The control patterns of affective processing and cognitive reappraisal: insights from brain controllability analysis.

Perceiving and modulating emotions is vital for cognitive function and is often impaired in neuropsychiatric conditions. Current tools for evaluating emotional dysregulation suffer from subjectivity and lack of precision, especially when it comes to understanding emotion from a regulatory or control-based perspective. To address these limitations, this study leverages an advanced methodology known as functional brain controllability analysis. We simultaneously recorded electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 17 healthy subjects engaged in emotion processing and regulation tasks. We then employed a novel EEG/fMRI integration technique to reconstruct cortical activity in a high spatiotemporal resolution manner. Subsequently, we conducted functional brain controllability analysis to explore the neural network control patterns underlying different emotion conditions. Our findings demonstrated that the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex exhibited increased controllability during the processing and regulation of negative emotions compared to processing of neutral emotion. Besides, the anterior cingulate cortex was notably more active in managing negative emotion than in either controlling neutral emotion or regulating negative emotion. Finally, the posterior parietal cortex emerged as a central network controller for the regulation of negative emotion. This study offers valuable insights into the cortical control mechanisms that support emotion perception and regulation.

Treatment of Depression in Huntington's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder among individuals with Huntington's disease (HD). Depression in HD and major depressive disorder appear to have different pathophysiological mechanisms. Despite the unique pathophysiology, the treatment of depression in HD is based on data from the treatment of major depressive disorder in the general population. The objective of this systematic review was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the available evidence. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Studies on the treatment of depression in HD were identified by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo. The initial search yielded 2,771 records, 41 of which were ultimately included. There were 19 case reports, seven case series, three cross-sectional studies, one qualitative study, nine nonrandomized studies, and two randomized trials among the included studies. The most common assessment tools were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (N=8), the Beck Depression Inventory (N=6), and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (N=6). Only 59% of the included studies assessed depressive symptoms with a scoring system. The pharmacological options for the treatment of depression included antidepressants and antipsychotics. Nonpharmacological approaches were multidisciplinary rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and neurostimulation. Limited evidence on the treatment of depression in HD was available, and this literature consisted mainly of case reports and case series. This systematic review highlights the knowledge gap and the pressing need for HD-specific research to determine the efficacy of treatment approaches for depression in HD.

Bipolar symptoms, somatic burden and functioning in older-age bipolar disorder: A replication study from the global aging & geriatric experiments in bipolar disorder database (GAGE-BD) project.

OBJECTIVES: The Global Aging & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder Database (GAGE-BD) project pools archival datasets on older age bipolar disorder (OABD). An initial Wave 1 (W1; n = 1369) analysis found both manic and depressive symptoms reduced among older patients. To replicate this finding, we gathered an independent Wave 2 (W2; n = 1232, mean ± standard deviation age 47.2 ± 13.5, 65% women, 49% aged over 50) dataset. DESIGN/METHODS: Using mixed models with random effects for cohort, we examined associations between BD symptoms, somatic burden and age and the contribution of these to functioning in W2 and the combined W1 + W2 sample (n = 2601). RESULTS: Compared to W1, the W2 sample was younger (p < 0.001), less educated (p < 0.001), more symptomatic (p < 0.001), lower functioning (p < 0.001) and had fewer somatic conditions (p < 0.001). In the full W2, older individuals had reduced manic symptom severity, but age was not associated with depression severity. Age was not associated with functioning in W2. More severe BD symptoms (mania p ≤ 0.001, depression p ≤ 0.001) were associated with worse functioning. Older age was significantly associated with higher somatic burden in the W2 and the W1 + W2 samples, but this burden was not associated with poorer functioning. CONCLUSIONS: In a large, independent sample, older age was associated with less severe mania and more somatic burden (consistent with previous findings), but there was no association of depression with age (different from previous findings). Similar to previous findings, worse BD symptom severity was associated with worse functioning, emphasizing the need for symptom relief in OABD to promote better functioning.

Essential data dimensions for prospective international data collection in older age bipolar disorder (OABD): Recommendations from the GAGE-BD group.

