska, Jerzy Bertrandt
Summary: This study analyzed the associations between FTO, FABP2, LEP, LEPR, and MC4R gene polymorphisms and obesity-related parameters. The FTO A/T polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with fat mass index (FMI). In addition, gene-gene interaction analysis showed that all investigated genes had additional influence on body mass index (BMI) and FMI.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Siong Gim Ong, Roghayeh Dehghan, Rajkumar Dorajoo, Jian-Jun Liu, Andrew Anjian Sng, Yung Seng Lee, Delicia Shu Qin Ooi
Summary: The study aims to identify and functionally characterize MC3R and MC4R variants in an Asian cohort of children with severe early-onset obesity.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kah Kheng Goh, Cynthia Yi-An Chen, Tzu-Hua Wu, Chun-Hsin Chen, Mong-Liang Lu
Summary: The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in persons with schizophrenia has led to investigations into the common pathways connecting these two conditions, which may be underpinned by oxytocin system dysfunction. Current evidence suggests the existence of overlapping neurobiological features between metabolic risk factors and psychiatric symptoms, highlighting the potential role of oxytocin in understanding the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Ehsan Ullah, Raghvendra Mall, Ahmad Iskandarani, Tareq A. Samra, Farhan Cyprian, Aijaz Parray, Meis Alkasem, Ibrahem Abdalhakam, Faisal Farooq, Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra
Summary: This study found differential expression of serum metabolites and pathways between Arabic subjects with obesity and metabolic syndrome compared to subjects with obesity only. Lipids, including sphingomyelin, were significantly decreased in the group with metabolic syndrome. Non-lipid metabolites, such as quinolinate, kynurenine, and tryptophan, were also decreased in the group with metabolic syndrome. Metabolites and pathways associated with chronic inflammation were found to be dysregulated in subjects with metabolic syndrome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bashir Ahmad Laway, Mohammad Salem Baba
Summary: Sheehan syndrome caused by postpartum hemorrhage leads to pituitary hormone deficiency, resulting in various abnormalities including lipid and glucose abnormalities, increased body fat, insulin resistance, coagulation abnormalities, increased leptin concentration, low-grade inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Replacement with growth hormone in addition to standard hormone replacement improves the cardiometabolic profile of patients with Sheehan syndrome.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lars Lind, Samira Salihovic, Johan Sundstrom, Solve Elmstahl, Ulf Hammar, Koen Dekkers, Johan Arnlov, J. Gustav Smith, Gunnar Engstrom, Tove Fall
Summary: This study compared the plasma metabolome in obese subjects with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS) to normal-weight subjects without MetS. The results showed significant differences in metabolite profiles between obese and normal-weight individuals without MetS, with a gradual deterioration in metabolite profile from lean to obese to MetS. The pathways highlighted in this study, such as amino acid synthesis/metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism, may play a role in this metabolic deterioration, with insulin resistance as a potential mediator.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Qi Zhu, Yawei Xing, Yunfeng Fu, Xiaqin Chen, Langyi Guan, Foqiang Liao, Xiaodong Zhou
Summary: This study used Mendelian randomization analysis to assess the causal effect of MetS on cholelithiasis. The results showed that MetS increased the risk of cholelithiasis, especially in MetS patients with abdominal obesity. Control and treatment of MetS can effectively reduce the risk of gallstone formation.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Barbara Ferraz Barbosa, Francisco Cezar Aquino de Moraes, Camila Bordignon Barbosa, Plinio Takashi Karubi Palavicini Santos, Izael Pereira da Silva, Bruno Araujo Alves da Silva, Jamile Cristine Marques Barros, Rommel Mario Rodriguez Burbano, Ney Pereira Carneiro dos Santos, Marianne Rodrigues Fernandes
Summary: This meta-analysis study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of setmelanotide in treating severe obesity linked to MC4R deficiency. However, its use may be associated with a higher risk of skin hyperpigmentation.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aki Juhani Karajamaki, Arto Korkiakoski, Janne Hukkanen, Y. Antero Kesaniemi, Olavi Ukkola
Summary: The presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), but not obesity only, entails a greater risk of mortality and cardiovascular diseases. The risk of atrial fibrillation is increased only in subjects with both obesity and MetS. Obesity without MetS tends to progress eventually to obesity with MetS.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abdullah An Naser, Takehiro Miyazaki, Jun Wang, Shuji Takabayashi, Theeranukul Pachoensuk, Toshinobu Tokumoto
