scholarly journals Rapamycin, an Immunosuppressant and mTORC1 Inhibitor, Triples the antidepressant Response Rate of Ketamine at 2 Weeks Following Treatment: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, randomized clinical trial

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chadi Abdallah ◽  
Lynnette A Averill ◽  
Ralitza Gueorguieva ◽  
Selin Goktas ◽  
Prerana Purohit ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Ketamine exerts rapid and robust antidepressant effects thought to be mediated by activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). To test this hypothesis, depressed patients were pretreated with rapamycin, an mTORC1 inhibitor, prior to receiving ketamine. METHODS: Twenty-three patients suffering a major depressive episode were randomized to oral rapamycin (6 mg) or placebo, each was followed 2 hours later by ketamine 0.5 mg/kg in a double-blind cross-over design with treatment days separated by at least 2 weeks. Depression severity was assessed using Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Antidepressant response was defined as a MADRS improvement of 50% or more. RESULTS: Over the two-week follow-up, we found a significant treatment by time interaction (F(8,245) = 2.02, p = 0.04), reflecting prolonged antidepressant effects post rapamycin+ketamine treatment. At 2 weeks, we found a significantly higher response rate following rapamycin+ketamine (41%) compared to placebo+ketamine (13%, p = 0.04). However, rapamycin pretreatment did not alter the acute effects of ketamine. CONCLUSION: Unexpectedly, pretreatment with rapamycin prolonged rather than blocked the acute antidepressant effects of ketamine. This observation raises questions about the role of mTORC1 in the antidepressant effects of ketamine, raises the possibility that rapamycin may extend the benefits of ketamine, and thereby potentially sheds light on mechanisms that limit the duration of ketamine effects. The supplementing of ketamine with rapamycin may be a treatment strategy for reducing the frequency of ketamine infusions during maintenance treatment.

1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 138-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Berlin ◽  
F Lavergne

SummaryIn order to identify clinical and demographic variables that predict response to antidepressants and to analyse prediction of outcome as a function of definition of outcome we analysed pooled data of two independent, multicentre, double blind parallel group studies. Study I compared the efficacy of mianserin with that of fluoxetine in 65, and study II compared mianserin with fluvoxamine in 60 patients with depression. Improvement was defined as at least 20% decrease in MADRS by day 14. Patients were considered as responders if they had greater than 50% decrease and non-responders if they had ≤ 50% decrease from baseline in the MADRS at day 56. Complete remission was defined as MADRS score ≤ 6 at day 56. Patients' characteristics did not differ between mianserin and SSRI groups. Early improvement predicted response in 92% and complete remission in 55% of the patients improved at day 14. Multivariate forward stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that response to treatments at day 56 was significantly (P = 0.0003) associated with early improvement, age (responders had higher age than non-responders) and weight (responders weighted more than non-responders). Complete remission was only predicted by early improvement. Treatments could not be differentiated when data were analysed according to responder/nonresponder status or complete remission/no complete remission. However, when the same data were analysed by analysis of variance a significant treatment effect (P = 0.02, mianserin > SSRIs) and a quadratic type treatment by time interaction (P = 0.023) were found. The robustness of the analysis was further improved by inclusion of covariates (age, weight). Early clinical improvement seems to be the best predictor of 2 month response to antidepressants (mianserin, SSRIs). Younger age and lower weight may predict non-response. Quantitative analysis differentiates treatments better than analysis of responder status. As obtenation of complete remission is a realistic objective with current antidepressants, studies longer than 2 months are needed to assess effectiveness of these drugs in the obtenation of complete remission.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Palhano-Fontes ◽  
Dayanna Barreto ◽  
Heloisa Onias ◽  
Katia C. Andrade ◽  
Morgana M. Novaes ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundRecent open-label trials show that psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, hold promise as fast-onset antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression.MethodsTo test the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca, we conducted a parallel-arm, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in 29 patients with treatment-resistant depression. Patients received a single dose of either ayahuasca or placebo. We assessed changes in depression severity with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating scale at baseline, and at 1 (D1), 2 (D2), and 7 (D7) days after dosing.ResultsWe observed significant antidepressant effects of ayahuasca when compared with placebo at all-time points. MADRS scores were significantly lower in the ayahuasca group compared with placebo at D1 and D2 (p= 0.04), and at D7 (p< 0.0001). Between-group effect sizes increased from D1 to D7 (D1: Cohen'sd= 0.84; D2: Cohen'sd= 0.84; D7: Cohen'sd= 1.49). Response rates were high for both groups at D1 and D2, and significantly higher in the ayahuasca group at D7 (64%v.27%;p= 0.04). Remission rate showed a trend toward significance at D7 (36%v.7%,p= 0.054).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first controlled trial to test a psychedelic substance in treatment-resistant depression. Overall, this study brings new evidence supporting the safety and therapeutic value of ayahuasca, dosed within an appropriate setting, to help treat depression. This study is registered athttp://clinicaltrials.gov(NCT02914769).


