Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariana Lapo Pais, Joao Martins, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Joana Goncalves
Summary: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a role in neuropsychiatric diseases. Women have a higher susceptibility to serotonin alterations due to changes in tryptophan levels, leading to a female sex bias in neuropsychiatric diseases. Further research is needed on the impact of diet and sex steroids on tryptophan metabolism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rupinder Kaur Sodhi, Raghunath Singh, Yashika Bansal, Mahendra Bishnoi, Ishwar Parhar, Anurag Kuhad, Tomoko Soga
Summary: Neuropsychiatric disorders pose a significant burden on patients and society, often linked to cardio-metabolic comorbidities. TRPA1 channels have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for modulating appetite, lipid metabolism, glucose and insulin homeostasis, and inflammation associated with NPDs.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Nan Gao, Xiujing Dou, Ting Yin, Yang Yang, Di Yan, Ziwen Ma, Chongpeng Bi, Anshan Shan
Summary: Tryptophan regulates intestinal immunity by promoting the expression of AMPs, specifically pBD1 and pBD2, through the CaSR-tryptophan metabolic pathways. Moreover, tryptophan alleviates intestinal inflammation induced by LPS both in vitro and in vivo by activating the CaSR-AMPK pathways, and maintaining kynurenine homeostasis during the inflammatory response.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Eleni Pitsillou, Julia Liang, Andrew Hung, Tom C. Karagiannis
Summary: Circadian rhythms are regulated by a central oscillator in the brain's suprachiasmatic nucleus, which synchronises internal clocks in peripheral organs. Disruptions in the circadian machinery can lead to changes in protein activity and gene expression, contributing to various diseases. Misalignment between internal clocks and external stimuli can result in circadian misalignment, and as research progresses, small molecules may be used to modulate proteins involved in circadian cycles.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Parina Asgharian, Cristina Quispe, Jesus Herrera-Bravo, Mahsa Sabernavaei, Kamran Hosseini, Haleh Forouhandeh, Tahereh Ebrahimi, Paria Sharafi-Badr, Vahideh Tarhriz, Saiedeh Razi Soofiyani, Pawel Helon, Jovana Rajkovic, Sevgi Durna Dastan, Anca Oana Docea, Javad Sharifi-Rad, Daniela Calina, Wojciech Koch, William C. Cho
Summary: This article discusses five of the most important and common psychiatric illnesses along with conventional therapies and pharmacological therapies. Medicinal plants are being considered as alternative medication due to their biological safety, but clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy compared to FDA-approved medicines.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jennifer M. Erichsen, Jim R. Fadel, Lawrence P. Reagan
Summary: Insulin and leptin are important in metabolism and have multiple functions in both the periphery and central nervous system. Resistance to insulin and leptin can impact cognition and neuropsychiatric diseases, with deficits in neuroplasticity potentially reversible by restoring sensitivity to these hormones.
Review
Cell Biology
Tamas Kortesi, Eleonora Spekker, Laszlo Vecsei
Summary: Migraine is a complex neurovascular disorder with unclear pathophysiology and limited therapeutic options. Recent research has focused on tryptophan metabolism, which produces neuroactive molecules that affect pain processing and stress response. This review summarizes translational and clinical findings, as well as potential therapeutic options for the prevention and treatment of migraine.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Maria Arnoriaga-Rodriguez, Jordi Mayneris-Perxachs, Oren Contreras-Rodriguez, Aurelijus Burokas, Juan-Antonio Ortega-Sanchez, Gerard Blasco, Claudia Coll, Carles Biarnes, Anna Castells-Nobau, Josep Puig, Josep Garre-Olmo, Rafel Ramos, Salvador Pedraza, Ramon Brugada, Joan C. Vilanova, Joaquin Serena, Jordi Barretina, Jordi Gich, Vicente Perez-Brocal, Andres Moya, Xavier Fernandez-Real, Lluis Ramio-Torrenta, Reinald Pamplona, Joaquim Sol, Mariona Jove, Wifredo Ricart, Manuel Portero-Otin, Rafael Maldonado, Jose Manuel Fernandez-Real
Summary: The study revealed the relationship between inhibitory control and obesity, as well as the interactions between gut microbiota, metabolomics, and brain structure. Metabolic pathway alterations associated with obesity were found to be linked to inhibitory control, and results were validated in mice through fecal microbiota transplantation.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Manuela Marcoli, Luigi F. Agnati, Rafael Franco, Pietro Cortelli, Deanna Anderlini, Diego Guidolin, Chiara Cervetto, Guido Maura
Summary: A proper target selection is crucial for drug development in the therapy of neuropsychiatric diseases. An updated model of the brain as a hyper-network is proposed, with penta-partite synapses suggested as key nodes and cell surface receptors as targets of central nervous system diseases. The integrative actions of brain networks follow a Russian Doll organization, primarily resulting from protein-protein interactions. GPCR heteromers offer potential selectivity for pharmacological treatments, especially at the level of penta-partite synapses.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yinji Liang, Lili Zou, Yaling Tian, Shuang Zhou, Xinhe Chen, Chenli Lin
