Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Michael A. Puskarich, Nathan W. Cummins, Nicholas E. Ingraham, David A. Wacker, Ronald A. Reilkoff, Brian E. Driver, Michelle H. Biros, Fernanda Bellolio, Jeffrey G. Chipman, Andrew C. Nelson, Kenneth Beckman, Ryan Langlois, Tyler Bold, Matthew T. Aliota, Timothy W. Schacker, Helen T. Voelker, Thomas A. Murray, Joseph S. Koopmeiners, Christopher J. Tignanelli
Summary: The study found that losartan did not reduce hospitalizations in low-risk outpatients with mild symptomatic COVID-19, and viral load was not affected by the treatment. This suggests that initiation of losartan treatment for this group is not supported.
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rodolfo Pedro Rothlin, Mariano Duarte, Facundo German Pelorosso, Liliana Nicolosi, M. Victoria Salgado, Hector Miguel Vetulli, Eduardo Spitzer
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a quick response to find therapeutic tools that can effectively reduce morbidity and mortality. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system is being explored as a potential pathway to alleviate lung inflammation driven by angiotensin II, leading to the initiation of prospective clinical trials. The interpretation of these trials' results will depend on the stage and severity of the disease, as well as the timing and dosage of the prescribed medications in relation to the diagnosis of COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Robert A. Wise, Janet T. Holbrook, Robert H. Brown, Gerard J. Criner, Mark T. Dransfield, Jiaxian He, Robert J. Henderson, David A. Kaminsky, Robert J. Kaner, Stephen C. Lazarus, Barry J. Make, Meredith C. McCormack, Enid R. Neptune, Loretta G. Que
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of losartan in reducing emphysema progression in COPD patients, and the results showed that losartan did not prevent emphysema progression.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Wende Li, Sen Li, Ivy X. Chen, Yujiao Liu, Rakesh R. Ramjiawan, Chi-Ho Leung, Leo E. Gerweck, Dai Fukumura, Jay S. Loeffler, Rakesh K. Jain, Dan G. Duda, Peigen Huang
Summary: Combining losartan with local irradiation significantly enhanced tumor response, at least in part via reduced tumor hypoxia presumably due to increased tumor perfusion. Our findings suggest that combining losartan with radiotherapy is a potential new treatment strategy for local control and inhibiting metastasis in HER2 + BC.
RADIATION ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
RuiJun Chen, Marc A. Suchard, Harlan M. Krumholz, Martijn J. Schuemie, Steven Shea, Jon Duke, Nicole Pratt, Christian G. Reich, David Madigan, Seng Chan You, Patrick B. Ryan, George Hripcsak
Summary: In a large-scale observational study, it was found that ARBs do not significantly differ in effectiveness compared to ACE inhibitors as first-line treatment for hypertension, but present a better safety profile. This supports the preferential prescription of ARBs over ACE inhibitors when initiating treatment for hypertension.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shogo Shimizu, Yoshiki Nagao, Takahiro Shimizu, Youichirou Higashi, Takashi Karashima, Motoaki Saito
Summary: Losartan treatment has therapeutic effects on prostatic hyperplasia in SHR rats by improving blood flow, decreasing prostate weight and inflammation levels without affecting blood pressure. High-dose losartan can also induce apoptosis in the ventral prostate.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Kristina Jevnikar, Luka Lapajne, Daniel Petrovic, Andrej Meglic, Mateja Logar, Natasa Vidovic Valentincic, Mojca Globocnik Petrovic, Ines Cilensek, Polona Jaki Mekjavic
Summary: This study found that the presence of the AGTR2 rs1403543-AA genotype is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 retinopathy. However, the genotype frequencies of other selected gene polymorphisms are not significantly associated with the presence or severity of COVID-19.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonis A. Manolis, Theodora A. Manolis, Antonis S. Manolis
Summary: In patients with heart failure, the activation of neuroendocrine systems like the sympathetic nervous system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and arginine vasopressin system leads to tachycardia and increased systemic vascular resistance. Sustained neurohormonal activation plays a crucial role in the progression and worsening of heart failure. Biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides, catecholamine levels, and neprilysin can be used to understand heart failure drug mechanisms and identify patients who may benefit from specific therapies. Neurohumoral antagonists, including beta blockers, ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and vaptans, target these neurohormonal systems. The introduction of the angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril/valsartan has enhanced the actions of natriuretic peptides by combining RAAS inhibition and neprilysin blocking.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Moanna Villaluz, Lynette Dunning, Carl S. Goodyear, William R. Ferrell, John C. Lockhart, Andrew MacKenzie
Summary: The study showed that losartan has a significant mitigating effect on joint swelling, pain sensation, and vascular dysfunction in inflammatory arthritis, indicating that the angiotensin II-type 1 receptor could be an important therapeutic target for the development of physical changes in arthritis.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Liina Laukkanen, Cassiano R. A. F. Diniz, Sebastien Foulquier, Jos Prickaerts, Eero Castren, Plinio C. Casarotto
Summary: Our study demonstrated that C21 facilitated the effect of BDNF by increasing TRKB levels on the cell surface, leading to reduced freezing time in mice in a BDNF-dependent manner, without a general anxiolytic-like effect.
