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International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2023The sleep-wake cycle is a complex multifactorial process involving several neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine, dopamine,... (Review)
Review
The sleep-wake cycle is a complex multifactorial process involving several neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine, dopamine, orexin and GABA, that can be, in turn, regulated by different nutrients involved in their metabolic pathways. Although good sleep quality in children has been proven to be a key factor for optimal cognitive, physical and psychological development, a significant and ever-increasing percentage of the pediatric population suffers from sleep disorders. In children, behavioral interventions along with supplements are recommended as the first line treatment. This systematic review was conducted, according to the PRISMA guidelines, with the purpose of assessing the principal nutrients involved in the pathways of sleep-regulating neurotransmitters in children and adolescents. Our focus was the utilization of over the counter (OTC) products, specifically iron, hydroxytryptophan, theanine and antihistamines in the management of different pediatric sleep disorders with the intention of providing a practical guide for the clinician.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Child; Sleep; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Histamine; Histamine Antagonists; Neurotransmitter Agents; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 37175525
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097821 -
Appetite Apr 2023Food addiction may play a role in rising obesity rates in connection with obesogenic environments and processed food availability, however the concept of food addiction... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Food addiction may play a role in rising obesity rates in connection with obesogenic environments and processed food availability, however the concept of food addiction remains controversial. While animal studies show evidence for addictive processes in relation to processed foods, most human studies are psychologically focussed and there is a need to better understand evidence for biological mechanisms of food addiction in humans. Several key hormones are implicated in models of food addiction, due to their key roles in feeding, energy metabolism, stress and addictive behaviours. This systematic literature review examines evidence for relationships between food addiction, hormones and other blood biomarkers.
METHODS
A series of literature searches was performed in Scopus, PsychInfo, MedLine, ProQuest, CINAHL and Web of Science. A total of 3111 articles were found, of which 1045 were duplicates. Articles were included if they contained a psychometric measurement of food addiction, such as the Yale Food Addiction Scale, as well as addressed the association between FA and hormones or blood biomarkers in humans. Articles were assessed for eligibility by two independent reviewers.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies were identified that examined relationships between food addiction and blood biomarkers, published between 2015 and 2021. Significant findings were reported for leptin, ghrelin, cortisol, insulin and glucose, oxytocin, cholesterol, plasma dopamine, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), amylin, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) and cholecystokinin (CCK). Methodological issues included small sample sizes and variation in obesity status, sex and mental health-related comorbidities. Due to methodological limitations, definite connections between FA, hormones and other blood biomarkers cannot yet be determined.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review identified preliminary evidence linking FA symptoms to hormones and other blood biomarkers related to feeding, addiction, and stress. However, due to the small number of studies and methodological limitations, further research is needed to evaluate biopsychosocial models of FA and to resolve controversies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Food Addiction; Obesity; Behavior, Addictive; Cholecystokinin; Biomarkers; Feeding Behavior
PubMed: 36716820
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106475 -
Expert Review of Endocrinology &... Nov 2022Hyperprolactinemia has been proven to induce hypogonadism and metabolic derangements in both genders, while the consequences of prolactin (PRL) deficiency have been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Hyperprolactinemia has been proven to induce hypogonadism and metabolic derangements in both genders, while the consequences of prolactin (PRL) deficiency have been poorly investigated.
AREAS COVERED
To systematically review and analyze data from clinical studies focusing on the metabolic consequences of abnormally high prolactin levels (HPRL) and low prolactin levels (LPRL). In addition, data from preclinical studies about underlying pathophysiological mechanisms were summarized and discussed.
EXPERT OPINION
PRL contributes to providing the correct amount of energy to support the mother and the fetus/offspring during pregnancy and lactation, but it also has a homeostatic role. Pathological PRL elevation beyond these physiological conditions, but also its reduction, impairs metabolism and body composition in both genders, increasing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular events. Hence, hypoprolactinemia should be avoided as much as possible during treatment with dopamine agonists for prolactinomas. Patients with hypoprolactinemia, because of endogenous or iatrogenic conditions, deserve, as those with hyperprolactinemia, careful metabolic assessment.