2001 ◽  
Vol 178 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Warner ◽  
Chris Metcalfe ◽  
Michael King

BackgroundThere is no evidence to support current advice not to use benzodiazepines after bereavement.AimsTo determine the role of benzodiazepines in the management of bereavement.MethodWe conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the use of diazepam after recent bereavement. Participants were randomised to either 2 mg diazepam or identically packaged placebo up to three times daily. The primary outcome measure was the Bereavement Phenomenology Questionnaire.ResultsThirty subjects were randomised. No evidence was found of an effect of benzodiazepines on the course of the first 6 months of bereavement (estimated mean difference of combined follow-up assessments=0.3 in favour of placebo; 95% CI –6.2 to +6.7).ConclusionWe found no evidence of a positive or negative effect of benzodiazepines on the course of bereavement.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3095-3095
Author(s):  
Xavier Leleu ◽  
Wanling Xie ◽  
Meghan Rourke ◽  
Ranjit Banwait ◽  
Renee Leduc ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3095 Introduction: Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a low grade B cell lymphoma characterized by the secretion of IgM protein in the serum. The IgM level lacks sensitivity due to its prolonged half-life. The serum free light chain (sFLC) assay has shown significant clinical application in plasma cell dyscrasias, specifically in multiple myeloma, and is used to monitor response to therapy. In this study, we sought to examine the role of sFLC in the response and progression of patients with WM. Methods: This study was performed using serum collected from a homogeneous cohort of patients diagnosed with WM and uniformly treated on a phase 2 trial using the combination of bortezomib with rituximab, previously untreated (N=26) or relapsed and or refractory to prior therapy (N=37). Patients eligible for this analysis must have measurable sFLC levels at baseline. A total of 48 patients were included. FLC response is defined as achievement of normal iFLC value or 50% decrease from baseline in the iFLC level during therapy and follow-up. Concordance between FLC and IgM response rate was evaluated using Kappa statistics. Correlation was evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficient. Time to progression was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methodology. We also did landmark analysis to compare overall response rate and time to progression by FLC or IgM response status at 2 months after therapy initiation; Fisher Exact test or Log-rank test were used. Results: The median iFLC value was 103.50mg/L (range 22.5–3540), the median kappa over lambda ratio was 13.45 (0.01-665), and the median serum IgM value by nephlometry was 3995 mg/dL (537-10,800). Overall, as per M spike response criteria, 29 (60%, 90% CI: 48%, 72%) patients responded, e.g. had partial response or better, and 19 patients failed to obtain response. Using serum IgM protein measurement by nephlometry during therapy and follow up post-therapy, 35 (73%, 90% CI: 60%, 83%) patients responded with a PR or better (>50% decrease), with 3 (6%) having normalization of their serum IgM. In comparison, iFLC response during treatment and follow up occurred in 38 (79%, 90% CI: 67%, 88%): with 2(4%) having normalization of value, 21(44%) having 50% reduction and 15(31%) having both. The time to iFLC response and IgM response among patients who achieved response by both criteria was calculated (N=33). The median time to iFLC response was 2.1 months (range 0.9–28.7months), while the median time to IgM response was 3.0 months (0.9-14.7) (p=0.07). The median time to progression per the protocol was 18.9 months (95% CI:10.5-NR). The Kappa concordance between iFLC 25% increase and M spike progression was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.41–0.84). This showed a better concordance compared to using the iFLC >50% definition (kappa=0.58, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.81), indicating that progression using iFLC>25% would be a better definition for patients with WM. The median time to progression by iFLC>25% increase was 13.7 months (95% CI:10.9-19.4) and the median time to IgM >25% increase was 14.6 months (95% CI: 9.5–19.1), showing a more rapid detection of progression by iFLC compared to M spike and IgM measurements. We next examined whether attaining a response using iFLC can be a predictor of overall response to therapy. Seventeen patients (35%) achieved an iFLC response at 2 months after therapy initiation. Patients with early iFLC response were more likely to have intermediate/high ISS-WM stage, elevated B2M or low Hemoglobin<11.5 gm/dL (p<0.05). Early iFLC response was related to overall IgM response during therapy and follow up (p=0.02). In multivariable models when adjusting for ISS stage, B2M or Hgb, there was no significant association between FLC early response and TTP either by protocol, FLC or IgM criteria. However, there was trend that early response was related to prolonged TTP especially when adjusting for hgb risk factors (HRs ranges from 0.63∼0.80, p>0.3 for various TTP endpoints. Conclusion: iFLC may be a useful marker of tumor measurement that correlates well with IgM and M spike measurements. The time to iFLC response was shorter by 1 month compared to IgM or M spike measurement. The median time to progression by iFLC was shorter by 1 month compared to IgM. There was a trend that early response was related to prolonged TTP when adjusting for other risk factors. Disclosures: Leleu: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; LeoPharma: Consultancy, Honoraria.


