Neuro endocrinology letters最新文献

Introduction: This study examines the influence of childhood adversities, dissociation, and self-stigma on autonomic nervous system function and treatment outcomes in hospitalised patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Methods: Seventy-five BPD inpatients underwent a six-week intensive psychotherapy treatment program. Changes in psychopathology and autonomic nervous system function were monitored. (heart rate variability, LF/HF ratio).

Results: The study confirmed a positive impact of the treatment program on reducing BPD symptomatology, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Findings indicate that the initial dissociation level does not correlate with changes in symptomatology. In contrast, changes in dissociation during treatment are associated with reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Regarding HRV, our data show that although there were no significant changes in HRV during treatment, higher baseline LF/HF values correlated with smaller changes in symptom severity, which could indicate a possible link between autonomic nervous dysregulation and the stability of BPD symptoms.

Discussion: Our findings emphasise the importance of monitoring physiological and psychological factors in BPD treatment, highlighting potential predictors of therapeutic response.

Objectives: Recently, loneliness and social isolation have become common social problems. Previous research has shown that loneliness affects the brain's structure and function as well as the function of the autonomic nervous system. Our previous study found that loneliness has a negative impact on the computation of relationship value in response to commitment signals from friends. This study investigated whether heart rate variability (HRV), which is thought to reflect autonomic nervous function, is related to loneliness in young Japanese adults and whether experimental improvement of autonomic nervous activities alters the relationship value computation process in response to friends' commitment signals.

Design, material and methods: In Experiment 1, Japanese undergraduate students were assessed for loneliness and a resting electrocardiogram to determine HRV. In Experiment 2, other undergraduate students, separated into control and treatment groups, participated in a psychological task assessing responses to commitment signals from friends. The treatment group was subjected to autonomic nervous modulation before and while performing the task.

Results: Experiment 1 (n = 210) indicated that loneliness was negatively correlated with the high-frequency percentage (HF%) and positively correlated with the low-frequency (LF) component/HF ratio. Experiment 2, a pilot intervention study (n = 38), indicated that experimental improvement of HRV improved the subjective rating of the perceived commitment-confirming effect related to loneliness, specifically under high-cost commitment signal conditions.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that changes in cognitive functions caused by loneliness may be modifiable; by improving autonomic nervous function, it is possible to improve cognitive functions that have changed due to loneliness. However, as a pilot intervention study (Experiment 2) with a small sample, these pilot findings require replication in larger, adequately powered trials..

Background: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by significant emotional instability, impulsivity, and intense interpersonal difficulties. This study examines the relationship between early traumatic experiences, attachment, dissociation, self-stigmatization, autonomic nervous system activity, specifically heart rate variability (HRV), and the severity of BPD symptoms.

Objective: To explore the associations between psychosocial and physiological factors and the severity of BPD symptoms, with a focus on early adverse experiences, adult attachment styles, HRV, and self-stigmatization.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 75 hospitalized BPD patients. HRV was measured, and self-report questionnaires were used to assess early traumas (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), parenting style (Parental Bonding Instrument), adult attachment style (Experiences in Close Relationships Scale), and dissociation (Dissociative Experience Scale). Self-stigmatization was evaluated using the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale, while symptom severity was assessed using self-report and clinician-administered scales, including the CGI-BPD, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory.

Results: Significant correlations were found between early traumas, attachment, and the severity of BPD symptomatology. Higher levels of emotional abuse in childhood correlated with earlier onset and greater symptom severity. HRV analysis indicated a link between sympathetic nervous system activation and specific BPD symptoms, particularly in patients with high levels of attachment anxiety. Self-stigmatization was associated with increased symptom severity and reduced treatment response.

Conclusion: The findings confirm that early traumatic experiences, adult attachment, and self-stigmatization are key factors in understanding symptom severity and emotional dysregulation in BPD. Targeted interventions addressing these areas may significantly improve treatment outcomes for BPD patients.

Introduction: Meloxicam is a preferential cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor widely prescribed for rheumatic diseases. Given its long clinical use, further assessment of its safety profile remains relevant.

Aim of study: This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of meloxicam in the Czech Republic using national pharmacovigilance data, and to compare reported adverse events (AEs) with findings from the WHO VigiAccess database.

