Кетогенная диета при шизофрении

Summary: These results support that ketogenic diet may present a novel therapeutic approach through restoring brain energy metabolism in schizophrenia. Randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to further show the efficacy of ketogenic diet as a co-treatment to manage both clinical symptoms and metabolic abnormalities inherent to the disease and resulted by antipsychotic treatment.

Ketogenic Diet for Schizophrenia: Clinical Implication

Making sense of CYP2D6 and CYP1A2 genotype vs phenotype

• Unlike most other CYP450 enzymes, CYP2D6 is not very susceptible to enzyme induction. Therefore, genetics, rather than drug therapy, accounts for most ultra-rapid CYP2D6 metabolizers.

• When using multiple medications that are substrates and/or inhibitors of CYP2D6, genotyping may not reflect the true prevalence of the CYP2D6 poor metabolizer phenotype. 

• The activity of CYP1A2 alleles is largely determined by environmental factors and genetic variability.

Making sense of CYP2D6 and CYP1A2genotype vs phenotype 

Комбинация арипипразола с клозапином эффективнее монотерапии антипсихотиком

Certain antipsychotic polytherapies, including aripiprazole and clozapine, are associated with a lower risk of psychiatric rehospitalization in patients with schizophrenia, according to Jari Tiihonen, MD, PhD, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, and his associates.

The study population included a total of 62,250 patients from the Finnish Hospital Discharge register who were treated for schizophrenia in the inpatient setting from 1972 to 2014. The median patient age was 45.6 years and the median length of follow-up was 14.1 years. Over the study period, 58.8% of this cohort were readmitted for psychiatric inpatient care, 67.2% used antipsychotic polypharmacy during the follow-up, and 57.5% were exposed to antipsychotic polypharmacy for at least 90 days, Dr. Tiihonen and his associates wrote in JAMA Psychiatry.

The combination of aripiprazole and clozapine was associated with the lowest risk of psychiatric rehospitalization, compared with those who received no therapy (hazard ratio, 0.42, 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.46). Clozapine alone was the most effective antipsychotic monotherapy (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.47-0.51), and when aripiprazole/clozapine was compared with clozapine alone, the polytherapy was significantly more effective (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.94).

The difference between aripiprazole/clozapine and clozapine alone was even greater in patients who initially were hospitalized for their first episode of schizophrenia (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63-0.96). Overall, any antipsychotic polypharmacy was associated with a 7%-13% lower risk of hospitalization, compared with any monotherapy; clozapine alone was the only monotherapy among the 10 most effective treatments, the authors noted.

 Aripiprazole/clozapine combo more effective than monotherapies

Бензонат натрия как усилитель NMDA в лечении резистентной шизофрении

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate benefits of an NMDA enhancer in patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia. Sodium benzoate at both 1g and 2g/day was more effective than placebo in improving negative symptoms, and this medication had a favorable safety profile. Sodium benzoate 2g/d also improved total psychopathology and quality of life scores.

The authors noted the relatively small sample size and short trial duration as potential study limitations and call for additional studies of both doses of sodium benzoate in longer trials. They concluded that DAAO inhibitors may represent a novel treatment approach for patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia.

Food Preservative for Schizophrenia?

Связь наличия антител к T. gondii и нейропсихиатрических расстройств не подтвердилась

Our results suggest that a positive test for T. gondii antibodies does not result in increased susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders, poor impulse control or impaired neurocognitive ability…  this is, to our knowledge, the most comprehensive assessment of the possible link between T. gondii infection and a variety of impairments in a single cohort.

 The Myth of “Mind-Altering Parasite” Toxoplasma Gondii?

Эффективность использования высоких доз антидепрессантов

Higher doses than those currently used might be modestly more effective, but come with higher risks of adverse effects.

Before writing medications off as ineffective or only partially effective, clinicians strive to optimize dosing. To better identify optimal doses for six selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), investigators applied meta-analytic techniques to 40 studies involving 10,039 patients with major depression in placebo-controlled randomized trials who were treated with fluoxetine, (N=2386), fluvoxamine (N=910), paroxetine (N=3424), sertraline (N=865), citalopram (N=1349), or escitalopram (N=1105).