Summary: Neuropsychiatric disorders are closely linked to diet and metabolic state, especially affecting anxiety and depression. Research using rodent models shows that changes in dietary patterns, particularly HFD, may induce anxiety or depression-like behaviors, influenced by various factors. Dietary patterns may also impact neuropsychiatric behavior through pathways such as neuroinflammation.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jefferson A. Leite, Bruno Ghirotto, Vitor P. Targhetta, Jean de Lima, Niels O. S. Camara
Summary: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a crucial role in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, with both Zn2+-dependent and NAD(+)-dependent enzymes being potential therapeutic targets. While most studies have focused on Zn2+-dependent HDACs, growing evidence suggests that NAD(+)-dependent HDACs, known as sirtuins, also play an important role in pathogenesis.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gerwyn Morris, Ken Walder, Michael Berk, Andre F. Carvalho, Wolf Marx, Chiara C. Bortolasci, Alison R. Yung, Basant K. Puri, Michael Maes
Summary: The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions and is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. High levels of oxidative stress may impair CB1 and CB2 receptor activity, while upregulation of CB2 can reduce nitrosative stress and neuroinflammation.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li Cheng, Jiaying Liu, Zhong Chen
Summary: Histamine not only modulates the immune response and inflammation, but also acts as a neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. The histaminergic system plays a significant role in the maintenance of wakefulness, appetite regulation, cognition, and arousal, which are severely affected in neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent experimental and clinical findings show the precise role of the histaminergic system in neuropsychiatric disorders, including its cell-type role and circuit bases in narcolepsy, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Tourette's syndrome, and Parkinson's disease.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francis M. Dijkstra, Rob G. J. A. Zuiker, Pieter S. Siebenga, Richard A. Leigh-Pemberton, Lei Sun, Joan D. Manthis, Marieke L. Kam, Richard Lin, Lisa L. Moltke, David Rezendes, Joop M. A. Gerven
Summary: This study evaluated the safety and PK/PD effects of ALKS7119 in healthy males. The results showed that ALKS7119 had linear pharmacokinetics and was well tolerated. Significant physiological and neurophysiological effects related to SERT inhibition were observed at dose levels >= 50 mg.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eva del Valle, Nuria Rubio-Sardon, Carlota Menendez-Perez, Eva Martinez-Pinilla, Ana Navarro
Summary: Neuropsychiatric disorders are a diverse group of pathologies that affect the mental and physical health of individuals. Finding new biomarkers, such as apolipoprotein D, is crucial for diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nyanbol Kuol, Majid Davidson, Jimsheena Karakkat, Rhiannon T. Filippone, Margaret Veale, Rodney Luwor, Sarah Fraser, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Kulmira Nurgali
Summary: Tumor cells express immunosuppressive molecules and produce acetylcholine, which contribute to tumor evasion and development. Blocking M3R inhibits tumor growth and suppresses immunosuppressive molecules and angiogenesis through the AKT/ERK signaling pathway, leading to an improved immune response against cancer. The expression of immunosuppressive and cholinergic markers may have potential in determining prognosis and treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Harry Ridgway, Charalampos Ntallis, Christos T. T. Chasapis, Konstantinos Kelaidonis, Minos-Timotheos Matsoukas, Panagiotis Plotas, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Graham Moore, Sotirios Tsiodras, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Thomas Mavromoustakos, John M. M. Matsoukas
Summary: This study reported the variant distribution of SARS-CoV-2 across EU/EEA countries and investigated the driving forces behind mutations that trigger infections. Computational approaches were used to examine the stabilizing effects of key mutations on the RBD-ACE2 complex in Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Kappa, Lambda, and Omicron variants. Critical mutations found in the delta variant and two omicron variants were identified, which may contribute to increased transmissibility and morbidity.
Review
Oncology
Vivek P. Chavda, Lakshmi Vineela Nalla, Pankti Balar, Rajashri Bezbaruah, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Rajeev K. Singla, Avinash Khadela, Lalitkumar Vora, Vladimir N. Uversky
Summary: This article discusses the application of phytochemical-mediated nanocarriers in breast cancer treatment. Compared with traditional treatment methods, phytochemical-mediated nanocarriers have shown better therapeutic effects and drug delivery, improving patients' quality of life and the healthcare system.
Review
Oncology
Avinash Khadela, Vivek P. Chavda, Humzah Postwala, Ramya Ephraim, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Yesha Shah
Summary: There is a need to improve conventional treatment options for lung cancer. Immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors, have shown promising outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, these drugs also have specific immune related adverse effects.
