Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Balazs Simon, Andras Buzas, Peter Bokor, Krisztina Csabafi, Katalin Eszter Ibos, Eva Bodnar, Laszlo Torok, Imre Foldesi, Andrea Siska, Zsolt Bagosi
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of alcohol intoxication and withdrawal on neurohormones and neurotransmitters in the brain. Specifically, the researchers focused on the involvement of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), as well as the two CRF receptors (CRF1 and CRF2). The results showed that the changes in neuroendocrine levels were mediated by CRF1, except for the changes in AVP concentration which were not mediated by CRF receptors.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Veronika Kondev, Mustafa Najeed, Niharika Loomba, Jordan Brown, Danny G. Winder, Brad A. Grueter, Sachin Patel
Summary: This study reveals the role of endogenous cannabinoid signaling in regulating the function of interneurons in the nucleus accumbens. The researchers found that the signaling selectively regulates glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission onto specific interneurons, while also increasing their excitability. These findings highlight the importance of endogenous cannabinoids in shaping neural circuits and plasticity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Wanhong Zuo, Qikang Zuo, Liangzhi Wu, Qinghua Mei, Manan Shah, Jiayi Zheng, Ding Li, Ying Xu, Jiang-Hong Ye
Summary: The study showed that in alcohol-withdrawing rats, corticotropin-releasing factor signaling in the lateral habenula can facilitate glutamate transmission, increase anxiety-like behaviors, and promote alcohol consumption. Modulation of these effects by activating different CRF receptors suggests that CRF signaling in the lateral habenula plays a crucial role in adaptation after alcohol withdrawal.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Rapheal G. Williams, Kevin H. Li, Paul E. M. Phillips
Summary: This study found that stress affects the interaction between CRF and dopamine in the core of the nucleus accumbens, which in turn affects performance in a reward-based decision-making task. Dopamine and CRF have different effects on different behavioral aspects.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Felipe V. Gomes, Anthony A. Grace
Summary: Although currently available antipsychotic drugs can reduce psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia patients, they have numerous side effects and are not effective against negative and cognitive symptoms. Developing new drugs that target the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain may offer a more effective approach in treating schizophrenia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel J. Kalamarides, Aditi Singh, Shannon L. Wolfman, John A. Dani
Summary: The effectiveness of current treatments for opioid use disorder varies by sex, and there is a lack of understanding about the neurobiological mechanisms mediating negative states during withdrawal, particularly in terms of sex differences. Preclinical research in male subjects suggests that opioid withdrawal is accompanied by increased GABA release probability in the VTA. However, it is uncertain if these findings extend to females. In this study, it was found that inhibitory synaptic long-term potentiation is occluded in the VTA in male mice after repeated morphine injections and withdrawal, while female mice maintain the ability to evoke synaptic potentiation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Alvin S. Chiu, Matthew C. Kang, Laura L. Huerta Sanchez, Anne M. Fabella, Kalysta N. Holder, Brooke D. Barger, Kristina N. Elias, Christina B. Shin, C. Leonardo Jimenez Chavez, Tod E. Kippin, Karen K. Szumlinski
Summary: The study found that single oral dosing with everolimus can reduce cocaine craving in addicted rats and reverse changes in vmPFC kinase activity and mGlu expression associated with cocaine craving. This effect may be achieved by facilitating the consolidation of extinction memory.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberto Pagano, Ahmad Salamian, Janusz Zielinski, Anna Beroun, Maria Nalberczak-Skora, Edyta Skonieczna, Anna Caly, Nicole Tay, Tobias Banaschewski, Sylvane Desrivieres, Antoine Grigis, Hugh Garavan, Andreas Heinz, Ruediger Bruehl, Jean-Luc Martinot, Marie-Laure Paillere Martinot, Eric Artiges, Frauke Nees, Dimitri Papadopoulos Orfanos, Luise Poustka, Sarah Hohmann, Juliane H. Froehner, Michael N. Smolka, Nilakshi Vaidya, Henrik Walter, Robert Whelan, Katarzyna Kalita, Haruhiko Bito, Christian P. Mueller, Gunter Schumann, Hiroyuki Okuno, Kasia Radwanska
