Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcus Negron, Jeffrey Kristensen, Van Thuan Nguyen, Lauren E. Gansereit, Frank J. Raucci, Julia L. Chariker, Aaron Heck, Imamulhaq Brula, Gabrielle Kitchen, Cassandra P. Awgulewitsch, Lin Zhong, Eric C. Rouchka, Simran Banga, Cristi L. Galindo
Summary: The study found that mice with the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism exhibited altered cardiac function, with gender-specific differences. Female mice showed cardiac hypertrophy in response to stress, while male mice displayed an inflammatory immune response. These results reveal sex-based differences in how the BDNF polymorphism modifies cardiac physiology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Emilio Portaccio, Angelo Bellinvia, Elio Prestipino, Benedetta Nacmias, Silvia Bagnoli, Lorenzo Razzolini, Luisa Pasto, Claudia Niccolai, Benedetta Goretti, Mattia Fonderico, Giovanni Bosco Zimatore, Nunzia Alessandra Losignore, Sandro Sorbi, Maria Pia Amato
Summary: The study suggests a potential protective effect of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism against cognitive impairment in MS patients, possibly due to the detrimental effect of increased BDNF concentration in a neuroinflammatory environment. Higher EDSS score is associated with a progressive disease course, with a marginal association with the presence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Xuan Liu, Jun-Chao Fang, Xin-Yue Zhi, Qiu-Yu Yan, Hong Zhu, Juan Xie
Summary: Carrier of Val66Met AA genotype may have worse rehabilitation outcomes compared to GA+GG carriers. In general, Asian patients may have a higher proportion of the A allele. Further research is needed to determine the impact of Val66Met polymorphism on stroke recovery.
NEUROREHABILITATION AND NEURAL REPAIR
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Matthew Marion, John Hamilton, Brittany Richardson, Nicole Roeder, Antonio Figueiredo, Amanda Nubelo, Eleftherios Hetelekides, Samantha Penman, Yuji Owada, Yoshiteru Kagawa, Panayotis K. Thanos
Summary: FABP5 gene knockout mice showed memory impairments, while environmental enrichment improved memory performance. This study found that environmental enrichment improved memory performance in FABP5 KO mice, especially in males, and increased hippocampal BDNF levels in male WT mice.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Derrick J. J. Phillips, Scott Blaine, Naomi K. K. Wallace, Ilia N. N. Karatsoreos
Summary: Understanding how environmental interact challenges with genetic predispositions modulate health and wellbeing is an important area of biomedical research. Circadian rhythms play a crucial role in coordinating various cellular and tissue processes needed for organisms to predict and adapt to regular changes in the environment. However, disruptions in circadian rhythms due to artificial lighting and modern round-the-clock lifestyles can lead to desynchronization of clocks throughout the brain and body, potentially compounding negative outcomes when coupled with genetic predispositions.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Bernat de las Heras, Lynden Rodrigues, Jacopo Cristini, Maxana Weiss, Anna Prats-Puig, Marc Roig
Summary: Val66Met, a polymorphism of the BDNF gene, affects the secretion of BDNF protein, potentially influencing brain plasticity and cognition. This study reviewed 26 studies with a total of 11,417 participants, examining the role of Val66Met in moderating the cognitive response to physical activity and exercise. The findings showed inconsistent effects of Val66Met on cognitive response and no general and consistent effect was observed.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jameson A. Cosgrove, Lauren K. Kelly, Elizabeth A. Kiffmeyer, Alexander D. Kloth
Summary: Environmental enrichment is effective in rescuing behavioral deficits in male Angelman syndrome (AS) mice but not female AS mice. This finding has important implications for early behavioral intervention in AS patients, particularly the potential dependence on sex for treatment response.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David W. Greening, Michael Notaras, Maoshan Chen, Rong Xu, Joel D. Smith, Lesley Cheng, Richard J. Simpson, Andrew F. Hill, Maarten van den Buuse
Summary: Studies have shown that chronic Meth abuse can lead to psychotic episodes resembling schizophrenia, with Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) playing a crucial role in this process. Research on transgenic mice revealed that BDNF genetic variation significantly influences the long-term brain changes induced by Meth, indicating that drug-induced psychosis may be modulated at the molecular level by a single genetic locus.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Mona Buhusi, Daniel Griffin, Catalin Buhusi
Summary: This study investigates the role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)-Val66Met polymorphism and neural activation in regions involved in latent inhibition (LI) in mice, as well as the interaction between BDNF and SZ-associated gene CHL1. The results suggest that the BDNF-Met allele may reduce the expression of acute SZ symptoms and increase the expression of negative symptoms in individuals with chronic SZ.
SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Van Thuan Nguyen, Braxton Hill, Naiya Sims, Aaron Heck, Marcus Negron, Claire Lusk, Cristi L. Galindo
Summary: This article introduces the significance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which plays a crucial role in neurological disorders and various other biological functions.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Brian S. Wolff, Hannah R. Allen, Li Rebekah Feng, Leorey N. Saligan
Summary: Recent clinical studies have suggested that a common polymorphism of the BDNF gene may be related to the severity of fatigue following cancer treatment. In this study, transgenic mice homozygous for the Val66Met BDNF gene were used to investigate the effect of the polymorphism on fatigue-like behavior. The results showed that the Val66Met mice lost more weight during the baseline wheel-running period and exhibited a less severe fatigue-like phenotype during the first week after chemotherapy treatment.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jia Liu, Wei Yang, Hongyu Luo, Yixin Ma, Huan Zhao, Xiaojuan Dan
Summary: The study indicated that the BDNFVal66Met polymorphism is associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially those with low educational levels.
AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Psychiatry
Yanan Shang, Na Wang, En Zhang, Qian Liu, Hengfen Li, Xiaofeng Zhao
Summary: Our meta-analysis suggests that there is no significant association between the rs6265 polymorphism and OCD overall. However, in gender-specific analysis, female carriers of the Val66Met BDNF polymorphism might be more susceptible to developing OCD.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Amery Treble-Barna, Shari L. Wade, Valentina Pilipenko, Lisa J. Martin, Keith Owen Yeates, H. Gerry Taylor, Brad G. Kurowski
Summary: The study investigated the differential effect of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on behavioral adjustment in children with TBI compared to children with OI. Met carriers in the TBI group showed a trend of poorer behavioral adjustment relative to Val/Val homozygotes, while the opposite trend was observed in the OI group. These within-group differences did not reach statistical significance.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Sharvada Raju, Michael Notaras, Adrienne M. Grech, Anna Schroeder, Maarten van den Buuse, Rachel A. Hill
Summary: This study found that chronic adolescent stress hormone exposure interacts with the BDNF Val66Met genotype to abolish fear extinction in adult female Met/Met mice. This effect may be associated with female-specific dysfunction of specific interneuron subtypes.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Mao-Hsuan Huang, Yee-Lam E. Chan, Mu-Hong Chen, Ju-Wei Hsu, Kai-Lin Huang, Cheng-Ta Li, Shih-Jen Tsai, Tung-Ping Su, Ya-Mei Bai
Summary: This study reveals a bidirectional relationship between inflammation and depression in bipolar disorder (BD). Among patients in a depressed state, higher levels of pro-inflammatory markers are associated with more severe mood symptoms. In euthymic patients, baseline levels of pro-inflammatory markers can predict the onset of depression. Additionally, lithium appears to have a stronger effect in reducing inflammation compared to other mood stabilizers.
ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Dian-Jeng Li, Mu-Hong Chen, Ya-Mei Bai, Shih-Jen Tsai, Chih-Ming Cheng, Tung-Ping Su, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Ta-Chuan Yeh, Chih-Sung Liang
Summary: This study found that offspring of parents with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of exposure to prescription opioids and developing pain disorders.
SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Tien-Wei Hsu, Chih-Sung Liang, Shih-Jen Tsai, Ya-Mei Bai, Tung-Ping Su, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Mu-Hong Chen
Summary: Evidence suggests that childhood and adolescent cancer survivors have an increased long-term risk of major psychiatric disorders. However, it remains unclear whether these associations vary for different types of cancers.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Dian-Jeng Li, Shih-Jen Tsai, Ya-Mei Bai, Tung-Ping Su, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Chih-Sung Liang, Mu-Hong Chen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between a history of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and the subsequent risk of major affective disorders. The results showed that women with PMDD had a higher risk of developing unipolar depression and bipolar disorder compared to those without PMDD.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Shih-Jen Tsai, Chih-Ming Cheng, Wen-Han Chang, Ya-Mei Bai, Ju-Wei Hsu, Kai-Lin Huang, Tung-Ping Su, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Mu-Hong Chen
Summary: Evidence suggests a familial coaggregation of death by suicide with accidental death and major psychiatric disorders. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying pathological mechanisms.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Shih-Jen Tsai, Chung-Feng Kao, Tung-Ping Su, Cheng-Ta Li, Wei-Chen Lin, Chen-Jee Hong, Ya-Mei Bai, Pei-Chi Tu, Mu-Hong Chen
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze whether specific genes related to inflammatory processes and VEGF were associated with treatment response to low-dose ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The findings revealed that specific single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL1R1 and VEGFC were related to the rapid antidepressant effect, while single nucleotide polymorphisms in PIGF and TNFRSF8 were associated with the sustained antidepressant effect. The synergic modulation of inflammatory and VEGF systems may contribute to the antidepressant effect of ketamine.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Tung-Ping Su, Cheng-Ta Li, Wei-Chen Lin, Hui-Ju Wu, Shih-Jen Tsai, Ya-Mei Bai, Wei-Chung Mao, Pei-Chi Tu, Li-Fen Chen, Wei-Chi Li, Mu-Hong Chen