Methods: We analyzed all meloxicam-related AEs reported to the State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL) between January 2015 and December 2020, as well as related data extracted from the World Health Organization's pharmacovigilance VigiAccess database. AEs were classified according to MedDRA terminology. National drug utilization data were obtained from SÚKL to provide an estimate of meloxicam exposure, expressed in defined daily doses (DDD).

Results: Over six years, 24 AE reports were identified in the Czech Republic (population 10.7 million). During the same period, meloxicam consumption reached 71,512,140 DDD, corresponding to 4.64 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day. The most frequently reported AEs were hypersensitivity reactions (10 cases), followed by gastrointestinal events (4 cases), nervous system disorders (4 cases), and isolated cardiovascular toxicity (1 case of heart failure).

Conclusion: In the context of national exposure, only a limited number of meloxicam-related AEs were reported.

Objective: To analyze the hotspots and frontiers in the field of subarachnoid hemorrhage using the bibliometrics method and providing references for academic research.

Methods: All published studies related to subarachnoid hemorrhage published in the Web of Science core database from 1 January 2016 to 25 September 2021 were retrospectively identified using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software. Visualization VOSviewer and CiteSpace software were used to perform statistical and cluster analyses on authors, countries, institutions, keywords, and co-cited documents. Knowledge graphs were drawn.

Results: A total of 7151 research papers related to subarachnoid hemorrhage were included for analysis. The number of papers on subarachnoid hemorrhage research showed an upward trend. The leading countries in subarachnoid hemorrhage research were the United States, China, and Japan. In addition, the Harvard Medical School, the Mayo Clinic, and the Capital Medical University were leading authorities subarachnoid hemorrhage research. The common keywords formed 7 clusters. There were 13 clusters of citations.

Conclusions: Research hotspots and directions in subarachnoid hemorrhage research were identified, such as cerebral aneurysm, early brain injury, vasospasm, and prognosis model.

Objective: It is important to raise awareness of the nutritional problems that can be overlooked during the follow-up visits with children who suffer from neuromuscular diseases, as these dietary differences may lead to additional neurological and systemic problems and impair the quality of life of the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of children with neuromuscular disorders and to prevent possible complications by recognizing possible nutritional problems in advance.

Methods: Patients who applied to the outpatient clinic at Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Neurology beginning in April 2022 with a neuromuscular disorder diagnosis were followed up with and were included in the study. Age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), ambulation status, presence of constipation, and nutritional status of each patient at their last examination were evaluated and recorded in the standard data collection form. The Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scale, which is an objective test, was used to evaluate nutritional problems.

Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. Of the patients followed, 27 (54%) had Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), 10 (20%) had congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), and 13 (26%) had limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). The mean age of the patients was 11 years 5 months. Eight of the patients (16%) were female and 42 (84%) were male. While all of the patients could take food orally 17 patients (34%) had constipation. Of the patients, 16 (32%) were able to walk without support, 12 (24%) were able to walk with support, and 22 (44%) were non-ambulatory. While 19 of the patients' (38%) mealtime duration was <15 minutes, 22 (44%) ate for 15-30 minutes, and 9 (18%) ate for >30 minutes. There were 8 patients (16%) whose daily feeding time exceeded 3 hours. Of these patients, 3 were in the DMD group, 4 were in the CMD group, and only one was in the LGMD group. The mean EAT-10 score of the patients was 4.46, although it varied according to the disease subgroups.

Conclusion: Regular monitoring of the nutritional status of children with neuromuscular disorders using objective and practical methods, along with timely and appropriate interventions when necessary, can significantly improve the quality of life and living standards of these patients.

Objective: In addition to hypogonadism, other endocrine disorders-particularly hyperprolactinemia-can significantly influence erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of normalizing prolactin (PRL) levels on erectile function in men diagnosed with ED and hyperprolactinemia. The primary outcome was improvement in IIEF-5.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a three group of patients (N = 20) diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia who simultaneously presented with ED, confirmed by clinical criteria and results of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Group Conservative did not receive hyperprolactinemia treatment. Treatment of hyperprolactinemia consisted of pharmacotherapy with dopaminergic agonists (group Dostinex) and/or neurosurgical intervention, depending on individual findings (group Surgery). For ED therapy, each patient received one of the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5I)-specifically sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, or avanafil.

Results: After successful hyperprolactinemia therapy, all treated patients achieved normalized PRL levels. At the same time, each patient showed an improvement in IIEF-5 scores, indicating a significant enhancement in erectile function. Groups Conservative showed tendency to improve. Groups Dostinex and Surgery reached significant enhancement in erectile function.

