scholarly journals Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cato M. H. de Vos ◽  
Natasha L. Mason ◽  
Kim P. C. Kuypers
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Repeated Administration ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Single Administration ◽  
Bdnf Mrna ◽  
Behavioral Parameters ◽  
Single And Repeated Administration

Clinical studies suggest the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including ayahuasca, DMT, psilocybin, and LSD, in stress-related disorders. These substances induce cognitive, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects suggested to arise from biological changes similar to conventional antidepressants or the rapid-acting substance ketamine. The proposed route is by inducing brain neuroplasticity. This review attempts to summarize the evidence that psychedelics induce neuroplasticity by focusing on psychedelics' cellular and molecular neuroplasticity effects after single and repeated administration. When behavioral parameters are encountered in the selected studies, the biological pathways will be linked to the behavioral effects. Additionally, knowledge gaps in the underlying biology of clinical outcomes of psychedelics are highlighted. The literature searched yielded 344 results. Title and abstract screening reduced the sample to 35; eight were included from other sources, and full-text screening resulted in the final selection of 16 preclinical and four clinical studies. Studies (n = 20) show that a single administration of a psychedelic produces rapid changes in plasticity mechanisms on a molecular, neuronal, synaptic, and dendritic level. The expression of plasticity-related genes and proteins, including Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), is changed after a single administration of psychedelics, resulting in changed neuroplasticity. The latter included more dendritic complexity, which outlasted the acute effects of the psychedelic. Repeated administration of a psychedelic directly stimulated neurogenesis and increased BDNF mRNA levels up to a month after treatment. Findings from the current review demonstrate that psychedelics induce molecular and cellular adaptations related to neuroplasticity and suggest those run parallel to the clinical effects of psychedelics, potentially underlying them. Future (pre)clinical research might focus on deciphering the specific cellular mechanism activated by different psychedelics and related to long-term clinical and biological effects to increase our understanding of the therapeutic potential of these compounds.

scholarly journals The Clinical and Biological Effects of Homeopathically Prepared Signaling Molecules: A Scoping Review

Homeopathy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raj Kumar Manchanda ◽  
Meeta Gupta ◽  
Ankit Gupta ◽  
Robbert van Haselen
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
English Language ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Signaling Molecules ◽  
Respiratory Allergies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
External Stimuli

Abstract Background Signaling molecules such as cytokines and interleukins are key mediators for the immune response in responding to internal or external stimuli. Homeopathically prepared signaling molecules have been used therapeutically for about five decades. However, these types of products are not available in many countries and their usage by homoeopaths is also infrequent. The aim of this scoping review is to map the available pre-clinical and clinical data related to the therapeutic use of homeopathically prepared signaling molecules. Methods We conducted a scoping review of clinical and pre-clinical studies of therapeutically used signaling molecules that have been prepared in accordance with an officially recognized homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Articles in peer-reviewed journals reporting original clinical or pre-clinical research of homeopathically prepared signaling molecules such as interleukins, cytokines, antibodies, growth factors, neuropeptides and hormones, were eligible. Non-English language papers were excluded, unless we were able to obtain an English translation. An appraisal of eligible studies took place by rating the direction of the outcomes on a five-point scale. The quality of the papers was not systematically assessed. Results Twenty-eight eligible papers, reporting findings for four different manufacturers' products, were identified and reviewed. Seventeen papers reported pre-clinical studies, and 11 reported clinical studies (six experimental, five observational). A wide range of signaling molecules, as well as normal T-cell expressed specific nucleic acids, were used. A majority of the products (21 of 28) contained two or more signaling molecules. The most common clinical indications were psoriasis, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory allergies, polycystic ovary syndrome, and herpes. The direction of the outcomes was positive in 26 papers and unclear in two papers. Conclusion This scoping review found that there is a body of evidence on the use of homeopathically prepared signaling molecules. From a homeopathy perspective, these substances appear to have therapeutic potential. Further steps to explore this potential are warranted.

