Neuroendocrinol Lett
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2011
Huperzine induces alteration in oxidative balance and antioxidants in a guinea pig model.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder. Symptomatic treatment is available by inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) such as rivastigmine, galantamine and donepezil. As huperzine is a promising compound for AD treatment, our study was aimed at evaluating its pertinent implications in oxidative stress. ⋯ We discuss the potency of huperzine in enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the central nervous system. Huperzine is probably implicated in more processes than cholinesterase inhibition only.
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2011
Somatization, but not depression, is characterized by disorders in the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway, indicating increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and lowered kynurenine aminotransferase activity.
Reduced plasma tryptophan occurs in depression and somatization. Induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) with consequent synthesis of tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) and lowered tryptophan are associated with the onset of depression in the puerperium and during interferon-alpha treatment. Depression is accompanied by lowered kynurenic acid, a neuroprotectant, or increased kynurenine, a neurotoxic TRYCAT. ⋯ Somatization is characterized by increased IDO activity and disorders in KAT activity and an increased neurotoxic potential. The TRYCAT pathway may play a role in the pathophysiology of somatizing and "psychosomatic" symptoms through effects on pain, gut motility, the autonomic nervous system, peripheral NMDA receptors, etc. Even more, biological disorders, such as aberrations in the TRYCAT pathway, which are considered to be a hallmark for depression, are in fact attributable to somatization rather than to depression per se. Future research in depression on the TRYCAT pathway should always control for the possible effects of somatization.
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2011
Young advisors to the Ombudsman as co-operators of child psychiatry.
In Slovakia, Legislation regulates the rights of individuals with mental disorders. Observance of these regulations is monitored by a designated Ombudsman or Public Defender of Rights which was created with the adoption of the Constitutional Act No. 90/2001. The Public Defender of Rights pays special attention toward the young generation including mentally handicapped children which since 2002 serves as the basis for collaboration with Child Ombudsmen who also act in prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Syndrome (CAN). Problematic children receive little attention not only in Slovakia. ⋯ An international network of Child Ombudspersons aimed at preventing development of mental and physical damage has been developed. Functioning in 22 European countries within The European Network of Ombudspersons for Children was implemented on a greater scale in April 2010. The Child Ombudspersons should be included in all public healthcare system.
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2011
ReviewDisrupted chronobiology of sleep and cytoprotection in obesity: possible therapeutic value of melatonin.
From a physiological perspective the sleep-wake cycle can be envisioned as a sequence of three physiological states (wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement, NREM, sleep and REM sleep) which are defined by a particular neuroendocrine-immune profile regulating the metabolic balance, body weight and inflammatory responses. Sleep deprivation and circadian disruption in contemporary "24/7 Society" lead to the predominance of pro-orexic and proinflammatory mechanisms that contribute to a pandemic metabolic syndrome (MS) including obesity, diabetes and atherosclerotic disease. Thus, a successful management of MS may require a drug that besides antagonizing the trigger factors of MS could also correct a disturbed sleep-wake rhythm. ⋯ More recently, attention has been focused on the development of potent melatonin analogs with prolonged effects (ramelteon, agomelatine, tasimelteon, TK 301). In clinical trials these analogs were employed in doses considerably higher than those usually employed for melatonin. In view that the relative potencies of the analogs are higher than that of the natural compound, clinical trials employing melatonin doses in the range of 50-100 mg/day are needed to assess its therapeutic value in MS.
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2011
Case ReportsPeripheral nerve stimulation in intractable neuropathic pain.
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a neurostimulation analgesic technique. PNS is utilized to treat peripheral neuropathic pain. It is highly sophisticated and a specialized technique used where other forms of treatment have failed. ⋯ In the second part, a case of intractable neuropathic pain following repeated surgery to the ulnar nerve is reported. Prior to PNS, the patient underwent multiple types of antineuralgic treatment with no significant result. Only after the PNS application, was a significant analgesic effect achieved.