Focusing on efficacy and tolerability, investigators calculated number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH). They used published dose ranges to convert SSRI doses to imipramine equivalents, with 100 mg of imipramine equivalent to:

Sertraline, 120 mg

Fluvoxamine, 100 mg

Paroxetine, 20 mg

Fluoxetine, 20 mg

Citalopram, 33.3 mg

Escitalopram, 16.7 mg

Statistical modelling adjusted for lag times of medication-effect onsets and for doses used in the trials (100–400 mg of imipramine equivalents). In dose-by-time interaction analyses, higher doses yielded greater therapeutic responses. Greatest efficacy was seen for 200–250-mg imipramine equivalents, compared with higher and lower ranges (NNTs: compared with placebo, 3; in lower-dose comparisons, 14–16). Compared with low doses, higher dose was associated with greater likelihood of dropout due to adverse effects (NNHs, 45–48), but all-cause dropouts were fewer at higher doses, presumably due to efficacy. Fluvoxamine, approved for depression in other countries but not by the FDA, was excluded in some analyses, which yielded similar overall results.

Comment

These findings generally support the use of higher dose ranges for several SSRIs for major depression that did not respond or only partially responded to SSRIs. Most clinicians treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and bulimia nervosa are already comfortably using these higher doses. However, distinctions among SSRIs are warranted; for example, the FDA has issued warnings about QTc interval prolongation with higher doses of citalopram.

 Optimal Doses for SSRIs in Treating Depression: Meta-Analytic Results

Микрофлора кишечника и депрессия

Abstract

Purpose of review With depressive disorders the leading source of disability globally, the identification of new targets for prevention and management is imperative. A rapidly emerging field of research suggests that the microbiome–gut–brain axis is of substantial relevance to mood and behaviour. Similarly, unhealthy diet has recently emerged as a significant correlate of and risk factor for depression. This review provides evidence for the gut microbiota as a key factor mediating the link between diet and depressive illness.

Recent findings The development of new technologies is affording a better understanding of how diet influences gut microbiota composition and activity and how this may, in turn, influence depressive illness. New interventions are also suggesting the possible utility of pre and probiotic formulations and fermented food in influencing mental health.

Summary Although in its early stages, the emerging field of research focused on the human microbiome suggests an important role for the gut microbiota in influencing brain development, behaviour and mood in humans. The recognition that the gut microbiota interacts bidirectionally with other environmental risk factors, such as diet and stress, suggests promise in the development of interventions targeting the gut microbiota for the prevention and treatment of common mental health disorders.

The Gut Microbiome and Diet in Psychiatry: Focus on Depression

Самидорфан и оланзапин

Topline results from a phase 2 study show that treatment with a novel oral antipsychotic was as effective as treatment with the antipsychotic olanzapine (multiple brands) with far less weight gain in patients with schizophrenia, the company developing the drug announced today.
The drug currently known as ALKS 3831, from Alkermes, combines samidorphan, a novel, potent mu-opioid antagonist, with olanzapine.

Positive Topline Phase 2 Results for Novel Schizophrenia Drug

Связь вариаций CYP2C19 с риском аритмий при приёме циталопрама и эсциталопрама

Recently, a FDA Safety Communication warned of a dose-dependent risk for QTc prolongation with citalopram, which is metabolized by CYP2C19 of the cytochrome P450 system. We investigate associations between citalopram and escitalopram dose, serum concentration, CYP2C19 phenotype, and QTc. We undertook a retrospective chart review of citalopram or escitalopram patients with the inclusion criteria of consistent medication dose, CYP2C19 phenotype (extensive metabolizers [EM], intermediate metabolizers [IM], poor metabolizers [PM]), and QTc interval on ECG. We further identified 42 citalopram users with citalopram serum concentration measurements and ECG. Regression and one-way ANOVA were used to examine the relationship between citalopram dose, citalopram serum concentration, CYP2C19 phenotype, and QTc interval. Of 75 citalopram patients, the EM group had significantly shorter QTc intervals than a combined IM+PM group (427.1±23.6 ms vs. 440.1±26.6 ms, one-tailed t-test, p=0.029). In the 80 escitalopram cohort, there was no significant difference in QTc between phenotype groups. There was no statistical correlation between citalopram (p=0.62) or escitalopram (p=0.30) dose and QTc. QTc was not associated with citalopram serum level (p=0.45). In contrast to the FDA warning, this study found no association between citalopram/escitalopram dose and QTc. However, PM of the drug tended to have longer QTc intervals. Our findings suggest cytochrome P450 genotyping in select patients may be helpful to guide medication optimization while limiting harmful effects.