Topics: Male; Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Prolactin; Hyperprolactinemia; Prolactinoma; Pituitary Neoplasms
PubMed: 36447418
DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2144829 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Apr 2022Dopaminergic dysfunction is thought to be central to schizophrenia symptomatology. Previous meta-analyses of prodopaminergic drugs in schizophrenia have important... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Dopaminergic dysfunction is thought to be central to schizophrenia symptomatology. Previous meta-analyses of prodopaminergic drugs in schizophrenia have important limitations, and also did not include dopamine D2/D3 partial agonists. We investigated the effect of medications which increase dopamine signalling on schizophrenia symptoms by meta-analysing double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs. 59 RCTs were included: 29 of prodopaminergic treatments, 30 of partial agonists. Partial agonists were significantly superior to placebo against positive (SMD=-0.33,p = 1.2 ×10), negative (SMD=-0.29,p = 2.2 × 10-) and total symptoms (SMD =-0.39,p = 1.7 × 10) in schizophrenia. There were no significant differences between pooled pro-dopaminergic drugs and placebo in any symptom domain. In subgroup analysis of five studies where patients were selected for negative symptom severity, ar/modafinil was superior to placebo against negative symptoms (SMD=-0.34,p = 0.037). These data favour the clinical use of partial agonists for negative symptoms in schizophrenia, with clinically meaningful effect sizes. Our findings also suggest a benefit for ar/modafinil in patients with predominant negative symptoms. Future trials of other prodopaminergic therapies and dopamine partial agonists in patients with predominant negative symptoms are warranted.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Dopamine; Dopamine Agonists; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 35131396
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104568 -
Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic... Dec 2023The Dopamine-2 receptor agonists, Bromocriptine and Cabergoline, were originally introduced for prolactinomas, pituitary tumors, and parkinson's disease but have... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The Dopamine-2 receptor agonists, Bromocriptine and Cabergoline, were originally introduced for prolactinomas, pituitary tumors, and parkinson's disease but have glucose-lowering effects. This paper systematically reviewed the significance of their effects on lowering blood glucose level and conducted a comprehensive systematic search to identify relevant clinical trials of dopamine 2 agonists on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood sugar (FBS).
METHOD
We conducted a systematic review search in the databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Registers, and Citations) until November 30, 2022, using the PRISMA 2020 statement. The Oxford quality score (Jadad score) was used to assess the study's quality. The present study protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database with ID: CRD42023389582. The study included studies with full abstracts, predefined doses, clear interventions, and blood glucose measurements.
RESULT
Data were synthesized from 23 clinical studies that recruited 6125 study subjects. The pooled effect analysis of the clinical trials revealed that dopamine 2 agonists improved HbA1c [SMD = -1.26; 95% CI (-1.60, -0.93), < .00001], and FBS [SMD = -1.84; 95% CI (-2.61, -1.07), < .00001]. Each drug's pooled effect analysis indicates bromocriptine significantly improved HbA1c [SMD = -1.25; 95% CI (-1.64, -0.87), < .00001] and FBS [SMD = -1.90; 95% CI (-2.79, -1.01), < .00001] and similarly, cabergoline significantly improved HbA1c [SMD = -1.29; 95% CI (-1.96, -0.62), < .00001] and FBS [SMD = -1.62; 95% CI (-2.82, -0.41), < .00001]. The pooled and individual analyses demonstrated that dopamine 2 agonists have a significant ability to lower blood glucose levels in clinical studies.
CONCLUSION
This study shows that dopamine 2 agonists significantly lowered FBS and HbA1c levels without causing severe negative effects. Even though the results are promising, additional research is necessary to establish the appropriate antihyperglycemic dosage, frequency of daily use, side effects, and potential product interactions when employing dopamine 2 receptor agonists for their antihyperglycemic effect.
PubMed: 37975084
DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01230-4 -
Therapeutic Advances in... Apr 2016Bupropion has been used as an antidepressant for over 20 years, though its licence for such use varies and it is typically a third- or fourth-line agent. It has a unique... (Review)
Review
Bupropion has been used as an antidepressant for over 20 years, though its licence for such use varies and it is typically a third- or fourth-line agent. It has a unique pharmacology, inhibiting the reuptake of noradrenaline and dopamine, potentially providing pharmacological augmentation to more common antidepressants such as selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This systematic review and meta-analysis identified 51 studies, dividing into four categories: bupropion as a sole antidepressant, bupropion coprescribed with another antidepressant, bupropion in 'other' populations (e.g. bipolar depression, elderly populations) and primary evaluation of side effects. Methodologically more robust trials support the superiority of bupropion over placebo, and most head-to-head antidepressant trials showed an equivalent effectiveness, though some of these are hindered by a lack of a placebo arm. Most work on the coprescribing of bupropion with another antidepressant supports an additional effect, though many are open-label trials. Several large multi-medication trials, most notably STAR*D, also support a therapeutic role for bupropion; in general, it demonstrated similar effectiveness to other medications, though this literature highlights the generally low response rates in refractory cohorts. Effectiveness has been shown in 'other' populations, though there is an overall dearth of research. Bupropion is generally well tolerated, it has very low rates of sexual dysfunction, and is more likely to cause weight loss than gain. Our findings support the use of bupropion as a sole or coprescribed antidepressant, particularly if weight gain or sexual dysfunction are, or are likely to be, significant problems. However there are notable gaps in the literature, including less information on treatment naïve and first presentation depression, particularly when one considers the ever-reducing rates of response in more refractory illness. There are some data to support bupropion targeting specific symptoms, but insufficient information to reliably inform such prescribing, and it remains uncertain whether bupropion pharmacodynamically truly augments other drugs.
PubMed: 27141292
DOI: 10.1177/2045125316629071 -
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology Jul 2023The rapid and continual development of a number of radiopharmaceuticals targeting different receptor, enzyme and small molecule systems has fostered Positron Emission... (Review)
Review
The rapid and continual development of a number of radiopharmaceuticals targeting different receptor, enzyme and small molecule systems has fostered Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of endocrine system actions in vivo in the human brain for several decades. PET radioligands have been developed to measure changes that are regulated by hormone action (e.g., glucose metabolism, cerebral blood flow, dopamine receptors) and actions within endocrine organs or glands such as steroids (e.g., glucocorticoids receptors), hormones (e.g., estrogen, insulin), and enzymes (e.g., aromatase). This systematic review is targeted to the neuroendocrinology community that may be interested in learning about positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for use in their research. Covering neuroendocrine PET research over the past half century, researchers and clinicians will be able to answer the question of where future research may benefit from the strengths of PET imaging.
