Journal of psychiatric research
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Sensory gating is a process in which the brain's response to irrelevant and repetitive stimuli is inhibited. The sensory gating deficit in schizophrenia (SZ) is typically measured by the ratio or difference score of the P50 event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes in response to a paired click paradigm. While the P50 gating effect has usually been measured in relation to the peak amplitude of the S1 and S2 P50 ERPs, there is increasing evidence that inhibitory processes may be reflected by evoked or induced oscillatory activity during the inter-click interval in the beta (20-30 Hz) and gamma (30-50 Hz) frequency bands. We therefore examined the relationship between frequency specific activity in the inter-click interval with gating effects in the time and frequency domains. ⋯ Our findings support a disruption in initial sensory registration in those with SZ, and do not support an active mechanism throughout the delay interval. The degree of response to S1 and early beta and gamma frequency oscillations in the delay interval provides information about the mechanisms supporting auditory sensory gating, and may provide a framework for studying the mechanisms that support sensory inhibition.
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L-Arginine pathway metabolites appear to play differential roles in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Studies have revealed an antidepressant and anxiolytic effect of agmatine and putrescine. Possible mechanisms of these effects include inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. ⋯ Low ADMA level predicted depression severity as well. Arginine pathway metabolites are associated with the pathophysiology of depression. Putrescine may be a biomarker to predict MDD.
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Despite evidence of structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia, the current study aimed to explore the effects of antipsychotic treatment on gray matter (GM) volume using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and investigate the relationship between brain structure and treatment response. The GM volumes of 33 patients with first-episode schizophrenia were calculated with voxel-based morphometry (VBM), with 33 matched healthy controls. Longitudinal volume changes within subjects after 4-month antipsychotic treatment were also evaluated. ⋯ Moreover, the relationship between antipsychotics and structural changes was identified. The GM volume might have the potential to reflect the symptom improvement in schizophrenia patients. And MRI may assist in predicting the antipsychotic treatment response in first-episode schizophrenia patients.
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Meta Analysis
A meta-analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in autism spectrum disorders: Effects of age, gender, and latitude.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) occur in 1.5% of the general population worldwide. Studies suggest that ASD might have more costs than diabetes and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder by 2025. Dysregulation of the cytokine system is well-documented in ASD. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies providing data on circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in people with ASD compared with control subjects without ASD. ⋯ This meta-analysis provides evidence for higher concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in autistic patents compared with control subjects. Also, meta-regression analyses point to the interaction of latitude, age, and gender with peripheral alterations of associated pro-inflammatory cytokines.