MicroRNAs as Diagnostic Biomarkers and Predictors of Antidepressant Response in Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review.

Despite the hardships of major depressive disorder (MDD), biomarkers for the diagnosis and pharmacological management of this condition are lacking. MicroRNAs are epigenetic mechanisms that could provide promising MDD biomarkers. Our aim was to summarize the findings and provide validation for the selection and use of specific microRNAs as biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of MDD. A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Embase, and LILACS databases from March 2022 to November 2023, with clusters of terms based on "microRNA" and "antidepressant". Studies involving human subjects, animal models, and cell cultures were included, whereas those that evaluated herbal medicines, non-pharmacological therapies, or epigenetic mechanisms other than miRNA were excluded. The review revealed differences in the expression of various microRNAs when considering the time of assessment (before or after antidepressant treatment) and the population studied. However, due to the heterogeneity of the microRNAs investigated, the limited size of the samples, and the wide variety of antidepressants used, few conclusions could be made. Despite the observed heterogeneity, the following microRNAs were determined to be important factors in MDD and the antidepressant response: mir-1202, mir-135, mir-124, and mir-16. The findings indicate the potential for the use of microRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of MDD; however, more homogeneous studies are needed.

Psychopathological symptoms in parents and siblings of people on the autism spectrum: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Parents and siblings of children on the autism spectrum experience significant distress, and for this reason, it is essential to understand the most prevalent psychopathological symptoms among this population. This work aims to establish the prevalence of psychopathological symptoms in parents and siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) criteria. Searches were carried out using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, SciELO, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) databases. Twenty-three articles were included in this review. Depressive symptoms were the most frequently reported conditions, with a higher prevalence in mothers of children on the autism spectrum. In the meta-analysis, mothers of children on the autism spectrum scored higher by 0.42 standard deviations on the symptom scales (SMD 0.42; CI 0.25-0.59), with low statistical heterogeneity (I2 0%, p = 0.5) when compared with mothers of children with atypical development. The psychopathological symptoms of relatives should be investigated as part of the follow-up procedures for the child on the autism spectrum to facilitate their treatment.

Association between cannabis use and suicidal behavior: A systematic review of cohort studies.

The use of cannabis is highly prevalent worldwide, with known short and long-term adverse effects. However, the relationship between cannabis use and suicidal behavior remains relatively unexplored and this paper aims to unify existing literature on the topic. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and LILACS databases with a supplementary search to identify cohort articles published up to January 2020, with no age delimitation for the samples. This review aimed to address the relationship between cannabis use and suicidal behavior, defined as suicidal ideation, attempted suicide or completed suicide. Twenty-two articles were identified, with no clear consensus, irrespective of the outcome being investigated. This was the case even when taking into consideration only those studies with a sound methodology (according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale). Studies that identified an association explored the importance of the endocannabinoid system as well as the psychosocial context of the individual while developing suicidal behavior, with certain studies demonstrating that greater intensity or precocity of cannabis use increases the strength of this association. The relationship between cannabis use and suicidal behavior is complex, with no consensus in the literature. Further studies with standardized definitions for cannabis use, including frequency of use, along with improved controls for confounding variables are needed.

Metabolomics of Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.

Although the understanding of the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) has advanced greatly, this has not been translated into improved outcomes. To date, no biomarkers have been identified for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic management of MDD. Thus, we aim to review the biomarkers that are differentially expressed in MDD. A systematic review was conducted in January 2022 in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, and Gale Academic OneFile databases for clinical studies published from January 2001 onward using the following terms: "Depression" OR "Depressive disorder" AND "Metabolomic." Multiple metabolites were found at altered levels in MDD, demonstrating the involvement of cellular signaling metabolites, components of the cell membrane, neurotransmitters, inflammatory and immunological mediators, hormone activators and precursors, and sleep controllers. Kynurenine and acylcarnitine were identified as consistent with depression and response to treatment. The most consistent evidence found was regarding kynurenine and acylcarnitine. Although the data obtained allow us to identify how metabolic pathways are affected in MDD, there is still not enough evidence to propose changes to current diagnostic and therapeutic actions. Some limitations are the heterogeneity of studies on metabolites, methods for detection, analyzed body fluids, and treatments used. The experiments contemplated in the review identified increased or reduced levels of metabolites, but not necessarily increased or reduced the activity of the associated pathways. The information acquired through metabolomic analyses does not specify whether the changes identified in the metabolites are a cause or a consequence of the pathology.