Summary: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic and fatal disease with a high likelihood of relapse. This study identifies a mechanism involving the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc)/ARG3.1-dependent plasticity of amygdala synapses that selectively controls cue-induced alcohol relapse and AUD symptoms. In humans, single nucleotide polymorphisms and methylation in the ARC gene were associated with amygdala size and frequency of alcohol use, even at the onset of regular consumption. Targeting Arc during alcohol cue exposure may provide a new approach for relapse prevention.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ornela Kljakic, Helena Janickova, Miguel Skirzewski, Amy Reichelt, Sara Memar, Salah El Mestikawy, Yulong Li, Lisa M. Saksida, Timothy J. Bussey, Vania F. Prado, Marco A. M. Prado
Summary: In the striatum, cholinergic interneurons can release both acetylcholine and glutamate, and their individual and combined contributions to behavior regulation were assessed in mice using reward-based touchscreen tests. Changes in VAChT and VGLUT3 levels have different effects on reward responses, and the simultaneous loss of both vesicular transporters affects dopamine signaling and behavior in a more severe way than the loss of VAChT alone. This shows that the ability of CINs to secrete two different neurotransmitters allows for complex modulation of various behaviors.
Article
Neurosciences
Jonna M. Leyrer-Jackson, Michael Holter, Paula F. Overby, Jason M. Newbern, Michael D. Scofield, M. Foster Olive, Cassandra D. Gipson
Summary: Cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) in the NAcore play a significant role in mediating cue-induced nicotine seeking behavior and synaptic plasticity. Chemogenetic inhibition of ChIs inhibits cued nicotine seeking and results in decreased AMPA/NMDA ratios, while activation of ChIs remains unaltered. This demonstrates that ChI neurons modulate the plasticity underlying cue-induced nicotine seeking.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Suraj B. Teegala, Pallabi Sarkar, Dashiel M. Siegel, Zhenyu Sheng, Lihong Hao, Nicholas T. Bello, Luis De Lecea, Kevin D. Beck, Vanessa H. Routh
Summary: This study examines the changes in glucose sensitivity of LH hypocretin/orexin glucose-inhibited (GI) neurons following weight loss and its impact on glutamate plasticity in VTA dopamine neurons and food seeking behavior. The findings suggest that calorie restriction and weight loss increase the motivation to seek food, accompanied by increased glutamate synaptic strength on VTA dopamine neurons.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacob C. Nordman
Summary: Excessive and recurring violent aggression is a serious societal concern and is linked to various psychiatric disorders. Factors such as substance abuse, experience of attacks, and social and traumatic stress can increase vulnerability to developing aggression. Glutamate receptors are a promising target for long-term treatment, and understanding the role of glutamate receptor-mediated synaptic plasticity in experience-dependent long-lasting aggression may lead to the development of more effective treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Guilian Tian, May Hui, Desiree Macchia, Pieter Derdeyn, Alexandra Rogers, Elizabeth Hubbard, Chengfeng Liu, Jose J. Vasquez, Lara Taniguchi, Katrina Bartas, Sean Carroll, Kevin T. Beier
Summary: This study reveals the selective role of ventral tegmental area dopamine projection to the amygdala in cocaine-induced anxiety. The activity of inhibitory GABAergic cells and downstream dopamine cells in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and amygdala is elevated even after a single cocaine exposure. Silencing this projection prevents the development of anxiety during protracted withdrawal after cocaine administration. Furthermore, the activation of dopamine cells in the amygdala is necessary and sufficient for reinstatement of cocaine place preference.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Victor A. D. Holanda, Julia J. Didonet, Manara B. B. Costa, Adriano H. do Nascimento Rangel, Edilson D. da Silva, Elaine C. Gavioli
Summary: This study explores the role of the neuropeptide S (NPS) and its receptor (NPSR) system in Parkinson's disease (PD), suggesting that the NPS/NPSR system may be an emerging therapeutic strategy for alleviating motor and non-motor dysfunctions of PD and possibly slowing disease progression.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Changyou Jiang, Xiao Yang, Guanhong He, Fan Wang, Zhilin Wang, Wendong Xu, Ying Mao, Lan Ma, Feifei Wang
Summary: Neuronal plasticity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is crucial for drug dependence, with morphine exposure leading to preferential projection of neurons to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dopamine-dependent positive reinforcement. Chronic morphine exposure enhances connections between corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons of the central amygdala and VTA neurons, mediating negative effects during opiate withdrawal. Pharmacological intervention or CRISPR-mediated repression of CRH receptors weakens inhibitory inputs and alleviates negative effects during opiate withdrawal.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Rosa Bosch, Mireia Pagerols, Cristina Rivas, Laura Sixto, Laura Bricolle, Gemma Espanol-Martin, Raquel Prat, Josep A. Ramos-Quiroga, Miquel Casas