Conclusion: Our results confirmed the positive impact of resolving the primary endocrine cause on overall sexual health. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive hormonal assessment in the management of male sexual dysfunction, including measurement of PRL levels. While hyperprolactinemia is a relatively uncommon cause of ED, its treatment-whether pharmacological or surgical-can lead to PRL normalization and a marked improvement in erectile function. The combined use of PDE5I and hyperprolactinemia treatment represents an effective therapeutic approach that should be considered in the care of men with ED.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, with significant cognitive and behavioural impairments that devastate individuals and their families. Cohort-level findings, demonstrate the broader population-level implications of Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disruption (SCRD) in AD and underscore the need for early interventions, emphasizing the importance of timely action. However, the mechanism remains unclear. SCRD impairs the glymphatic system, which is responsible for the clearance of neurotoxic proteins such as amyloid-β and tau during slow-wave sleep, accelerating neurodegeneration. Moreover, SCRD exacerbates neuroinflammation by disrupting the circadian regulation of immune responses, mainly through the dysregulation of microglial activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine release, which further promotes neuronal damage. This review summarizes the current understanding of SCRD in AD, outlining the mechanistic links, evidence from animal models, and emerging treatments targeting SCRD in AD, as well as promising new drug targets emerging from preclinical studies. Circadian modulation may represent a novel therapeutic avenue for AD.

Introduction: Transgerational transmitted trauma is the transmission of psychological injuries between generations. This article uses two case vignettes to explore selected schema therapy approaches that help clients process transgenerationally transmitted trauma from their ancestors. Specific methods of imagery rescripting and chair work enable clients to transform maladaptive patterns of experiencing into healthier coping strategies, support better stress management, improve emotional regulation and communication in relationships, and encourage more profound relationships with themselves and others.

Methods: Two case studies illustrate imagery rescripting and chair work, in which the client takes the role of their traumatised ancestor. The first case shows a schema therapy of a young woman struggling with repressed emotions related to her family history and the suicide of her grandfather. The second case demonstrates therapeutic work with a client struggling with emotional outbursts and self-harm that are a reflection of transgenerational traumatisation passed down from her mother and grandparents.

Results: Both clients experienced a significant reduction in borderline symptoms during the therapeutic work. At the same time, these clients progressed in understanding the inherited transgenerational family patterns and improved their behaviour towards themselves and others.

Discussion: Two case examples have shown that experiential interventions such as imagery rescripting and chairwork can help clients process transferred patterns of traumatic experience and behaviour and bring adaptive changes into their lives. Imagery rescripting as a therapeutic tool can bridge the emotional and physical aspects of transferred learned experiences and help clients integrate a new perspective on themselves and others.

Conclusion: Imagery rescripting and chairwork can be effective therapeutic tools for addressing transgenerational trauma.

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with neuro-immune - metabolic - oxidative (NIMETOX) pathways.

Aims: To examine the connections among NIMETOX pathways in outpatient MDD (OMDD) with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS); and to determine the prevalence of NIMETOX aberrations in a cohort of OMDD patients.

Methods: We included 67 healthy controls and 66 OMDD patients and we assessed various NIMETOX pathways.

Results: We successfully identified a subgroup of individuals with aberrations in NIMETOX pathways, including diminished lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, and reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) activities, and elevated atherogenicity, differentially expressed immune networks, and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). A large part of the variance (around 44%) in atherogenicity indices was associated with AOPP, fasting blood glucose (FBG), PON1 activity, and immune activation. LCAT activity was positively correlated with PON1 activity and negatively with FBG, AOPP and immune activation. RCT was positively related with the PON1 R/R 192 genotype and negatively with FBG and immune activation. A larger part of the variance in the overall severity of OMDD (50.4%), suicidal behaviors (27.7%), and neuroticism (42.1%) was positively associated with adverse childhood experiences and NIMETOX pathways, including AOPP, immune-related neurotoxicity, FBG, insulin, and atherogenicity, and inversely with immune-related neuroprotection.

Conclusions: Many OMDD patients (78.8%) show aberrations in NIMETOX pathways. The features of OMDD, including severity of illness, neuroticism, and suicidal behaviors, are caused by intertwined NIMETOX pathways that may exert additional effects depending on whether MetS is present or not.