Article
Immunology
Md Kamal Hossain, Majid Davidson, Jack Feehan, George Deraos, Kulmira Nurgali, John Matsoukas, Vasso Apostolopoulos
Summary: This article introduces the development and characterization of a novel METH vaccine. Through confirmation of chemical reaction steps and support from animal studies, an effective METH vaccine was successfully developed.
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Rhian Stavely, Leah C. Ott, Lauren Sahakian, Niloufar Rashidi, Samy Sakkal, Kulmira Nurgali
Summary: Oxidative stress plays a significant role in gastrointestinal disorders and can either be the primary cause or a driving force in disease progression. The enteric nervous system is important for maintaining gut homeostasis and motility. Stem cell therapies have shown promise in treating gastrointestinal diseases through various mechanisms, including antioxidative and neuroprotective activities.
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Karthiga Anpalagan, Jimsheena Valiyakath Karakkat, Raz Jelinek, Nila Nandha Kadamannil, Tian Zhang, Ivan Cole, Kulmira Nurgali, Hong Yin, Daniel T. H. Lai
Summary: This study developed a facile and rapid toasting method to prepare biocompatible carbon quantum dots (CQDs) without any additional chemicals. The CQDs derived from this method could be used for cell bioimaging and produced equally bright images as CQDs derived from the commonly used hydrothermal method.
Article
Oncology
Ramya Ephraim, Sarah Fraser, Jeannie Devereaux, Rhian Stavely, Jack Feehan, Rajaraman Eri, Kulmira Nurgali, Vasso Apostolopoulos
Summary: This study identified the gene expression levels of checkpoint markers, cancer-related pathways, and cancer genes in colon tissues of mouse models of chronic colitis using next-generation sequencing. The findings revealed several key genes associated with the development of cancer in the context of chronic colitis, providing potential targets for early diagnosis and therapeutic development.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rhian Stavely, Leah C. Ott, Niloufar Rashidi, Samy Sakkal, Kulmira Nurgali
Summary: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in gastrointestinal disorders, causing injury and dysfunction in the enteric nervous system, and offers potential opportunities for targeted therapeutics.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lauren Sahakian, Ainsley M. Robinson, Linda Sahakian, Rhian Stavely, Mark R. Kelley, Kulmira Nurgali
Summary: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The prevalence of IBD is increasing worldwide, calling for the development of new treatments. APE1/Ref-1 has been identified as a potential target for IBD therapy due to its role in regulating crucial pathways in inflammatory diseases. This review discusses the current status of IBD treatments, the role of APE1/Ref-1 in intestinal inflammation, and the potential of small molecule inhibitors to modulate inflammation and oxidative stress in IBD.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kathleen Mikkelsen, Narges Dargahi, Sarah Fraser, Vasso Apostolopoulos
Summary: Vitamin B6 has anti-inflammatory properties and can reverse inflammatory effects. This study found that high-dose vitamin B6 has a global anti-inflammatory effect on monocyte/macrophage cells, downregulating the expression of various inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest that vitamin B6 could be a useful adjunct treatment for inflammatory-related diseases.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maryam Linjawi, Hira Shakoor, Serene Hilary, Habiba I. Ali, Ayesha S. Al-Dhaheri, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Lily Stojanovska
Summary: Since it emerged, COVID-19 has had a global impact on various industries, including healthcare. Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable due to their compromised immune systems. The scarcity of resources and healthcare workers in hospitals, coupled with increased COVID-19 cases, has disrupted cancer care and led to higher mortality rates among cancer patients.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maryam Naveed Muhammad Tariq, Lily Stojanovska, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Habiba I. Ali
Summary: The increased incidences of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases among adults in Arab countries are a major concern for public health. Economic expansion has led to a shift in nutrition habits towards a Westernized diet and sedentary lifestyle. This review discusses the effectiveness of nutritional interventions focusing on diet and physical activity in managing NCDs among Arab adults. Structured lifestyle interventions involving behavioral therapy and personalized goals for diet and physical activity have been found to improve health outcomes, especially with longer duration interventions and follow-ups. A combination of online and face-to-face sessions has proven to be effective.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Harry Ridgway, John D. Orbell, Minos-Timotheos Matsoukas, Konstantinos Kelaidonis, Graham J. Moore, Sotiris Tsiodras, Vasilis G. Gorgoulis, Christos T. Chasapis, Vasso Apostolopoulos, John M. Matsoukas
Summary: This study demonstrates that flexible-receptor docking is unable to emulate the induced-fit mechanism of BOS-318 and its analogs, and reveals the stabilizing effect of tryptophan W254 and the possible mechanism of drug entry into the furin catalytic cleft.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