BACKGROUND: By 2030, over 50% of individuals living with bipolar disorder (BD) are expected to be aged ≥50 years. However, older age bipolar disorder (OABD) remains understudied. There are limited large-scale prospectively collected data organized in key dimensions capable of addressing several fundamental questions about BD affecting this subgroup of patients. METHODS: We developed initial recommendations for the essential dimensions for OABD data collection, based on (1) a systematic review of measures used in OABD studies, (2) a Delphi consensus of international OABD experts, (3) experience with harmonizing OABD data in the Global Aging & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder Database (GAGE-BD, n ≥ 4500 participants), and (4) critical feedback from 34 global experts in geriatric mental health. RESULTS: We identified 15 key dimensions and variables within each that are relevant for the investigation of OABD: (1) demographics, (2) core symptoms of depression and (3) mania, (4) cognition screening and subjective cognitive function, (5) elements for BD diagnosis, (6) descriptors of course of illness, (7) treatment, (8) suicidality, (9) current medication, (10) psychiatric comorbidity, (11) psychotic symptoms, (12) general medical comorbidities, (13) functioning, (14) family history, and (15) other. We also recommend particular instruments for capturing some of the dimensions and variables. CONCLUSION: The essential data dimensions we present should be of use to guide future international data collection in OABD and clinical practice. In the longer term, we aim to establish a prospective consortium using this core set of dimensions and associated variables to answer research questions relevant to OABD.

Frequency and Pathophysiology of Apathy in Huntington Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Apathy is a common behavioral symptom of Huntington disease (HD). This systematic review describes current evidence on the pathophysiology, assessment, and frequency of apathy in HD. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Using a comprehensive search strategy, the investigators searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases. All studies that evaluated apathy in HD patients with a valid scale and reported apathy frequency or scores were included. Apathy scores were analyzed by mean or standardized mean differences in accordance with Cochrane guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 1,085 records were screened and 80 studies were ultimately included. The Problem Behaviors Assessment-Short was the most frequently used apathy assessment tool. Apathy frequency generally ranged from 10%-33% in premanifest HD to 24%-76% in manifest HD. A meta-analysis of 5,311 records of patients with premanifest HD showed significantly higher apathy scores, with a standardized mean difference of 0.41 (CI=0.29-0.52; p<0.001). A comparison of 1,247 patients showed significantly higher apathy scores in manifest than premanifest HD, with a mean difference of 1.87 (CI=1.48-2.26; p<0.001). There was evidence of involvement of various cortical and subcortical brain regions in HD patients with apathy. CONCLUSIONS: Apathy was more frequent among individuals with premanifest HD compared with those in a control group and among individuals with manifest HD compared with those with premanifest HD. Considering the complexity and unique pattern of development in neurodegenerative disease, further studies are required to explore the pathophysiology of apathy in HD.

Association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Chronic intermittent hypoxia associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can affect neurons and glial cells, leading to cell stress and damage, and changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. This study investigated the relation between BDNF, OSA, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) - the standard of care in patients with OSA. METHODS: Five databases were searched for studies that evaluated BDNF serum and/or plasma levels in patients with OSA and controls or publications assessing the effect of CPAP treatment on BDNF levels. We used standardized mean difference (SMD) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) comparison between patients with OSA and controls. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in our study assessing the relation between BDNF levels, OSA, and CPAP treatment. Five studies of BDNF levels in OSA compared to controls showed no significant difference (SMD = - 0.52, 95% CI [- 1.93; 0.89], p-value = 0.47). No statistically significant difference was found between CPAP treatment in patients with OSA and BDNF levels (SMD = - 0.78, 95% CI [- 1.77; 0.21], p-value = 0.12). CONCLUSION: BDNF peripheral levels are not significantly altered in OSA or by its related treatment, preventing its use as a biomarker.

Immunization with recombinant LiHyp1 protein plus adjuvant is protective against tegumentary leishmaniasis.

Tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is the main clinical manifestation of leishmaniasis, and it can cause the infected hosts to self-healing cutaneous lesions until mutilating scars in mucosal membranes, particularly in the nose and throat. The treatment against disease presents problems, and the diagnosis is hampered by variable sensitivity and/or specificity of the tests. In this context, the development of prophylactic vaccines could be considered as a strategy to control the disease. Previously, we showed that the recombinant LiHyp1 protein plus adjuvant protected mice from infection with Leishmania infantum, which causes visceral leishmaniasis. In the present study, we tested whether rLiHyp1 could induce protection against infection with L. amazonensis, a parasite species able to cause TL. We immunized BALB/c mice with rLiHyp1 plus saponin (rLiHyp1/S) or incorporated in micelles (rLiHyp1/M) as adjuvants and performed parasitological and immunological evaluations before and after infection. Results showed that after in vitro stimulation from spleen cell cultures using rLiHyp1 or a Leishmania antigenic extract (SLA), rLiHyp1/S and rLiHyp1/M groups developed a Th1-type immune response, which was characterized by high levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α and IL-12 cytokines, nitrite, and IgG2a isotype antibodies when compared to values found in the control (saline, saponin, micelles alone) groups, which showed higher levels of anti-SLA IL-4, IL-10, and IgG1 antibodies before and after challenge. In addition, mice receiving rLiHyp1/S or rLiHyp1/M presented significant reductions in the lesion average diameter and parasite load in the infected tissue and internal organs. Blood samples were collected from healthy subjects and TL patients to obtain PBMC cultures, which were in vitro stimulated with rLiHyp1 or SLA, and results showed higher lymphoproliferation and IFN-γ production after stimulus using rLiHyp1, as compared to values found using SLA. These results suggest that rLiHyp1 plus adjuvant was protective against experimental TL and could also be considered for future studies as a vaccine candidate against human disease.

Within subject cross-tissue analyzes of epigenetic clocks in substance use disorder postmortem brain and blood.

There is a possible accelerated biological aging in patients with substance use disorders (SUD). The evaluation of epigenetic clocks, which are accurate estimators of biological aging based on DNA methylation changes, has been limited to blood tissue in patients with SUD. Consequently, the impact of biological aging in the brain of individuals with SUD remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated multiple epigenetic clocks (DNAmAge, DNAmAgeHannum, DNAmAgeSkinBlood, DNAmPhenoAge, DNAmGrimAge, and DNAmTL) in individuals with SUD (n = 42), including alcohol (n = 10), opioid (n = 19), and stimulant use disorder (n = 13), and controls (n = 10) in postmortem brain (prefrontal cortex) and blood tissue obtained from the same individuals. We found a higher DNAmPhenoAge (ß = 0.191, p-value = 0.0104) and a nominally lower DNAmTL (ß = -0.149, p-value = 0.0603) in blood from individuals with SUD compared to controls. SUD subgroup analysis showed a nominally lower brain DNAmTL in subjects with alcohol use disorder, compared to stimulant use disorder and controls (ß = 0.0150, p-value = 0.087). Cross-tissue analyzes indicated a lower blood DNAmTL and a higher blood DNAmAge compared to their respective brain values in the SUD group. This study highlights the relevance of tissue specificity in biological aging studies and suggests that peripheral measures of epigenetic clocks in SUD may depend on the specific type of drug used.

Severe psychiatric disorders and general medical comorbidities: inflammation-related mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities.

Individuals with severe psychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders and schizophrenia, are at increased risk of developing other medical conditions, especially cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. These medical conditions are underdiagnosed and undertreated in these patients contributing to their increased morbidity and mortality. The basis for this increased comorbidity is not well understood, possibly reflecting shared risks factors (e.g. lifestyle risk factors), shared biological mechanisms and/or reciprocal interactions. Among overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms, inflammation and related factors, such as dysbiosis and insulin resistance, stand out. Besides underlying the association between psychiatric disorders and cardiometabolic diseases, these mechanisms provide several potential therapeutic targets.

Angiogenic gene networks are dysregulated in opioid use disorder: evidence from multi-omics and imaging of postmortem human brain.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a public health crisis in the U.S. that causes over 50 thousand deaths annually due to overdose. Using next-generation RNA sequencing and proteomics techniques, we identified 394 differentially expressed (DE) coding and long noncoding (lnc) RNAs as well as 213 DE proteins in Brodmann Area 9 of OUD subjects. The RNA and protein changes converged on pro-angiogenic gene networks and cytokine signaling pathways. Four genes (LGALS3, SLC2A1, PCLD1, and VAMP1) were dysregulated in both RNA and protein. Dissecting these DE genes and networks, we found cell type-specific effects with enrichment in astrocyte, endothelial, and microglia correlated genes. Weighted-genome correlation network analysis (WGCNA) revealed cell-type correlated networks including an astrocytic/endothelial/microglia network involved in angiogenic cytokine signaling as well as a neuronal network involved in synaptic vesicle formation. In addition, using ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging, we identified increased vascularization in postmortem brains from a subset of subjects with OUD. This is the first study integrating dysregulation of angiogenic gene networks in OUD with qualitative imaging evidence of hypervascularization in postmortem brain. Understanding the neurovascular effects of OUD is critical in this time of widespread opioid use.