Summary: The prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders among Spanish students is consistent with international studies, but a significant proportion had never been previously diagnosed, highlighting the need for early detection and intervention programs.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Sinta Gamonal-Limcaoco, Enrique Montero-Mateos, Maria Teresa Lozano-Lopez, Ana Macia-Casas, Juan Matias-Fernandez, Carlos Roncero
Summary: The survey on the global population showed an increase in stress levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with significantly higher scores observed among women, young adults, students, and those who expressed concern about getting infected and considered themselves high-risk. These findings could help address the needed mental health care.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Victor Barrau, Laura Lopez-Romero, Rosa Bosch, Rafael Torrubia, Miquel Casas, Beatriz Molinuevo
Summary: The study confirmed the three-factor structure of the Spanish parent version of CPTI, which showed gender invariance, good internal consistency, and consistent relationship with delinquent and aggressive behavior. Additionally, CPTI was able to discriminate between children at risk for externalizing disorders and healthy children.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Llanyra Garcia-Ullan, Javier I. De la Iglesia-larrad, Diego Remon-Gallo, Nerea M. Casado-Espada, Sinta Gamonal-Limcaoco, Maria Teresa Lozano, Lourdes Aguilar, Carlos Roncero
Summary: The coronavirus pandemic led to an increase in suicidal behaviors, particularly during the lockdown. Retired patients in particular were more likely to engage in high-lethality attempts, while consultations related to suicide decreased.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pilar Andres-Olivera, Judit Garcia-Aparicio, Maria Teresa Lozano Lopez, Jose Antonio Benito Sanchez, Carmen Martin, Ana Macia-Casas, Armando Gonzalez-Sanchez, Miguel Marcos, Carlos Roncero
Summary: This study investigates the levels of insomnia, anxiety, depression, and impact on quality of life among doctors who were at the frontline of COVID-19 during the first two waves of the pandemic. The results show that although the frequency of insomnia was high, it decreased in the second survey. Anxiety levels were moderate and decreased between measurements. Overall, depression rates also decreased. Substance use was found to have an indirect correlation with personal and professional satisfaction. The study emphasizes the importance of adapting healthcare resources to meet the new and unpredictable mental health needs of frontline healthcare professionals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosa Bosch, Mireia Pagerols, Raquel Prat, Gemma Espanol-Martin, Cristina Rivas, Montserrat Dolz, Josep Maria Haro, Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga, Marta Ribases, Miquel Casas
Summary: This study examined the psychological impact of COVID-19 on youth in Spain during a long-lasting lockdown. The findings showed that children and adolescents experienced a significant worsening in emotional symptoms, behavior problems, inattention, peer problems, and overall difficulties during the lockdown. The study also revealed that these impairments were mainly associated with factors such as the child's situation prior to the lockdown, the quality and quantity of their social networks, daily routines, health concerns, and economic and learning issues caused by COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Carlos Roncero, Joselin Perez, Jesus Molina, Jose Antonio Quintano, Ana Isabel Campuzano, Javier Perez, Marc Miravitlles
Summary: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its association with demographic and clinical variables. The study found that suicidal ideation is common in COPD patients, especially in women. Severe depression is significantly associated with the occurrence of suicidal ideation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Carlos Roncero, Barbar Buch-Vicente, Angel Manuel Martin-Sanchez, Ana Isabel Alvarez-Navares, Pilar Andres-Olivera, Sinta Gamonal-Limcaoco, Maria Teresa Lozano-Lopez, Lourdes Aguilar, Felisa Sanchez-Casado, Llanyra Garcia-Ullan
Summary: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is higher in patients with psychiatric disorders, especially those with severe mental illness and substance abuse. However, there is a lack of epidemiological studies in hospitalized individuals with chronic mental disorders and dual diagnosis (DD). This retrospective observational study found that the prevalence of HCV infection in in-patients with severe mental illness was higher than in the general population, particularly among DD patients.
GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Luis Gutierrez-Rojas, Jesus Jose de la Gandara Martin, Luisa Garcia Buey, Juan I. Uriz Otano, Alvaro Mena, Carlos Roncero
Summary: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem that is more prevalent among patients with severe mental illness (SMI). Traditional treatment options for HCV, based on interferon alpha, have excluded patients with SMI due to neuropsychiatric adverse events. However, the approval of pangenotypic direct antiviral agents (DAAs) has revolutionized HCV treatment, proving to be safe and effective for patients with SMI. Increased awareness and understanding among psychiatrists can lead to improved screening, referral, and treatment of HCV infection in patients with SMI.
GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Barbara Buch-Vicente, Jose Maria Acosta-Rodriguez, Maria Elena Sanchez-Sanchez, Nerea Gonzalez-Garcia, Llanira Garcia-Ullan, Javier Ignacio de la Iglesia-Larrad, Angel Luis Montejo, Carlos Roncero
Summary: This study aims to analyze the main coping strategies used by frontline teams during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. The most commonly used strategies by health professionals were problem solving, desiderative thinking, and social support. Women tended to use emotional expression and social support more frequently. Different behaviors were found based on age and gender, with lower desiderative thinking found in the 35-50 age group and higher social support in the 35-year-old group. Specific training plans focusing on problem solving and emotional management could be suggested to help alleviate stress symptoms.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Psychiatry
A. Gonzalez-Mota, C. Fombellida Velasco, A. Gonzalez Gil, P. Gomez Hernandez, I. Vicente Torres, M. Covacho Gonzalez, C. Payo-Rodriguez, E. Beltran-Mercado, C. Roncero
EUROPEAN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Raul F. Palma-Alvarez, Constanza Daigre, Elena Ros-Cucurull, Marta Perea-Ortueta, Pedro Serrano-Perez, German Ortega-Hernandez, Josep A. Ramos-Quiroga, Lara Grau-Lopez, Carlos Roncero
Summary: This study aimed to examine the internal accuracy and reliability of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) with a sample of Spanish SUD patients. The results showed that TAS-20 has acceptable psychometric properties for assessing Alexithymia in Spanish SUD patients, although its three-factor model had only a moderate fit.
ACTAS ESPANOLAS DE PSIQUIATRIA
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Carlos Llanes-Alvarez, Jesus Maria Andres-de Llano, Ana Alvarez-Navares, M. Teresa Pastor-Hidalgo, Carlos Roncero, Manuel A. Franco-Martin
Summary: Alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs were estimated to cause over 10 million deaths worldwide. By analyzing data from administrative databases, improvements can be made. A study on hospitalization rates for alcohol and drug abuse revealed a decline in admissions over an eleven-year period, except for cannabis-related conditions which showed an upward trend.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ignacio Basurte-Villamor, Pablo Vega, Carlos Roncero, Jose Martinez-Raga, Lara Grau-Lopez, Lourdes Aguilar, Marta Torrens, Nestor Szerman
Summary: This study found that vortioxetine was effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving cognitive function, quality of life, and substance use in patients with dual depression (MDD and SUD) in a real-world clinical setting.
NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISEASE AND TREATMENT
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Ruth Gervas, Llanyra Garcia-Ullan, Victor Amor, Alberto Bullon, Purificacion Vicente Galindo, Carlos Roncero
Summary: There is a high prevalence of stigma among medical students towards mental illness, but interventions such as teaching practices, positive medical understanding, seeking help, and in vivo experiential contact can effectively reduce this stigma.