Summary: This study suggests that low-dose ketamine infusion is a safe and effective treatment for patients with TRD and prominent suicidal ideation. The timing of ketamine administration, specifically the duration of the current depressive episode and the number of failed antidepressant trials, plays an important role in achieving therapeutic response.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jiajia Zhao, Chu-Chung Huang, Yajuan Zhang, Yuchen Liu, Shih-Jen Tsai, Ching-Po Lin, Chun-Yi Zac Lo
Summary: This study reveals the widespread connectivity abnormalities in both structural and functional brain circuits in individuals with schizophrenia. The abnormal signal transfer along the white matter pathways is found to be significantly associated with psychotic symptoms and illness duration in schizophrenia. This work supports the dysconnectivity hypothesis of schizophrenia and emphasizes the critical role of white matter networks in the pathophysiology of this disorder.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jun-Ding Zhu, Yung-Fu Wu, Shih-Jen Tsai, Ching-Po Lin, Albert C. C. Yang
Summary: Brain-age prediction models were constructed using multimodal MRI, and deviations in aging trajectories in different brain regions of participants with schizophrenia were examined. The results showed accelerated aging in most gray matter regions, especially in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and insula. Deviations in aging trajectories were also observed in some white matter tracts. However, no accelerated brain aging was found in functional connectivity maps. These findings provide insights into the neuropathology of schizophrenia.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Shih-Jen Tsai, Wen-Han Chang, Chih-Ming Cheng, Chih-Sung Liang, Ya-Mei Bai, Ju-Wei Hsu, Kai-Lin Huang, Tung-Ping Su, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Mu-Hong Chen
Summary: Evidence suggests that autistic individuals have increased risks of mortality, including natural-cause, suicide, and accident mortalities. A study conducted in Taiwan found that autistic individuals had higher likelihoods of all-cause mortality, natural-cause mortality, and suicide mortality compared with non-autistic individuals. Autistic males were more likely to die by suicide, and autistic females were more likely to die of accident compared with non-autistic individuals.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ju-Wei Hsu, Li-Chi Chen, Shih-Jen Tsai, Kai-Lin Huang, Ya-Mei Bai, Tung-Ping Su, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Mu -Hong Chen
Summary: Studies have shown that there is a positive relationship between resistance to antidepressants and the progression of bipolar disorder. However, the specific influence of different types of antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, in this context has not been thoroughly investigated. This study recruited a total of 5,285 young people with antidepressant-resistant depression and 21,140 with antidepressant-responsive depression. It was found that those with resistance to antidepressants, especially to both SSRIs and SNRIs, were at an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder.
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Cheng-Ta Li, Chih-Ming Cheng, Hui-Ching Lin, Skye Hsin-Hsieh Yeh, Jia-Shyun Jeng, Hui-Ting Wu, Ya-Mei Bai, Shih-Jen Tsai, Tung-Ping Su, Paul B. Fitzgerald
Summary: This double-blind, sham-controlled study aimed to investigate the antidepressant efficacy of 2 daily prolonged intermittent theta-burst stimulation (piTBS) sessions for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. The results showed that the piTBS group had significantly more responders at week 2 than the sham group, but there was no evidence to support that longer piTBS treatment duration resulted in more rapid or better antidepressant effects. Longer treatment duration did not result in stronger placebo effects.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Tien-Wei Hsu, Mu-Hong Chen, Ya-Mei Bai, Wen-Han Chang, Chih-Ming Cheng, Tung-Ping Su, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Shih-Jen Tsai, Chih-Sung Liang
Summary: This study aimed to examine the risk of T1D, MDD, ADHD, and ASD in first-degree relatives of T1D patients. The results showed that FDRs of individuals with T1D had a higher risk of T1D and MDD compared to controls. Stratified by sex and kinship, female FDRs had an increased risk of MDD, while male FDRs had an increased risk of ADHD. Furthermore, FDRs of individuals with T1D and DKA had a higher risk of MDD and ADHD.
ACTA DIABETOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Chen-Lan Shen, Shih-Jen Tsai, Ching-Po Lin, Albert C. C. Yang
Summary: This study examined the structural and functional brain abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia, and found that these abnormalities progress at different rates and in different brain areas throughout the course of the illness. Using MRI scanning, the study found that in the early stages of schizophrenia, there were only limited functional abnormalities in certain brain regions, but as the illness progressed, the abnormalities spread to wider brain areas and also involved gray matter density. In the third decade of the illness, structural connectivity abnormalities affecting almost all white matter tracts emerged.
Article
Psychiatry
Jun-Ding Zhu, Shih-Jen Tsai, Ching-Po Lin, Yi-Ju Lee, Albert C. Yang
Summary: Brain-age prediction is a novel approach for assessing deviated brain aging trajectories in different diseases. This study aimed to investigate the presence of declined brain structures in schizophrenia using brain volume, cortical thickness, and fractional anisotropy as features. The results showed that individuals with schizophrenia had larger brain age gaps compared to healthy controls across different illness durations.