CYP2C19 variation, not citalopram dose nor serum level, is associated with QTc prolongation

Тиреоидная функция до и после лечения психотического эпизода

Background
Endocrine function in psychiatric patients may be affected by mental disorder itself as well as by antipsychotic medications.
The aim of this naturalistic observational study was to determine if treatment of acute psychotic episode with antipsychotic medication affects thyroid axis hormone concentrations and if such changes are associated with symptomatic improvement.
Methods
Eighty six adult acute psychotic patients, consecutively admitted to a mental hospital, were recruited for the study. All patients were physically healthy and without thyroid disease. During the hospitalization period all study patients received treatment with antipsychotic medication according to clinical need. Severity of the psychotic episode was evaluated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and venous blood samples were drawn for analysis of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations on the day of admission and on the day of discharge from the hospital.
Results
Antipsychotic drug treatment was associated with decrease of mean FT3 (p < 0.001) and FT4 (p = 0.002) concentrations; and with increase of mean TSH (p = 0.016) concentrations. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations were mostly predicted by baseline hormone concentrations. Individual changes were not limited to decrease in high hormone concentrations; in patients who had low FT3 or FT4 concentrations, treatment resulted in increase in concentrations. Such an increase was established in one-quarter of patients for FT3 concentrations and in one-third of patients for FT4 concentrations. Fall in FT4 concentrations negatively correlated with the improvement in the BPRS score (r = −0.235, p = 0.023).
Conclusions
The study indicates that antipsychotic treatment resulted in a decrease in mean FT3 concentrations and in an increase in mean TSH concentrations after recovery from acute psychosis. Symptomatic improvement was less evident in patients who experienced a decrease in FT4 concentrations.

 Thyroid axis function after in-patient treatment of acute psychosis with antipsychotics: a naturalistic study

Противосудорожный препарат ламотригин может дать начало новому классу антибиотиков — ингибиторам сборки бактериальных рибосом

В связи с растущей проблемой антибиотикорезистентнтности активно ведутся поиски новых антибактериальных препаратов, действующих как уже на известные «мишени», так на структуры бактериальной клетки, ранее не являвшиеся мишенью действия антибиотиков. Причём если ранее в основном пытались ингибировать важнейшие процессы жизнедеятельности микроорганизмов, то сейчас рассматриваются и варианты воздействия на построение (сборку) отдельных структур микробной клетки.

Исследователями был проведён скрининг большого числа уже применяющихся в клинической практике лекарственных средств на наличие зависимой от температуры способности ингибировать рост Escherichia coli. Одним из препаратов, активность которого наиболее выраженно уменьшалась при снижении температуры, был давно применяющийся противосудорожный препарат ламотригин. В присутствии ламотригина в микробных клетках быстро возрастала концентрация незрелых 30S и 50S субъединиц рибосом. При этом препарат не нарушал процесс трансляции и непосредственно не влиял на синтез белков in vitro и in vivo. Таким образом, ламотригин может стать первым представителем целого нового класса антибактериальных препаратов — ингибиторов сборки бактериальных рибосом.

Однако, несмотря на очевидную перспективность разработки антибиотиков с новыми механизмами действия, вероятность развития к ним устойчивости также возможна. В частности, ряд спонтанных мутаций в домене II фактора инициации трансляции IF2 блокируют присоединение ламотригина к IF2 и, соответственно, нивелируют активность данного препарата в отношении процесса сборки бактериальных рибосом.