Topics: Humans; Neuroendocrinology; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Brain
PubMed: 37423505
DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101081 -
Biomedicine Hub 2022Comparative studies among the various cardiovascular medications used for the treatment of neonatal hypotension are lacking.
BACKGROUND
Comparative studies among the various cardiovascular medications used for the treatment of neonatal hypotension are lacking.
METHODS
This systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis of the anti-hypotensive treatments in preterm and term infants was conducted to evaluate efficacy and impact on outcome. Electronic databases were searched up to February 2021 for relevant articles. As an extension of the current approach for study selection, a machine learning technique was used. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of inotropes, pressors, volume therapy, and corticosteroids were included. Response to treatment was the primary outcome while secondary outcomes included mortality and common morbidities.
RESULTS
Nineteen RCTs involving 758 preterm and term neonates were found, and 8 treatments were evaluated. Most studies involved subjects with early hypotension associated with prematurity. Pairwise meta-analysis among treatments showed that dopamine was more effective than dobutamine regarding the response to treatment (restoration of normotension or normalization of blood pressure) (7 trials, 286 neonates, odds ratio, 3.06 [95% CI = 1.06-8.87]; = 49%, very low quality of the evidence per GRADE). Comparisons of other treatments were not significant. No differences were found among regimens regarding survival and other secondary outcomes.
CONCLUSION
In this systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis, only the comparison of dopamine versus dobutamine provided evidence for efficacy of treatment and favored dopamine. No safe conclusions could be reached in regard to other treatments. Data regarding the management of arterial hypotension in conditions other than transition after birth in preterm newborns are sparse both in preterm and term infants.
PubMed: 35950013
DOI: 10.1159/000525133 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2019The dopaminergic system has been associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. But previous studies found inconsistent results regarding the relationship...
The dopaminergic system has been associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. But previous studies found inconsistent results regarding the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and dopamine when looking at dopamine receptor concentrations. The aim of this review was to synthesize, using a random-effects model of meta-analysis, the link between the dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease. A detailed analysis protocol was registered at the PROSPERO database prior to data extraction (CRD42018110798). Electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Psyc-ARTICLES were searched up to December 2018 for studies that examined dopamine and dopamine receptors in relation to Alzheimer's disease. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated to assess group differences in the levels of dopaminergic neurometabolites. Seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria. Collectively, they included 512 patients and 500 healthy controls. There were significantly lower levels of dopamine in patients with Alzheimer's disease compared with controls (SMD = -1.56, 95% CI: -2.64 to -0.49). In addition, dopamine 1 receptor (SMD = -5.05, 95% CI: -6.14 to -3.97) and dopamine 2 receptor (SMD = -1.13, 95% CI: -1.52 to -0.74) levels were decreased in patients with Alzheimer's disease compared with controls. The results of network meta-analysis indicated that the rank of correlation with Alzheimer's disease from highest to lowest was dopamine (0.74), dopamine 2 receptor (0.49), dopamine 3 receptor (0.46), dopamine 4 receptor (0.33), dopamine 5 receptor (0.31), and dopamine 1 receptor (0.64). Overall, decreased levels of dopaminergic neurotransmitters were linked with the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Nonetheless, there is a clear need for more prospective studies to validate these hypotheses.
PubMed: 31354471
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00175 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Jun 2023An increasing number of studies have used positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate molecular neurobiological differences in individuals who use cannabis. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
An increasing number of studies have used positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate molecular neurobiological differences in individuals who use cannabis. This study aimed to systematically review PET imaging research in individuals who use cannabis or have cannabis use disorder (CUD).
METHODS
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria, a comprehensive systematic review was undertaken using the PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases.
RESULTS
In total, 20 studies were identified and grouped into three themes: (1) studies of the dopamine system primarily found that cannabis use was associated with abnormal striatal dopamine synthesis capacity, which was in turn correlated with clinical symptoms; (2) studies of the endocannabinoid system found that cannabis use and CUD are associated with lower cannabinoid receptor type 1 availability and global reductions in fatty acid amide hydrolase binding; (3) studies of brain metabolism found that individuals who use cannabis exhibit lower normalized glucose metabolism in both cortical and subcortical brain regions, and reduced cerebral blood flow in the lateral prefrontal cortex during experimental tasks. Heterogeneity across studies prevented meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
Existing PET imaging research reveals substantive molecular differences in cannabis users in the dopamine and endocannabinoid systems, and in global brain metabolism, although the heterogeneity of designs and approaches is very high, and whether these differences are causal versus consequential is largely unclear.
Topics: Humans; Cannabis; Endocannabinoids; Dopamine; Brain; Positron-Emission Tomography; Hallucinogens
PubMed: 37088043
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.045