ACTAS ESPANOLAS DE PSIQUIATRIA
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yuwen Zhu, Yan Guo, Yujia Xue, Anqi Zhou, Ying Chen, Yifei Chen, Xiulian Miao, Fangqiao Lv
Summary: BRG1 plays an important role in HSC-myofibroblast transition and targeting it could be a reasonable strategy for liver fibrosis intervention.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Liu Ye, Beibei Liu, Jingling Huang, Xiaolin Zhao, Yuan Wang, Yungen Xu, Shuping Wang
Summary: Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a significant prooncogenic factor that is strongly associated with the malignant progression and clinical prognosis of various cancers. DCLK1 plays important roles in stem cell marker regulation, tumor cell reprogramming, and immune evasion. However, the exact biological functions of DCLK1, especially the disparities between its alpha- and beta-form transcripts in cancer progression, remain ambiguous.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jiahui Yang, Xiaoyu Chen, Tianjing Liu, Yongyan Shi
Summary: This article reviews the role of bile acids in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and their potential therapeutic value. The dysregulation of bile acids is associated with intestinal injury, and inflammatory factors in the liver also play a crucial role in regulating bile acid transport. The bile acid metabolic pathway is important for regulating intestinal microbiota, cell proliferation, and barrier protection.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zhenzheng Zhu, Yuemiao Xu, Yuwei Xia, Xinru Jia, Yixin Chen, Yuyue Liu, Leyin Zhang, Hui Chai, Leitao Sun
Summary: Bile acid, as the final product of cholesterol breakdown, plays a complex regulatory and signaling role in human metabolism. Research suggests that it has the potential to enhance metabolism and regulate chronic metabolic diseases through various pathways. The interaction between bile acid and gut microbiota is also of great significance.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xin He, Hong-Xu Zhou, Xian Fu, Kai-Di Ni, Ai-Zhi Lin, Ling-Tong Zhang, Hou-Hua Yin, Qing Jiang, Xue Zhou, Yi-Wen Meng, Jun-Yan Liu
Summary: DON exposure causes an increase in deoxycholic acid (DCA), which contributes to intestinal injury. DCA may be a potential therapeutic target for DON enterotoxicity.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zhitao Wang, Heng Ma, Abdul Nasir, Sufang Liu, Zhisong Li, Feng Tao, Qian Bai
Summary: This study reveals the involvement of TET1-mediated epigenetic regulation in chronic TMJ pain through trigeminal TNF alpha signaling.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lu Yu, Hao Ran, Yaru Lu, Qian Ma, Huan Huang, Weibin Liu
Summary: This study found that the HIF-1 alpha inhibitor BAY 87-2243 can alleviate the symptoms of the Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis (EAMG) inflammation model. BAY 87-2243 can restore the balance of CD4(+)T cell subsets, reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and act as both an immune imbalance regulator and anti-inflammatory.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Alex Peralvarez-Marin, Montse Sole, Judith Serrano, Alice Taddeucci, Belen Perez, Clara Penas, Gemma Manich, Marcel Jimenez, Pilar D'Ocon, Francesc Jimenez-Altayo
Summary: This study provides the first evidence that TRPV2 channels may modulate vascular tone by balancing opposing inputs from the endothelium and smooth muscle, leading to net vasodilation. The amplification of TRPV2 channel-induced activity by NO emphasizes the pathophysiological relevance of these findings.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Amin Ullah, Jing Zhao, Jiakun Li, Rajeev K. Singla, Bairong Shen
Summary: Gastric cancer is the fifth-most prevalent and second-most deadly cancer worldwide. Late onset of symptoms makes early detection important. CXC chemokines play an important role in the pathological process of gastric cancer, but their exact role in diagnosis and prognosis is not fully understood. Inhibiting CXC chemokines shows promise as a targeted therapy.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Menna S. Zeyada, Salma M. Eraky, Mamdouh M. El-Shishtawy
Summary: The current study demonstrates the prophylactic and antifibrotic effects of Trig against BLM-induced PF by targeting multiple signaling pathways. The combination of Trig and Pirf may be a promising approach to enhance Pirf's anti-fibrotic effect.