Ketamine in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: First-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes exposure and response prevention behavioral therapy and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, particularly in combination. New and more effective treatments are needed, give that recent studies suggest that glutamatergic neurotransmission contributes to the pathophysiology of the disorder. In these circumstances, ketamine, as a potent N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and glutamate modulator, offers alternative possibilities for OCD treatment. METHODS: This systematic review aims to investigate the effects of ketamine in OCD, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). Searches were carried out using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases. RESULTS: Nine articles were included, of which three were randomized controlled trials, three case reports, two open-label trials, and one a retrospective chart review. Reported data have shown a potential for fast onset of action and good tolerability of ketamine for OCD, even though the principal studies used only single-session racemic ketamine treatments, administered intravenously, and the results have been erratic. In addition, none of the available evidence demonstrates whether racemic ketamine, S-ketamine, or R-ketamine has the best efficacy in controlling OCD symptoms, and only sparse evidence suggests that a combination of ketamine and psychotherapy could benefit patients with OCD. CONCLUSION: In order to advance clinical practice regarding the use of ketamine in treating OCD, future randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are required. These trials need to use larger samples to explore ketamine and its enantiomers, with different methods of administration, multiple sessions, and appropriate washout periods.

Clinical predictors of depressive symptom remission and response after racemic ketamine and esketamine infusion in treatment-resistant depression.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and most people do not achieve symptom remission. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is characterized by the failure of at least one adequate trial of a major class of antidepressant, with adequate time and dosage. We aimed to identify clinical predictors of depressive symptom remission and response 24 h and 7 days after racemic ketamine and esketamine infusions. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, non-inferiority trial using ketamine and esketamine in TRD. Individuals diagnosed with MDD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version IV and fulfilling TRD criteria were recruited from March 2017 to June 2018. Participants received a single subanesthetic dose of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or esketamine (0.25 mg/kg) for 40 min. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and symptom remission was defined as a MADRS score ≤7 and response defined as ≥50% reduction in depressive symptom severity, 24 h and 7 days after the infusion. Clinical variables were selected based on previous clinical trials. Stepwise backward logistic regression was used, considering a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: 61 subjects were included: 39 (63.9%) were females with a mean age of 47.2 ± 14.9. Higher number of therapeutic failures (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.677; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47-0.97) and higher severity of illness (OR = 0.912; 95% CI: 0.83-0.99) were associated with fewer remissions of depressive symptoms 7 days after intervention, and with fewer response in 24 h (OR = 0.583; 95% CI: 0,40; 0,84 and OR = 0.909; 95% CI: 0,83; 0,99, respectively). CONCLUSION: Number of treatment failures and severity of illness were predictors of fewer remissions and responses of depressive symptoms in this TRD population. Study of predictors of remission may contribute to better selection patients that may benefit from receiving ketamine.

Low Quality of Life, Falls, and Pre-Frailty are Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Virologically Suppressed PLWHIV in Salvador, Brazil.

Depression is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide and PLWHIV present a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms. We aimed to evaluate depressive symptoms and their predictors in virologically suppressed PLWHIV. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 200 PLWHIV. Depressive symptoms were defined as scoring ≥ 14 points in the Beck Depression Inventory II. Most of the participants (58.5%) were men, with a median age of 54 years (IQR: 46.25-59.00). Depressive symptoms' prevalence was 19.5% and they were associated with being divorced/widowed (aOR: 2.93, CI 95%: 1.17-7.37), recurrent falls (aOR: 4.24, CI 95%: 1.07-16.85), pre-frailty (aOR: 3.55, CI 95%: 1.47-8.57), and lower scores in all HRQoL dimensions. Although virologically suppressed PLWHIV presented lower prevalence of depressive symptoms than reported in previous studies in Brazil and South America, they were associated with falls and frailty, highlighting the need for screening.