scholarly journals Piperine-A Major Principle of Black Pepper: A Review of Its Bioactivity and Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (20) ◽  
pp. 4270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zorica Stojanović-Radić ◽  
Milica Pejčić ◽  
Marina Dimitrijević ◽  
Ana Aleksić ◽  
Nanjangud V. Anil Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Black Pepper ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Food Ingredient ◽  
Food Preservative ◽  
Main Compound ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Immunomodulatory Potential

Piperine is the main compound present in black pepper, and is the carrier of its specific pungent taste, which is responsible for centuries of human dietary utilization and worldwide popularity as a food ingredient. Along with the application as a food ingredient and food preservative, it is used in traditional medicine for many purposes, which has in most cases been justified by modern scientific studies on its biological effects. It has been confirmed that piperine has many bioactive effects, such as antimicrobial action, as well as many physiological effects that can contribute to general human health, including immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimetastatic, antitumor, and many other activities. Clinical studies demonstrated remarkable antioxidant, antitumor, and drug availability-enhancing characteristics of this compound, together with immunomodulatory potential. All these facts point to the therapeutic potential of piperine and the need to incorporate this compound into general health-enhancing medical formulations, as well as into those that would be used as adjunctive therapy in order to enhance the bioavailability of various (chemo)therapeutic drugs.

scholarly journals Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Aspects of Peyote and Mescaline: Clinical and Forensic Repercussions

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 184-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira ◽  
Carolina Lança Pereira ◽  
Diana Dias da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Native American ◽  
Animal Behavior ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Pharmacokinetics And Pharmacodynamics ◽  
Native American Church

Background: Mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine), mainly found in the Peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii), is one of the oldest known hallucinogenic agents that influence human and animal behavior, but its psychoactive mechanisms remain poorly understood. Objective: This article aims to fully review pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mescaline, focusing on the in vivo and in vitro metabolic profile of the drug and its implications for the variability of response. Methods: Mescaline pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects were searched in books and in PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) without a limiting period. Biological effects of other compounds found in peyote were also reviewed. Results: Although its illicit administration is less common, in comparison with cocaine and Cannabis, it has been extensively described in adolescents and young adults, and licit consumption often occurs in religious and therapeutic rituals practiced by the Native American Church. Its pharmacodynamic mechanisms of action are primarily attributed to the interaction with the serotonergic 5-HT2A-C receptors, and therefore clinical effects are similar to those elicited by other psychoactive substances, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, which include euphoria, hallucinations, depersonalization and psychoses. Moreover, as a phenethylamine derivative, signs and symptoms are consistent with a sympathomimetic effect. Mescaline is mainly metabolized into trimethoxyphenylacetic acid by oxidative deamination but several minor metabolites with possible clinical and forensic repercussions have also been reported. Conclusion: Most reports concerning mescaline were presented in a complete absence of exposure confirmation, since toxicological analysis is not widely available. Addiction and dependence are practically absent and it is clear that most intoxications appear to be mild and are unlikely to produce lifethreatening symptoms, which favors the contemporary interest in the therapeutic potential of the drugs of the class.

Current Advances in the Biological Activity of Polysaccharides in Dendrobium with Intriguing Therapeutic Potential

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (14) ◽  
pp. 1663-1681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Ting Lee ◽  
Heng-Chun Kuo ◽  
Yung-Hsiang Chen ◽  
Ming-Yen Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
The Family ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

The polysaccharides in many plants are attracting worldwide attention because of their biological activities and medical properties, such as anti-viral, anti-oxidative, antichronic inflammation, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulation, and neuron-protective effects, as well as anti-tumor activity. Denodrobium species, a genus of the family orchidaceae, have been used as herbal medicines for hundreds of years in China due to their pharmacological effects. These effects include nourishing the Yin, supplementing the stomach, increasing body fluids, and clearing heat. Recently, numerous researchers have investigated possible active compounds in Denodrobium species, such as lectins, phenanthrenes, alkaloids, trigonopol A, and polysaccharides. Unlike those of other plants, the biological effects of polysaccharides in Dendrobium are a novel research field. In this review, we focus on these novel findings to give readers an overall picture of the intriguing therapeutic potential of polysaccharides in Dendrobium, especially those of the four commonly-used Denodrobium species: D. huoshanense, D. offininale, D. nobile, and D. chrysotoxum.