2020 ◽  
Vol 111 (5) ◽  
pp. 1087-1099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Li ◽  
Qingqing Xiong ◽  
Jing Zhao ◽  
Xuechun Lin ◽  
Shuiqin He ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (pCS), 2 important protein-bound uremic toxins, are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with end-stage renal disease. Indole and p-cresol are gut microbiome–generated precursors of IS and pCS. Objective The aim of the present study was to determine whether inulin-type fructans (ITFs) reduce the production of indole and p-cresol by altering their producing bacteria in patients with peritoneal dialysis. Methods Patients receiving peritoneal dialysis for &gt;3 mo without diabetes and not using antibiotics were recruited to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of ITF intervention over 36 wk (12-wk washout). The primary outcomes were gut microbiome, fecal indole and p-cresol, indole-producing bacteria, p-cresol-producing bacteria, and serum IS and pCS. The secondary outcomes were fecal pH, 24-h urine, and dialysis removal of IS and pCS. Results Of 21 individuals randomly assigned, 15 completed the study. The daily nutrient intakes, including protein, tryptophan, and tyrosine, were isostatic during the prebiotic, washout, and placebo intervention. There were no baseline differences in the outcomes of interest between treatments. For fecal indole, its concentrations did not change significantly in either treatment. However, there was a trend toward the treatment-by-time effect (P = 0.052), with a quantitative reduction in the ITF treatment and an increase in the control. The difference in the changes between the 2 treatments was significant (−10.07 ± 7.48 μg/g vs +13.35 ± 7.66 μg/g; P = 0.040). Similar to Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, there was a difference over time between the 2 treatments, with a significant treatment and time interaction effect (P = 0.047). There were no treatment, time, or interaction effects for fecal p-cresol, serum IS and pCS, 24-h urine, and dialysis removal of IS and pCS. Conclusions Our results suggested that ITFs restricted the increase in gut microbiome–generated indole in patients with peritoneal dialysis. This trial was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21228 as ChiCTR-INR-17013739.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernardo Dell'Osso ◽  
Cristina Dobrea ◽  
Chiara Arici ◽  
Beatrice Benatti ◽  
Roberta Ferrucci ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neurostimulation technique that has received increasing interest in the area of mood disorders over the last several years. While acute, double-blind, sham-controlled studies have already reported positive findings in terms of efficacy and safety for tDCS, follow-up data are lacking. This need prompted the present follow-up study, which assesses post-acute effects of tDCS (no maintenance stimulation was performed), in the mid-term, in a sample of major depressives.MethodsAfter completing an acute, open trial of tDCS, 23 outpatients with either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder entered a naturalistic follow-up (T1) with clinical evaluations at one week (T2), 1 month (T3), and 3 months (T4). A quantitative analysis of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total scores, through repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (T1–T4) and paired t-test for comparing specific time points (T1–T2, T2–T3, and T3–T4), was performed. In addition, a qualitative analysis on the basis of treatment response and remission (HAM-D) was performed.ResultsEven though a progressive reduction of follow-up completers was observed from T2 to T4 (95.6% at T2, 65.2% at T3, and 47.8% at T4), the antidepressant effects of acute tDCS persisted over 3 months in almost half of the sample. Of note, no post-acute side effects emerged during the follow-up observation. The most frequent causes of drop-out from this study included major modifications in therapeutic regimen (30%) and poor adherence to follow-up visits (17%).ConclusionsIn this mid-term, open, follow-up study, tDCS showed mixed results. Further controlled studies are urgently needed to assess its effects beyond the acute phase.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 1759720X1986913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venta Donec ◽  
Raimondas Kubilius