 Противосудорожный препарат ламотригин может дать начало новому классу антибиотиков — ингибиторам сборки бактериальных рибосом

Влияние энергетической ценности пищи на биодоступность зипрасидона и луразидона

It is interesting to note that ziprasidone and lurasidone are the only psychiatric medications with specific calorie requirements to aid absorption. The precise mechanism is still unknown. The package insert for ziprasidone recommends concomitant intake with food, which provides an up to 2-fold increase in absorption. More specifically, a clinical trial that evaluated the effects of different caloric and fat content on ziprasidone systemic exposure showed that a meal with 500 kcal or more (irrespective of fat content) is required for optimal bioavailability.

The package insert for lurasidone recommends concomitant intake with 350 kcal or more, because lurasidone Cmax and AUC are increased approximately 3- and 2-fold, respectively, compared with fasting condi-tions. (Lurasidone exposure was not affected as calorie content was increased from 350 to 1000 kcal and was independent of meal fat content.)

Food-Drug Interactions in Psychiatry: What Clinicians Need to Know

Антипсихотические свойства варфарина

Warfarin has been linked to a decrease in and even long-term remission of psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, preliminary research suggests.
A study examining adults at an anticoagulation clinic for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) showed that 5 patients who also had schizophrenia and who received long-term treatment with warfarin for recurrent DVT achieved full psychosis remission. In addition, these patients remained free of any psychotropic medication for 2 to 11 years.
The investigators note that the underlying mechanism could be tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA), a protein that not only promotes the dissolution of blood clots but also plays a role in neurogenesis after severe stress.

Warfarin for Long-term Psychosis Remission?

Эффективность битопертина не подтвердилась

FlashLyte and DayLyte, the first 2 studies discontinued in January 2014, were evaluating bitopertin for negative symptoms, including lack of motivation and social withdrawal. Suboptimally controlled symptoms include hallucinations and delusions.

The primary endpoints were negative symptom factors scores on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) after 24 weeks of adjunctive treatment with bitopertin vs placebo. Although the active treatment was found to be well tolerated, the PANSS score changes from baseline were not found to be statistically significant.

Bitopertin Disappoints as Schizophrenia Treatment

Оланзапин превзошел ламотриджин в профилактике депрессивной фазы биполярного аффективного расстройства

Background

Bipolar disorder is a highly recurrent disease and has great impact on the function of patients. Depressive symptoms consist of more than 50% of life time during the illness and may lead to self harm or suicidal behaviors. Little is known about the antidepressant effects of olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, as monotherapy despite its indication for preventing manic episodes. In contrast, lamotrigine, a mood stabilizer, has been proven to be effective in preventing depression in patients with bipolar disorder. However, no studies have compared the efficacy between lamotrigine and olanzapine in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. This enriched naturalistic study was implemented to assess the effectiveness of olanzapine and lamotrigine as monotherapy in the prevention of recurrence of bipolar disorder.

Methods

Patients with bipolar disorder in a euthymic state (Young's Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score < 12, and 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score < 7) for at least two months, having already received either olanzapine or lamotrigine as the maintenance treatment were recruited. The patients maintained with olanzapine (n = 22) were applied to olanzapine group whereas those maintained with lamotrigine (n = 29) were applied to lamotrigine group. They were followed up for 12 months. Differences in the efficacy between olanzapine and lamotrigine in recurrence prevention were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate time-to-recurrence curves, and differences between the two groups were compared using the log-rank test.

Results

Olanzapine had a significantly lower recurrence rate of depressive episodes than lamotrigine (20.0% vs. 57.7%, chi2 = 6.62, p = .010). However, olanzapine and lamotrigine had similar mania (15.0% vs. 0%, chi2 = 4.17, p = .075, Fisher's exact test) and any mood episode (35.0% vs. 57.7%, chi2 = 2.33, p = .127) recurrence rates. Olanzapine was significantly superior to lamotrigine in the time to recurrence of depressive episodes (chi2 = 4.55, df = 1, p = .033), but there was no difference in the time to recurrence of any mood episode (chi2 = 1.68, df = 1, p = .195).

Conclusions

This prospective naturalistic study suggests that olanzapine is more effective than lamotrigine in the prevention of depressive episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. Future large-scale randomized studies are warranted to validate our results.

 Olanzapine is superior to lamotrigine in the prevention of bipolar depression: a naturalistic observational study