Article
Oncology
Salvatore Panza, Rocco Malivindi, Amanda Caruso, Umberto Russo, Francesca Giordano, Balazs Gyorffy, Luca Gelsomino, Francesca De Amicis, Ines Barone, Francesca Luisa Conforti, Cinzia Giordano, Daniela Bonofiglio, Stefania Catalano, Sebastiano Ando
Summary: Losartan, as an adjuvant pharmacological tool, may represent a potential treatment for GBM by inhibiting local estrogen production and halting cell growth. The limited mortality benefit of current treatments underscores the importance of exploring new therapeutic avenues.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ify R. Mordi, Wouter Ouwerkerk, Stefan D. Anker, John G. Cleland, Kenneth Dickstein, Marco Metra, Leong L. Ng, Nilesh J. Samani, Dirk J. van Veldhuisen, Faiez Zannad, Adriaan A. Voors, Chim C. Lang
Summary: The study found that undertreatment is common among patients with heart failure, and increasing the dosage of ACEI/ARB and beta-blockers can improve outcomes. Achieving high doses of ACEI/ARB was associated with better outcomes regardless of age, while higher doses of beta-blockers were only beneficial for younger patients.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEART FAILURE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabor Kriszta, Zsofia Kriszta, Szilard Vancsa, Peter Jeno Hegyi, Levente Frim, Balint Eross, Peter Hegyi, Gabor Petho, Erika Pinter
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the relationship between ACEI/ARB administration and ACE2 expression in experimental models, with the majority of studies reporting an increase in ACE2 levels in response to these treatments.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Seok Hui Kang, Bo Yeon Kim, Eun Jung Son, Gui Ok Kim, Jun Young Do
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate patient survival with the use of renin-angiotensin system blockers (RASBs) in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients, and found that the use of RASBs was associated with higher patient survival rates.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Elizabeth Alana Gray, Sanket N. Patel, Peter A. Doris, Tahir Hussain
Summary: This study demonstrates that the combination therapy of neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril and angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist C21 provides superior renal protection compared to the combination therapy of sacubitril and valsartan in obese rats fed a high salt diet. The sacubitril/C21 treatment significantly decreases proteinuria, albuminuria, the expression of nephrin, and kidney weight, independent of hyperfiltration, and completely prevents HSD-induced increases in renal angiotensin II.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Cecilia Cannarozzo, Anna Rubiolo, Plinio Casarotto, Eero Castren
Summary: Ketamine and its metabolite R,R-HNK can facilitate the shift in ocular dominance in monocularly deprived mice, with R,R-HNK showing a stronger effect compared to ketamine. However, ketamine and R,R-HNK do not affect the levels of perineuronal nets (PNNs) surrounding parvalbumin-positive interneurons. The results suggest that ketamine and R,R-HNK promote plasticity by binding TRKB and releasing it from PTP sigma regulation, without reducing PNNs deposits.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cassiano Ricardo Alves Faria Diniz, Ana Paula Crestani
Summary: This study highlights a often overlooked aspect of neuroplasticity, that the brain's ability to change also includes the ability to disconnect synapses. The authors propose breaking down neuroplasticity into upward and downward sub-concepts, allowing for a better understanding of brain adaptation. This paradigm shift helps to avoid bias in data interpretation.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda J. Sales, Izaque S. Maciel, Carlos C. Crestani, Francisco S. Guimara, Samia R. L. Joca
Summary: SAMe exerts antidepressant effects by regulating serotonin synthesis and 5-HT1A receptor activation, reducing immobility time in the forced swimming test in mice.
NEUROCHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Senem Merve Fred, Rafael Moliner, Hanna Antila, Karl-Alexander Engelhardt, Oliver M. Schlueter, Plinio C. Casarotto, Eero Castren
Summary: Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin kinase receptor B (TRKB) play a crucial role in activity-dependent plasticity in the brain. This study found that antidepressants increase the interaction between TRKB and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the adult mouse hippocampus, and the changes in this interaction correlate with drug latency in behavior. This research provides insights into a novel mechanism of action of different classes of antidepressants.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Shokouh Arjmand, Marie Vadstrup Pedersen, Nicole R. Silva, Anne M. Landau, Samia Joca, Gregers Wegener
Summary: This study aims to investigate the impact of sex and estrous/menstrual cycle on the antidepressant action of ketamine. The results showed that both male and female rats exhibited similar antidepressant effects of ketamine, and the fluctuations in the estrous cycle did not affect its efficacy. These findings provide important scientific evidence for the use of ketamine in treating depression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Elias Jetsonen, Giuliano Didio, Frederike Winkel, Maria Llach Pou, Chloe Boj, Laura Kuczynski-Noyau, Vootele Voikar, Ramon Guirado, Tomi Taira, Sari E. Lauri, Eero Castren, Juzoh Umemori
Summary: Several interventions, including drugs and optogenetic modifications, can reinstate critical period-like plasticity (iPlasticity) in the adult brain. Activation of TrkB receptor in Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons plays a crucial role in cortical network changes. Activation of TrkB in PV+ interneurons is important for behavioral flexibility in spatial and fear memory, as well as for hippocampal long-term potentiation.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Caroline Biojone, Plinio Casarotto, Cecilia Cannarozzo, Senem Merve Fred, Rosa Herrera-Rodriguez, Angelina Lesnikova, Mikko Voipio, Eero Castren
Summary: A recent study has identified the nitration of TRKB receptors as a new molecular brake on plasticity, demonstrating the inhibitory effect of nitric oxide on neural plasticity.
PROGRESS IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Laura Smedegaard Heisel, Freja Drost Andersen, Samia Joca, Lambert Kristiansen Sorensen, Ulf Simonsen, Jorgen Bo Hasselstrom, Charlotte Uggerhoj Andersen, Kirstine Lykke Nielsen
Summary: This study investigated the changes in drug metabolites and endogenous metabolites in the brain and blood of rats following acute co-administration of quetiapine and methadone using metabolomics analysis. The results showed increased levels of quetiapine metabolites and decreased levels of methadone and its metabolite in the presence of the other drug. However, there were only small differences in the levels of most endogenous metabolites due to co-administration.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Eero Castren
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Nima Sanadgol, Adib Miraki Feriz, Sabrina F. Lisboa, Samia R. L. Joca
Summary: The study identified multiple glia-specific markers associated with TRD, which primarily regulate cytokine signaling and are enriched in important pathways such as NF-κB and TNF-α. Dysregulation of these genes in oligodendrocytes was confirmed, with the identification of GLT-1 as a hub gene involved in TRD.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pedro Henrique Gobira, Jacob LaMar, Jade Marques, Ariandra Sartim, Kennia Silveira, Luana Santos, Gregers Wegener, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Ken Mackie, Hui-Chen Lu, Samia Joca
Summary: This study investigates the involvement of cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1R) in the antidepressant and psychostimulant effects induced by ketamine. The results suggest that CB1R mediate the psychostimulant side effects of ketamine, but do not play a role in its antidepressant properties. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of CB1R has similar antidepressant effects, but does not potentiate the effects of ketamine.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)
Correction
Neurosciences
Lucia Privitera, Ellen L. Hogg, Matthias Gaestel, Mark J. Wall, Sonia A. L. Correa
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Ya Jiang, Guan-Hao Wang, Jing-Jiao Xu, Xiao-Li Li, Xiao-Yan Lin, Xiang Fang, Hong-Xu Zhang, Mei Feng, Chun-Ming Jiang
Summary: This study reveals the importance of LINC00473 in regulating temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioblastoma (GB) and its potential mechanism. By regulating the expression of CEBP alpha and MGMT, LINC00473 promotes the formation of chemoresistance. Furthermore, LINC00473 can transfer chemoresistance to adjacent sensitive cells through exosomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Olga Kopach, Tetyana Pivneva, Nataliya Fedirko, Nana Voitenko
Summary: This study found that diabetic animals exhibit severe xerostomia characterized by reduced saliva flow rate, diminished total protein content, and decreased amylase activity. The impaired saliva production in diabetes is associated with reduced and delayed intracellular Ca2+ signals in submandibular acinar cells, caused by malfunctioning mitochondria. Targeting malfunctioning mitochondria may be a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic xerostomia.