ILAE clinical practice recommendations for the medical treatment of depression in adults with epilepsy.

The aim of this document is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the medical treatment of depression in adults with epilepsy. The working group consisted of members of an ad hoc Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission on Psychiatry, ILAE Executive and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) representatives. The development of these recommendations is based on a systematic review of studies on the treatment of depression in adults with epilepsy, and a formal adaptation process of existing guidelines and recommendations of treatment of depression outside epilepsy using the ADAPTE process. The systematic review identified 11 studies on drug treatments (788 participants, class of evidence III and IV); 13 studies on psychological treatments (998 participants, class of evidence II, III and IV); and 2 studies comparing sertraline with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT; 155 participants, class of evidence I and IV). The ADAPTE process identified the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry guidelines for the biological treatment of unipolar depression as the starting point for the adaptation process. This document focuses on first-line drug treatment, inadequate response to first-line antidepressant treatment, and duration of such treatment and augmentation strategies within the broader context of electroconvulsive therapy, psychological, and other treatments. For mild depressive episodes, psychological interventions are first-line treatments, and where medication is used, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-choice medications (Level B). SSRIs remain the first-choice medications (Level B) for moderate to severe depressive episodes; however, in patients who are partially or non-responding to first-line treatment, switching to venlafaxine appears legitimate (Level C). Antidepressant treatment should be maintained for at least 6 months following remission from a first depressive episode but it should be prolonged to 9 months in patients with a history of previous episodes and should continue even longer in severe depression or in cases of residual symptomatology until such symptoms have subsided.

Blood Biomarkers of Neuronal/Axonal and Glial Injury in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately half of the people living with HIV (PLWH) experience HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs). However, the neuropathogenesis of HAND is complex, and identifying reliable biomarkers has been challenging. METHODS: This study included 132 participants aged 50 and older from greater San Diego County. The participants were divided into three groups: PLWH with HAND (n = 29), PLWH without HAND (n = 73), and seronegatives without cognitive impairment (n = 30). Peripheral blood was collected at the clinical assessment, and plasma levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), phosphorylated Tau 181 (pTau181), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Plasma levels of NfL (but not pTau181 and GFAP) were significantly associated with HAND at a medium effect size (p = 0.039, Cohen's d = 0.45 for HAND + vs. HAND-). Notably, higher levels of NfL were significantly associated with HAND diagnosis even after adjusting for sex. DISCUSSION: Our data suggest that neuronal degeneration (as evidenced by increased levels of NfL), but not tau pathology or glial degeneration, is related to cognitive status in PLWH. Our results corroborate the view that blood NfL is a promising biomarker of cognitive impairment in PLWH.

Correlations between peripheral levels of inflammatory mediators and frontolimbic structures in bipolar disorder: an exploratory analysis.

BACKGROUND: Altered peripheral immune/inflammatory system and brain volumetric changes have been implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). This study aimed to evaluate how peripheral levels of cytokines are related to volumetric brain changes in euthymic patients with BD. METHODS: Euthymic patients with BD (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 22) were enrolled in this exploratory study. Blood samples were collected on the same day of clinical assessment and neuroimaging. Cytokines were measured through cytometric bead array method. Neuroimaging data were acquired using a sagittal three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging T1-weighted fast field echo sequence and was processed using FreeSurfer. RESULTS: Compared to controls, BD patients had significantly lower volumes in the cingulate, medial-orbitofrontal (MOF) and parahippocampal regions. We found a negative correlation between right MOF volume and interferon-gamma levels (ß = -0.431, P = .049) and a positive correlation between interleukin-10 levels and left posterior cingulate volume (ß = 0.457, P = .048). CONCLUSION: Our results support the involvement of inflammatory pathways in structural brain changes in BD.