Background: Kinesio Taping® method is a nonpharmacological alternative for pain management in musculoskeletal disorders. However, the existing evidence is insufficient to assess its full effectiveness for pain management in knee osteoarthritis (KO). Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kinesio Taping method in reducing knee pain for KO patients. Methods: In this randomized, double blind, controlled trial, we recruited 187 patients with grade I-III KO who were allocated to either the Kinesio Taping or control group. The study was carried out in outpatient facility. Either Kinesio Taping or nonspecific taping was applied on the affected knee area for 4 weeks. Pain evaluation was performed at baseline, after 1 month of taping and after 1 further month without taping. The data on usage of painkillers were collected; Numeric Pain Rating Scale; an algometer, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) pain subscale were used to assess pain. Tolerance and subjective opinions toward the effectiveness of taping were evaluated. The chosen level of significance was p < 0.05, ß ⩽ 0.2. Results: The majority (>70%) of both groups’ patients indicated that tapes reduced the knee pain. The reported use of painkillers decreased, in addition to self-reported increase in the KOOS subscale, thereby indicating pain alleviation. All self-reported improvement remained at the 1-month follow up ( p < 0.05). Significantly higher and clinically meaningful reduction of pain intensity was found in the Kinesio Taping group after the treatment month, in comparison with the control group ( p < 0.05). More pain reduction was reported in the daytime for participants in the Kinesio Taping group at the follow up ( p = 0.022). No changes in algometry results were observed. Conclusions: Elastic taping can safely relieve knee pain and reduce the need for pharmacological management in KO. A specific Kinesio Taping technique is clinically more beneficial for knee-pain alleviation in comparison with nonspecific taping. [ ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03076177.]


Cephalalgia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Henning ◽  
Zaza Katsarava ◽  
Mark Obermann ◽  
Susanne Moebus ◽  
Sara Schramm

Objectives To estimate remission rates of chronic headache (CH), focusing on potential predictors of headache remission and medication. Methods We used data from the longitudinal population-based German Headache Consortium (GHC) Study (n = 9,944, 18–65 years). Validated questionnaires were used at baseline (t0, 2003–2007, response rate: 55.2%), first follow-up after 1.87 ± 0.39 years (t1, 37.2%) and second follow-up after 3.26 ± 0.60 years (t2, 38.8%) to assess headache type and frequency, use of analgesics and anti-migraine drugs, medication overuse, education, BMI, smoking and alcohol consumption. CH was defined as ≥ 15 headache days/month at t0 over three months. Outcomes were: CH remission (<15 headache days/month at both follow-ups), CH persistence (≥ 15 headache days/month at both follow-ups); all others were considered as partially remitted. To estimate predictors of remission, univariate and multiple logistic regression were calculated. Results At baseline, 255 (2.6%) participants were identified with CH. Of these, 158 (62.0%) participants responded at both follow-ups. Remission was observed in 58.2% of participants, partial remission in 17.7% and persistence in 24.1%. Remission was associated with female sex (adjusted odds ratio: 3.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–9.08) and no medication overuse (4.16, 1.45–11.94) compared to participants with persistent CH; participants with higher headache frequency at t0 were less likely to remit (0.90, 0.84–0.97). Medication, age, education, BMI, smoking and drinking showed no effects on remission. Similar results were observed for partial remission. Conclusion The majority of CH participants remitted from CH. Female sex, no overuse of pain medication and lower headache frequency were associated with remission.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 768-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maite Ferrin ◽  
Viviana Perez-Ayala ◽  
Samaa El-Abd ◽  
Teresa Lax-Pericall ◽  
Brian Jacobs ◽  
...  

Objective: Psychoeducation forms part of the current practice for ADHD; however, its efficacy is yet to be established. Method: Sixty-nine children/adolescents with ADHD were randomly assigned for their families to receive either a well-structured psychoeducation program ( n = 35), or belong to a control group (treatment-as-usual, n = 34). Results: One-way analyses of variance showed a statistically significant Treatment × Time interaction, for ADHD total symptoms, inattention/cognition, and hyperactivity/impulsivity subdomains according to the parents, the first two with medium-large effect sizes. The effects of the intervention on the ADHD total and the inattention/cognition domain persisted after 6 months follow-up. No significant differences in teacher ratings were found; however, an improvement in clinical functioning as measured by clinicians was observed. Conclusion: This psychoeducation program has shown effectiveness in reducing ADHD symptoms when compared with treatment as usual. Psychoeducation needs to be considered as a valid and additional approach in ADHD.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document