Article
Neurosciences
Nicholas M. Timme, Cherish E. Ardinger, Seth D. C. Weir, Rachel Zelaya-Escobar, Rachel Kruger, Christopher C. Lapish
Summary: This study aimed to assess aversion-resistant drinking behavior in head-fixed mice and explore the relationship between non-consummatory behaviors and aversion-resistant drinking. The results showed that head-fixed mice exhibited heterogenous levels of aversion-resistant drinking and non-consummatory behaviors were related to the intensity of this behavior.
Article
Neurosciences
David R. Maguire, Charles P. France
Summary: Methocinnamox (MCAM) is a novel, long-acting opioid receptor antagonist that effectively decreases fentanyl self-administration and prevents opioid overdose in monkeys. The study demonstrates the potential therapeutic utility of MCAM in the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Article
Neurosciences
Xiang Li, Dan Feng, Shenglu Ma, Mingxing Li, Shulei Zhao, Man Tang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of fluoxetine on neurochemical, neurobiological, and neurobehavioral changes in different subregions of the hippocampus. The results showed that fluoxetine increased dialysate 5-HT, decreased membrane 5-HTT protein, and increased cytoplasmic fraction. Additionally, fluoxetine reduced immobility times in behavioral tests, with greater effects observed in the ventral subregion compared to the dorsal subregion.
Article
Neurosciences
Alexander V. Zholos, Mariia I. Melnyk, Dariia O. Dryn
Summary: Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in visceral smooth muscles, activating M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors to cause smooth muscle excitation and contraction. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying acetylcholine-induced depolarisation and smooth muscle contraction, as well as the effects of anticholinergic drugs on gastrointestinal motility. The knowledge gained from recent studies has greatly expanded our understanding of these processes.
Article
Neurosciences
Zhenlong Li, Hsien-Yu Peng, Chau-Shoun Lee, Tzer-Bin Lin, Ming-Chun Hsieh, Cheng-Yuan Lai, Han-Fang Wu, Lih-Chyang Chen, Mei-Ci Chen, Dylan Chou
Summary: Methylone shows significant efficacy in treating depression and social deficits, making it an ideal candidate for anti-depressant medication.
Article
Neurosciences
Aline Freyssin, Allison Carles, Sarra Guehairia, Gilles Rubinstenn, Tangui Maurice
Summary: This study explores the potential of combining FENM and S1R agonists in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that most FENM-based combinations can protect against learning deficits caused by A beta 25-35, with better efficacy in short-term memory.
Article
Neurosciences
J. D. Lorente, J. Cuitavi, L. Rullo, S. Candeletti, P. Romualdi, L. Hipolito
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of pain on negative affect in different sexes and time courses, as well as the involvement of the dynorphinergic and corticotropin releasing factor systems in these pain-related behaviors. The results showed sex and time-dependent anxiety- and anhedonia-like behaviors induced by pain in female rats. The recruitment of KOR/DYN in the NAc was identified as a key neurological substrate mediating pain-induced behavioral alterations.
Article
Neurosciences
Rongjun Liu, Daofan Sun, Xiuzhong Xing, Qingge Chen, Bo Lu, Bo Meng, Hui Yuan, Lan Mo, Liufang Sheng, Jinwei Zheng, Qiusheng Wang, Junping Chen, Xiaowei Chen
Summary: The coexistence of pain and depression is frequently observed in patients with chronic pain and depression. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide, has been reported to relieve chronic pain and depressive symptoms. This study investigated the effect of intranasal oxytocin on neuropathic pain and comorbid depressive symptoms, and found that oxytocin attenuated depression-like behavior but did not alleviate mechanical hyperalgesia. The results suggest that intranasal oxytocin may have the potential to treat depressive symptoms in neuropathic pain patients.