The mechanistic role of thymoquinone in Parkinson's disease: focus on neuroprotection in pre-clinical studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Najim Uddin ◽  
Mohammad Injamul Hoq ◽  
Israt Jahan ◽  
Shafayet Ahmed Siddiqui ◽  
Chayan Dhar Clinton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Nigella Sativa ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Neuroprotective Activity ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Movement Difficulties

: Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the leading phytochemicals, which is abundantly found in Nigella sativa L. seeds. TQ exhibited various biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-tumoral in several pre-clinical studies. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a long-term neurodegenerative disease with movement difficulties, and the common feature of neurodegeneration in PD patients is caused by dopaminergic neural damage in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The neuroprotective activity of TQ has been studied in various neurological disorders. TQ-mediated neuroprotection against PD yet to be reported in a single frame; therefore, this review is intended to narrate the potentiality of TQ in the therapy of PD. TQ has been shown to protect against neurotoxins via amelioration of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, thereby protects neurodegeneration in PD models. TQ could be an emerging therapeutic intervention in PD management, but mechanistic studies have been remained to be investigated to clarify its neuroprotective role.

scholarly journals A standardized polyherbal preparation POL-6 diminishes alcohol withdrawal anxiety by regulating Gabra1, Gabra2, Gabra3, Gabra4, Gabra5 gene expression of GABAA receptor signaling pathway in rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lalit Sharma ◽  
Aditi Sharma ◽  
Ashutosh Kumar Dash ◽  
Gopal Singh Bisht ◽  
Girdhari Lal Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Alcohol Withdrawal ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Centella Asiatica ◽  
Ethanol Withdrawal ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Ocimum Sanctum ◽  
Behavioral Parameters ◽  
Gene Expression Studies

Abstract Background Alcohol abuse is a major problem worldwide and it affects people’s health and economy. There is a relapse in alcohol intake due to alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal anxiety-like behavior is a symptom that appears 6–24 h after the last alcohol ingestion. Methods The present study was designed to explore the protective effect of a standardized polyherbal preparation POL-6 in ethanol withdrawal anxiety in Wistar rats. POL-6 was prepared by mixing the dried extracts of six plants Bacopa monnieri, Hypericum perforatum, Centella asiatica, Withania somnifera, Camellia sinesis, and Ocimum sanctum in the proportion 2:1:2:2:1:2 respectively. POL-6 was subjected to phytochemical profiling through LC-MS, HPLC, and HPTLC. The effect of POL-6 on alcohol withdrawal anxiety was tested using a two-bottle choice drinking paradigm model giving animals’ free choice between alcohol and water for 15 days. Alcohol was withdrawn on the 16th day and POL-6 (20, 50, and 100 mg/kg, oral), diazepam (2 mg/kg) treatment was given on the withdrawal days. Behavioral parameters were tested using EPM and LDT. On the 18th day blood was collected from the retro-orbital sinus of the rats and alcohol markers ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT were studied. At end of the study, animals were sacrificed and the brain was isolated for exploring the influences of POL-6 on the mRNA expression of GABAA receptor subunits in the amygdala and hippocampus. Results Phytochemical profiling showed that POL-6 contains major phytoconstituents like withaferin A, quercetin, catechin, rutin, caeffic acid, and β-sitosterol. In-vivo studies showed that POL-6 possesses an antianxiety effect in alcohol withdrawal. Gene expression studies on the isolated brain tissues showed that POL-6 normalizes the GABAergic transmission in the amygdala and hippocampus of the rats. Conclusion The study concludes that POL-6 may have therapeutic potential for treating ethanol-type dependence.