Summary: The formation of testicular teratomas in mice may be related to mutations in the Dnd1 gene, but it is not the sole factor, as other genes may be involved. Experimental studies have shown that testicular teratomas can be induced by transplanting fetal testes into adult testes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Vincent Chin-Hung Chen, Hsiang-Lin Chan, Shu- Wu, Mong-Liang Lu, Michael E. Dewey, Robert Stewart, Charles Tzu-Chi Lee
Summary: This study found that the use of methylphenidate (MPH) is associated with a reduced mortality rate among children with ADHD, while delayed use of MPH is associated with higher mortality.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Chien-Chang Lee, Meng-tse Gabriel Lee, I-Hsuan Huang, Jasmine Tan, Zachary R. McCaw, Ke-Ying Su, Tzu-Chun Hsu, Ruby Y. J. Huang, Po-Hsiu Kuo, Shyr-Chyr Chen
Summary: Using the Taiwan Biobank, this study identified associations between NGF, IL1A, IL1B genes and primary dysmenorrhea in Han Chinese women in Taiwan.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Chiao-Erh Chang, Jui Wang, Yi-Ting Lin, Chih-Chiang Chiu, Ming-Hsien Hsieh, Ming-Chyi Huang, Mong-Liang Lu, Hsi-Chung Chen, Wei J. Chen, Po-Hsiu Kuo
Summary: This study compared the clinical features, psychosocial characteristics, and comorbidity patterns between the unipolar mania (UM) and depressive-manic (D-M) subgroups. The results showed that compared to the D-M group, the UM group had more psychotic symptoms, a higher proportion of morningness chronotype, better sleep quality, higher extraversion, lower neuroticism, and less harm avoidance personality traits. Additionally, different lifetime comorbidity patterns were observed between the two groups.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Yi-Hsuan Lin, Chi-Shin Wu, Chen-Chung Liu, Po-Hsiu Kuo, Hung-Yu Chan, Wei J. Chen
Summary: The study retrospectively reviewed first-admission schizophrenia patients in Taiwan and found that patients using long-acting injectable antipsychotics had the lowest risk of readmission, with a risk reduction of 15-20% compared to oral risperidone. However, the prescription prevalence of LAIs remained low (<10%) during the follow-up period.
SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jen-Hui Chan, Hsi-Chung Chen, I. -Ming Chen, Tsung-Yang Wang, Yi-Ling Chien, Shu-I. Wu, Po-Hsiu Kuo
Summary: This study aimed to examine the association between conduct problems and mood disorders, and to evaluate the mediating roles of personality traits in it. The results showed that having more symptoms of conduct problems was associated with a higher likelihood of bipolar disorder (BD), while higher neuroticism was associated with elevated risks of both major depressive disorder (MDD) and BD. Neuroticism mediated between the association of juvenile conduct problems and adult BD.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Chun-Hao Chen, Ming-Chyi Huang, Yi-Hang Chiu, I-Ming Chen, Chun-Hsin Chen, Mong-Liang Lu, Tsung-Yang Wang, Hsi-Chung Chen, Po-Hsiu Kuo
Summary: This study found an association between eveningness preference and poor sleep quality, and this association was moderated by stress susceptibility.
NATURE AND SCIENCE OF SLEEP
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Yun-Ling Chen, Po-Hsiu Kuo
Summary: Objective depression and perceived stress are important risk factors for adolescent suicidal behaviors. This study examined the joint effects of parenting styles on suicidal ideation (SI) and attempt (SA) in early adolescents, while considering individual factors, and evaluated the role of social support in mitigating the risk. The results showed that depression, father's low care and high authoritarian parenting styles, and low acceptance and high authoritarian parenting styles were strong risk factors, while overall social support was a protective factor for SI and SA in early adolescents. Perceived stress and mother's low care and high authoritarian parenting style were also identified as risk factors for SI. Overall, family and social factors should be considered in suicidal prevention and interventions for early adolescents.
ARCHIVES OF SUICIDE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mong-Liang Lu, Wei-Chi Ku, Nailis Syifa, Shu-Chin Hu, Chia-Te Chou, Yi-Hsio Wu, Po-Hsiu Kuo, Chun-Hsin Chen, Wei J. Chen, Tzu-Hua Wu
Summary: Inadequate levels of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and the T variant of MTHFR C677T have been suggested to be associated with an increased risk of developing mental illness, whereas the PON1 SNP variant provides a protective role. This study used a sensitive LC-MS/MS system to measure 5-MTHF levels in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls in Taiwan. The results showed that schizophrenia patients had significantly lower levels of 5-MTHF compared to the healthy controls. Lower plasma 5-MTHF concentrations were observed in male subjects.