Clinical Correlates of Depression and Suicidality in Huntington Disease: An Analysis of the Enroll-HD Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Depression and suicidality are commonly experienced by Huntington disease (HD) gene carriers. Research on these behavioral symptoms is imperative, not only to increase our understanding of the symptoms and how they relate to HD, but also to contribute to improving patients' care and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical variables associated with a history of depression and suicidality in HD gene carriers. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study of HD gene carriers from the Enroll-HD database PDS4 (periodic data set 4; N = 11,582). Data from baseline visits were obtained, and binary logistic regression models were used to ascertain the effects of clinical variables on the likelihood that HD gene carriers would have previous depression and suicidal ideation/attempts. RESULTS: Approximately 65% (n = 7526) of the HD gene carriers had a history of depression, and ~27% (n = 3152) had previous suicidal ideation/attempts. Female sex; diagnosis of manifest HD; history of perseverative/obsessive behavior, apathy, and psychosis; and previous suicidal ideation/attempts were significantly associated with a history of depression in the HD gene carriers. Medical history of apathy, psychosis, and depression, as well as worse scores on the Total Functional Capacity and Irritability Scales, were significantly associated with previous suicidal ideation/attempts in the HD gene carriers. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of depression and suicidality is high among HD gene carriers. An improved understanding of the risk factors for depression and suicide in HD gene carriers can assist providers in recognizing at-risk individuals and allow providers to implement therapeutic strategies.

Renin-Angiotensin System in Huntington's Disease: Evidence from Animal Models and Human Patients.

The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is expressed in the central nervous system and has important functions that go beyond blood pressure regulation. Clinical and experimental studies have suggested that alterations in the brain RAS contribute to the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is limited information regarding the involvement of RAS components in Huntington's disease (HD). Herein, we used the HD murine model, (BACHD), as well as samples from patients with HD to investigate the role of both the classical and alternative axes of RAS in HD pathophysiology. BACHD mice displayed worse motor performance in different behavioral tests alongside a decrease in the levels and activity of the components of the RAS alternative axis ACE2, Ang-(1-7), and Mas receptors in the striatum, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. BACHD mice also displayed a significant increase in mRNA expression of the AT1 receptor, a component of the RAS classical arm, in these key brain regions. Moreover, patients with manifest HD presented higher plasma levels of Ang-(1-7). No significant changes were found in the levels of ACE, ACE2, and Ang II. Our findings provided the first evidence that an imbalance in the RAS classical and counter-regulatory arms may play a role in HD pathophysiology.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with depressive symptoms in older adults with HIV disease.

Symptoms of depression are common among persons with HIV (PWH) and can have a significant impact on socioeconomic and personal well-being, but little is known about their neurobiological substrates in the context of HIV disease. This study examined the possible role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in symptoms of depression and other aspects of mood in 109 PWH and 43 seronegative participants aged 50 and older. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) which measured six dimensions of mood and was normatively adjusted for sex. A model controlling for medical comorbidities and substance use diagnoses among PWH showed a significant interaction between BDNF and POMS subscales. Planned post hoc analyses revealed that lower BDNF was only associated with higher scores on Depression-Dejection and Confusion-Bewilderment POMS subscales among PWH and at small-to-medium effect sizes. Lower levels of BDNF were associated with AIDS diagnoses and CD4 count, but not with viremia or duration of infection. BDNF levels did not differ between the PWH and HIV - samples, and there were no significant correlations between BDNF and any POMS variable in the HIV - group. Findings implicate BDNF in the neuropathophysiology of specific depressive symptoms in the context of HIV disease. Future studies may examine whether BDNF levels change over time, are sensitive to other aspects of mood disorders in HIV, and are associated with markers of HIV-associated neural injury.

Leishmania eukaryotic elongation Factor-1 beta protein is immunogenic and induces parasitological protection in mice against Leishmania infantum infection.

Treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is hampered mainly by the toxicity and/or high cost of antileishmanial drugs. What is more, variability on sensitivity and/or specificity of diagnostic tests hinders effective disease management. In this context, prophylactic vaccination should be considered as a strategy to prevent disease. In the present study, immunogenicity of the Leishmania eukaryotic Elongation Factor-1 beta (EF1b) protein, classified as a Leishmania virulence factor, was evaluated in vitro and in vivo and tested, for the first time, as a vaccine candidate against Leishmania infantum infection. The antigen was administered as DNA vaccine or as recombinant protein (rEF1b) delivered in saponin. BALB/c mice immunization with a DNA plasmid and recombinant protein plus saponin induced development of specific Th1-type immunity, characterized by high levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, GM-CSF, both T cell subtypes and antileishmanial IgG2a isotype antibodies, before and after infection. This immunological response to the vaccines was corroborated further by parasitological analysis of the vaccinated and then challenged mice, which showed significant reductions in the parasite load in their liver, spleen, bone marrow and draining lymph nodes, when compared to the controls. Vaccination using rEF1b/saponin induced a more robust Th1 response and parasitological protection when compared to the DNA vaccine. Furthermore, in vitro analysis of lymphoproliferation, IFN-γ and IL-10 levels in human PBMC cultures showed as well development of a specific Th1-type response. In conclusion, data suggest that EF1b could be a promising vaccine candidate to protect against L. infantum infection.

Inflammatory and neurotrophic factor plasma levels are related to epilepsy independently of etiology.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation plays an essential role in epilepsy. Studies indicate that cytokines and neurotrophic factors can act in neuroexcitability and epileptogenesis. We aimed to investigate the association between plasma inflammatory and neurotrophic markers, seizure frequency, and chronic epilepsy subtypes. METHODS: We studied 446 patients with epilepsy and 166 healthy controls. We classified patients according to etiology and seizure frequency. We measured plasma levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, interferon-γ (IFNγ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFr1), sTNFr2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophic factor 3 (NT3), NT4/5, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or cytometric bead array. RESULTS: The plasma levels of BDNF, NT3, NGF, and sTNFr2 were higher, whereas IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFNγ, TNFα, CNTF, and sTNFr1 were lower in patients than controls. IL1, GDNF, and NT4/5 were similar between groups. These markers did not correlate with age, sex, and epilepsy duration. The molecule sTNFr2 was the best marker to discriminate patients from controls (area under the curve = .857), also differing between patients with frequent and infrequent seizures. SIGNIFICANCE: This large cohort confirmed that patients with epilepsy have abnormal levels of plasma inflammatory and neurotrophic markers independent of the underlying etiology. Plasma level of sTNFr2 was related to seizure frequency and discriminated people with or without epilepsy with good accuracy, making it a potential biomarker for epilepsy and seizure burden.

Neuroinflammation in Mood Disorders: Role of Regulatory Immune Cells.

Mood disorders are associated with chronic low-grade systemic (sterile) inflammation, with increased plasma levels of pro-inflammatory mediators targeting all tissues including the brain. Importantly, pro-inflammatory cytokines (ex., tumor-necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-6) regulate mood behavior and cognition by influencing neurotransmitter levels, activating stress-responsive endocrine axes, among other effects. However, the mechanisms underlying this enhanced inflammation are not well understood. There is increasing evidence indicating that impaired immunoregulatory mechanisms may play a role in this context. Patients with mood disorders (major depression [MDD] and bipolar disorder [BD]) have reduced numbers of major regulatory cells of both innate (natural killer regulatory cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells [MDSCs]) and adaptive immune responses (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+, B regulatory cells). Dysfunctional regulatory immune cells might contribute to systemic and neuroinflammation observed in mood disorders via different mechanisms, such as: (i) failure to develop adequate stress-related responses, (ii) indirectly through microglial activation, (iii) lack of trophic support and pro-cognitive functions of T cells in the brain, and (iv) dysbiosis. In conclusion, maladaptive immunoregulatory mechanisms seem to be involved with both onset and progression of mood disorders. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Technology: Potential Targets for Depression.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous condition with complex pathophysiology resulting from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Despite a reasonable array of therapeutic options, the management of MDD has been marked by an increasing number of treatment resistant cases. Identifying the multiple pathways involved in the pathogenesis of MDD is fundamental to move the field forward and to define novel and more effective therapeutic targets. The current disease models are not able to recapitulate the complexity of this condition. In the last years, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a unique tool to help the elucidation of the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders through disease modeling. In addition, the iPSCs may play an important role in the validation of new therapeutic targets.