RESUMEN: La depresión es la principal causa de años vividos con discapacidad en todo el mundo y las PVVIH presentan un mayor riesgo de desarrollar síntomas depresivos. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar los síntomas depresivos y sus predictores en PVVIH que tienen supresión viral. Fue realizado un estudio de corte transversal incluyendo 200 PVVIH. La presencia de síntomas depresivos fue definida con una puntuación ≥ 14 puntos en el Inventario de Depresión de Beck II. La mayoría de los participantes (58.5%) fueron hombres, la mediana de edad fue de 54 años (RIQ: 46.25­59.00), y la prevalencia de síntomas depresivos fue de 19.5%. La depresión estuvo asociada con ser divorciado/viudo (ORa: 2.93, IC 95%: 1.17­7.37), caídas recurrentes (ORa: 4.24, IC 95%: 1.07­16.85) y prefragilidad (ORa: 3.55, IC 95%: 1.47­8.57). Los pacientes con síntomas depresivos tuvieron puntuaciones más bajas en todas las dimensiones de la escala de calidad de vida. Aunque encontramos una baja prevalencia de síntomas depresivos en PVVIH con supresión virológica en comparación con estudios previos en Brasil y Sudamérica, los factores asociados resaltan la importancia de la identificación temprana de caídas y fragilidad en esta población.

Prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety in people living with HTLV-1: A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.

OBJECTIVE: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) infection is a neglected tropical disease associated with many clinical manifestations, such as erythematous-scaling skin lesions, cutaneous lymphomas, and spastic paraparesis, which could be a potential cause of mental health concerns. This study investigates the prevalence of symptoms and diagnoses of depression and anxiety and its associated factors in people living with HTLV-1 (PLWH). METHOD: A systematic review was performed in the Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases for original studies investigating symptoms of depression and anxiety and diagnoses of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders in PLWH, and a random-effects meta-analysis with meta-regression was performed to obtain a summary frequency of symptoms and diagnoses of depression and anxiety. RESULTS: Considering both symptoms and diagnoses, the pooled prevalence for depression was 35% (95% CI: 27 to 43) and for anxiety was 33% (95% CI: 23 to 45). Clinically significant symptoms were more prevalent than diagnosed disorders for depression (47% vs. 21%) and anxiety (44% vs. 11%). PLWH were more likely than seronegative controls to present symptoms and diagnoses of depression (pooled OR: 4.25; 95% CI: 2.7 to 6.68) and anxiety (pooled OR: 3.79; 95% CI: 2.6 to 5.52). Spastic paraparesis was significantly associated with symptoms and diagnoses of depression (pooled OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.95) and anxiety (pooled OR: 2.75; 95% CI 1.26 to 5.96). CONCLUSIONS: PLWH present a much higher prevalence of symptoms and diagnoses of depression and anxiety than seronegative controls, which could be explained by social vulnerability or neurological impairment associated with spastic paraparesis. More studies comparing asymptomatic PLWH and seronegative controls are needed.

Neuroplasticity and non-invasive brain stimulation in the developing brain.

The brain is a dynamic organ whose growth and organization varies according to each subject's life experiences. Through adaptations in gene expression and the release of neurotrophins and neurotransmitters, these experiences induce a process of cellular realignment and neural network reorganization, which consolidate what is called neuroplasticity. However, despite the brain's resilience and dynamism, neuroplasticity is maximized during the first years of life, when the developing brain is more sensitive to structural reorganization and the repair of damaged neurons. This review presents an overview of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques that have increasingly been a focus for experimental research and the development of therapeutic methods involving neuroplasticity, especially Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Due to its safety risk profile and extensive tolerability, several trials have demonstrated the benefits of NIBS as a feasible experimental alternative for the treatment of brain and mind disorders in children and adolescents. However, little is known about the late impact of neuroplasticity-inducing tools on the developing brain, and there are concerns about aberrant plasticity. There are also ethical considerations when performing interventions in the pediatric population. This article will therefore review these aspects and also obstacles related to the premature application of NIBS, given the limited evidence available concerning the extent to which these methods interfere with the developing brain.