Correction
Psychiatry
Klaus Oliver Schubert, Anbupalam Thalamuthu, Azmeraw T. Amare, Joseph Frank, Fabian Streit, Mazda Adl, Nirmala Akula, Kazufumi Akiyama, Raffaella Ardau, Barbara Arias, Jean-Michel Aubry, Lena Backlund, Abesh Kumar Bhattacharjee, Frank Bellivier, Antonio Benabarre, Susanne Bengesser, Joanna M. Biernacka, Armin Birner, Cynthia Marie-Claire, Micah Cearns, Pablo Cervantes, Hsi-Chung Chen, Caterina Chillotti, Sven Cichon, Scott R. Clark, Cristiana Cruceanu, Piotr M. Czerski, Nina Dalkner, Alexandre Dayer, Franziska Degenhardt, Maria Del Zompo, J. Raymond DePaulo, Bruno Etain, Peter Falkai, Andreas J. Forstner, Louise Frisen, Mark A. Frye, Janice M. Fullerton, Sebastien Gard, Julie S. Garnham, Fernando S. Goes, Maria Grigoroiu-Serbanescu, Paul Grof, Ryota Hashimoto, Joanna Hauser, Urs Heilbronner, Stefan Herms, Per Hoffmann, Liping Hou, Yi-Hsiang Hsu, Stephane Jamain, Esther Jimenez, Jean-Pierre Kahn, Layla Kassem, Po-Hsiu Kuo, Tadafumi Kato, John Kelsoe, Sarah Kittel-Schneider, Ewa Ferensztajn-Rochowiak, Barbara Konig, Ichiro Kusumi, Gonzalo Laje, Mikael Landen, Catharina Lavebratt, Marion Leboyer, Susan G. Leckband, Mario Maj, Mirko Manchia, Lina Martinsson, Michael J. McCarthy, Susan McElroy, Francesc Colom, Marina Mitjans, Francis M. Mondimore, Palmiero Monteleone, Caroline M. Nievergelt, Markus M. Nothen, Tomas Novak, Claire O'Donovan, Norio Ozaki, Urban Osby, Sergi Papiol, Andrea Pfennig, Claudia Pisanu, James B. Potash, Andreas Reif, Eva Reininghaus, Guy A. Rouleau, Janusz K. Rybakowski, Martin Schalling, Peter R. Schofield, Barbara W. Schweizer, Giovanni Severino, Tatyana Shekhtman, Paul D. Shilling, Katzutaka Shimoda, Christian Simhandl, Claire M. Slaney, Alessio Squassina, Thomas Stamm, Pavla Stopkova, Fasil Tekola-Ayele, Alfonso Tortorella, Gustavo Turecki, Julia Veeh, Eduard Vieta, Stephanie H. Witt, Gloria Roberts, Peter P. Zandi, Martin Alda, Michael Bauer, Francis J. McMahon, Philip B. Mitchell, Thomas G. Schulze, Marcella Rietschel, Bernhard T. Baune
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Pei-Hsin Huang, Tsung-Ying Yang, Chia-Wei Yeh, Sheng-Min Huang, Ho-Ching Chang, Yun-Fen Hung, Wen-Chia Chu, Kuan-Hung Cho, Tzu-Pin Lu, Po-Hsiu Kuo, Li-Jen Lee, Li-Wei Kuo, Cheng-Chang Lien, Hwai-Jong Cheng
Summary: Mood disorders are a significant public health issue, and recent genomic studies have shown the causal relationship between molecules involved in neurodevelopment and mood disorders. In this study, Blm-s knockout mice were used to investigate the role of Blm-s in the adult brain. The results showed a link between global depletion of Blm-s and depression- and anxiety-related behaviors, as well as abnormalities in hippocampal connectivity and cellular morphology. Furthermore, certain genetic variants of the human Blm homologue gene were found to be associated with depression traits. These findings highlight the importance of BLM-s in hippocampal mood control and its potential role in anxiety and depression.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yen-Feng Lin, Wen-Hai Chou, Tung-Hsia Liu, Chiu-Ping Fang, Hsiang-Wei Kuo, Po-Hsiu Kuo, Shih-Jen Tsai, Sheng-Chang Wang, Ren-Hua Chung, Hsiao-Hui Tsou, Andrew C. H. Chen, Yu-Li Liu
Summary: The study found that the gene encoding the GABRD subunit of the GABA-A receptor is associated with amphetamine use in heroin dependent patients under MMT in Taiwan. Two genetic variants in the GABRD, rs2889475 and rs2376805, were found to be associated with the positive urine amphetamine test. The CC genotype carriers of rs2889475 showed a four times higher risk of amphetamine use than those with TT genotype, while the GG genotype carriers of rs2376805 showed a three times higher risk.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Chun- Liu, Mao-Hsiu Hua, Mong-Liang Lu, Kah Kheng Goh
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in treating adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The results showed that CBT was effective in reducing both core and emotional symptoms in adults with ADHD, as well as improving self-esteem and quality of life. Individual or group therapy demonstrated better symptom reduction compared to other interventions or usual treatment.
PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY-THEORY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Shiau-Shian Huang, Yu-Hsiang Yu, His-Han Chen, Chia-Chun Hung, Yao-Ting Wang, Chieh Hsin Chang, Syu-Jyun Peng, Po-Hsiu Kuo
Summary: This study found that the functional connectivity (FC) of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients was worse than that of controls at baseline, but improved after treatment. Responders showed better FC in the high-frequency bands than non-responders, both before and after treatment.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Kah Kheng Goh, Nobuhisa Kanahara, Yi-Hang Chiu, Mong-Liang Lu
Summary: Childhood trauma is associated with schizophrenia and social dysfunction, while oxytocin and the OXTR gene may play a role in regulating social behavior. This study found significant differences in childhood trauma exposure, social functioning, and oxytocin levels among patients with schizophrenia, with certain OXTR SNPs being associated with increased risk for the disorder. The results suggest that oxytocin and its receptor gene could be potential targets for interventions to improve social functioning in individuals with a history of childhood trauma and schizophrenia, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects and applications in this population.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