scholarly journals THU0051 LOW-DOSE INTERLEUKIN-2 SELECTIVELY EXPAND AND ACTIVATE REGULATORY T CELLS ACROSS 13 AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 237.1-238
Author(s):  
M. Rosenzwajg ◽  
R. Lorenzon ◽  
P. Cacoub ◽  
F. Pitoiset ◽  
S. Aractingi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Regulatory T Cells ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Open Label

Background:Regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent autoimmunity and control inflammation. As low-dose interleukin-2 (ld-IL2) expands and activates Tregs, it has a broad therapeutic potential for any autoimmune or inflammatory disease (AIID). We performed a disease-finding “basket trial” (TRANSREGNCT01988506) in patients affected by one of 11 different AIID and reported the outcome of the first 46 patients (Rosenzwajg et al, ARD 2019).Objectives:Here we analyzed and discussed results from deep immunophenotyping, of 78 patients, to comprehensively study the effect of ld-IL2 on the immune system of patients affected by various AIIDMethods:We performed a prospective, open label, phase I-IIa study in 78 patients with a mild to moderate form of one of 13 selected AIID. All patients received ld-IL2 (1 million IU/day) for 5 days, followed by fortnightly injections for 6 months. Deep immunophenotyping was performed before and after 5 days of ld-IL2.Results:ld-IL2 significantly expands both memory Tregs as well as naïve Tregs, including recent thymic emigrant Tregs. It also activates Tregs as demonstrated by the significantly increased expression of HLA-DR, CD39, CD73, GITR, CTLA-4. Similar results were observed across the different AIID.Conclusion:ld-IL2 “universally” improves Treg fitness across 13 autoimmune and inflammatory disease.References:[1]Rosenzwajg M#, Lorenzon R#, Cacoub P, Pham HP, Pitoiset F, El Soufi K, RIbet C, Bernard C, Aractingi S, Banneville B, Beaugerie L, Berenbaum F, Champey J, Chazouilleres O, Corpechot C, Fautrel B, Mekinian A, Regnier E, Saadoun D, Salem JE, Sellam J, Seksik P, Daguenel-Nguyen A, Doppler V, Mariau J, Vicaut E, Klatzmann D. Immunological and clinical effects of low-dose interleukin-2 across 11 autoimmune diseases in a single, open clinical trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019 Feb;78(2):209-217. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214229. Epub 2018 Nov 24.Disclosure of Interests:Michelle Rosenzwajg: None declared, Roberta Lorenzon: None declared, Patrice cacoub: None declared, Fabien Pitoiset: None declared, Selim Aractingi: None declared, Beatrice Banneville Speakers bureau: Lilly, Novartis, Laurent Beaugerie: None declared, Francis Berenbaum Grant/research support from: TRB Chemedica (through institution), MSD (through institution), Pfizer (through institution), Consultant of: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Bone Therapeutics, Regulaxis, Peptinov, 4P Pharma, Paid instructor for: Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, Lilly, UCB, Abbvie, Roche, Servier, Sanofi-Aventis, Flexion Therapeutics, Expanscience, GSK, Biogen, Nordic, Sandoz, Regeneron, Gilead, Sandoz, Julien Champey: None declared, Olivier Chazouilleres: None declared, Christophe Corpechot: None declared, Bruno Fautrel Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Biogen, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Medac MSD France, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi Aventis, SOBI and UCB, Arsene Mekinian: None declared, Elodie Regnier: None declared, david Saadoun: None declared, Joe-Elie Salem: None declared, Jérémie SELLAM: None declared, Philippe Seksik: None declared, David Klatzmann Consultant of: ILTOO Pharma

scholarly journals Altered mRNA Levels of Stress-Related Peptides in Mouse Hippocampus and Caudate-Putamen in Withdrawal after Long-Term Intermittent Exposure to Tobacco Smoke or Electronic Cigarette Vapour

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 599
Author(s):  
Lucia Carboni ◽  
Luisa Ponzoni ◽  
Daniela Braida ◽  
Mariaelvina Sala ◽  
Cecilia Gotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Bdnf Mrna ◽  
Object Recognition Test ◽  
Caudate Putamen ◽  
Molecular Alterations ◽  
Marble Burying ◽  
Cigarette Withdrawal

Nicotine addiction is a severe public health problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the alterations in key neurotransmissions after 60 days of withdrawal from seven weeks of intermittent cigarette smoke, e-cigarette vapours, or an e-cigarette vehicle. In the nicotine withdrawal groups, increased depressive and anxiety/obsessive–compulsive-like behaviours were demonstrated in the tail suspension, sucrose preference and marble burying tests. Cognitive impairments were detected in the spatial object recognition test. A significant increase in Corticotropin-releasing factor (Crf) and Crf1 mRNA levels was observed, specifically after cigarette withdrawal in the caudate-putamen nucleus (CPu). The nociceptin precursor levels were reduced by cigarette (80%) and e-cigarette (50%) withdrawal in the CPu. The delta opioid receptor showed a significant reduction in the hippocampus driven by the exposure to an e-cigarette solubilisation vehicle, while the mRNA levels doubled in the CPu of mice that had been exposed to e-cigarettes. Withdrawal after exposure to e-cigarette vapour induced a 35% Bdnf mRNA decrease in the hippocampus, whereas Bdnf was augmented by 118% by cigarette withdrawal in the CPu. This study shows that long-term withdrawal-induced affective and cognitive symptoms associated to lasting molecular alterations in peptidergic signalling may determine the impaired neuroplasticity in the hippocampal and striatal circuitry.

Abstract 2103: Prevention of Pulmonary Hypertension by ACE2 Gene Transfer to Lungs

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoriko Yamazato ◽  
KwonHo Hong ◽  
Dae Song Jang ◽  
Anderson J Ferreira ◽  
Masanobu Yamazato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Lentiviral Vector ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Vector Particle ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Alveolar Cells ◽  
Ace2 Gene

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, and narrowing and loss of pulmonary microvasculare. There is an indispensable need to develop innovative approaches for its control since PH becomes refractory to current therapies in later stages. Recent discovery of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), its involvement in cardiac remodeling, coupled with the limited success of ACE inhibitors in PH has led us to hypothesize that shifting the balance of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) to vasoprotective ACE2-Ang1–7- mas receptor axis would result the beneficial outcome in PH. We tested this hypothesis with the use of ACE2 overexpression in lungs by lentiviral vector-mediated gene transfer. Lentiviral vector particle(3x10^8 TU) containing murine ACE2 (letni-ACE2) were injected into 6 weeks old C57BL/6 mice prior to induction of PH by administration of weekly 600 mg/kg of monocrotaline (MCT) for 8 weeks for prevention studies. In addition, lenti-ACE2 was delivered following 6 weeks MCT treatment in reversal studies. Right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP), Real-time RT-PCR, immunohisitochemistory of ACE2 and Ang (1–7) and histology of lungs in control and lent-ACE2 treated mice were carried out to evaluated the outcome on PH. Delivery of lenti-ACE2 resulted in a long-term increase in ACE2 expression in the lungs. A 60% and 100 % increases in protein and mRNA levels for ACE2 were observed. ACE2 and Ang (1–7) immunoreactivity were observed in epithelial and alveolar cells and alveolar macrophages. MCT treatment increased in RVSP (MCT 44.5+/−5.7 mmHg, control 24+/−1.0mmHg), RV hypertrophy (RV/LV+Sp ratio; 0.31+/−0.01), and wall thickness of pulmonary vessels. ACE2 gene transfer prevented increases in RVSP (26.1+/− 1.1mmHg), and RV hypertrophy (0.26+/−0.1), and reduced vessel wall thickness. In addition, ACE2 overexpression resulted in a significant reversal of RVSP (23.5+/−0.6mmHg). Futhermore, ACE2 overexpression in mice exhibited better general appearance and gained weight compared to MCT-treated mice. ACE2 gene transfer to lungs prevents and reverses vascular remodeling and PH in MCT model of PH. These observations suggest that targeting of pulmonary ACE2 holds novel therapeutic potential for PH.

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