Neuromolecular medicine
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Neuromolecular medicine · Mar 2014
Review Meta AnalysisSelective serotonin 3 receptor antagonist treatment for schizophrenia: meta-analysis and systematic review.
Double-blinded, randomized, placebo-control trials of selective serotonin 3 receptor antagonists (5-HT3R-ANTs) for schizophrenia have differed in outcome. This meta-analysis tests the hypothesis that 5-HT3R-ANTs are effective for the treatment for schizophrenia. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library database, and PsycINFO up to June 15, 2013. ⋯ However, 5-HT3R-ANTs add-on therapy was not superior to placebo in PANSS positive scores (SMD = -0.12, p = 0.33). Dropout due to all cause (RR = 0.80, p = 0.50), inefficacy (RR = 0.76, p = 0.65), or adverse events (RR = 0.84, p = 0.75) was similar in both groups. Constipation occurred significantly more often with 5-HT3R-ANTs than placebo (RR = 2.05, CI = 1.07-3.91, p = 0.03, NNH = 11, p = 0.02). 5-HT3R-ANTs add-on therapy is more beneficial on the psychopathology (especially negative symptoms) than controls in patients with schizophrenia, and 5-HT3R-ANTs seem to be well-tolerated treatments.
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Neuromolecular medicine · Mar 2014
Review Meta AnalysisSelective serotonin 3 receptor antagonist treatment for schizophrenia: meta-analysis and systematic review.
Double-blinded, randomized, placebo-control trials of selective serotonin 3 receptor antagonists (5-HT3R-ANTs) for schizophrenia have differed in outcome. This meta-analysis tests the hypothesis that 5-HT3R-ANTs are effective for the treatment for schizophrenia. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library database, and PsycINFO up to June 15, 2013. ⋯ However, 5-HT3R-ANTs add-on therapy was not superior to placebo in PANSS positive scores (SMD = -0.12, p = 0.33). Dropout due to all cause (RR = 0.80, p = 0.50), inefficacy (RR = 0.76, p = 0.65), or adverse events (RR = 0.84, p = 0.75) was similar in both groups. Constipation occurred significantly more often with 5-HT3R-ANTs than placebo (RR = 2.05, CI = 1.07-3.91, p = 0.03, NNH = 11, p = 0.02). 5-HT3R-ANTs add-on therapy is more beneficial on the psychopathology (especially negative symptoms) than controls in patients with schizophrenia, and 5-HT3R-ANTs seem to be well-tolerated treatments.
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Neuromolecular medicine · Sep 2012
ReviewTraumatic brain injury and disturbed sleep and wakefulness.
Traumatic brain injury is a frequent condition worldwide, and sleep-wake disturbances often complicate the course after the injuring event. Current evidence suggests that the most common sleep-wake disturbances following traumatic brain injury include excessive daytime sleepiness and posttraumatic hypersomnia, that is, increased sleep need per 24 h. The neuromolecular basis of posttraumatic sleep pressure enhancement is not entirely clear. ⋯ Posttraumatic insomnia may be less common than posttraumatic sleepiness, but studies on its frequency revealed conflicting results. Furthermore, insomnia is often associated with psychiatric comorbidities, and some patients with posttraumatic disruption of their circadian rhythm may be misdiagnosed as insomnia patients. The pathophysiology of posttraumatic circadian sleep disorders remains elusive; however, there is some evidence that reduced evening melatonin production due to traumatic brain damage may cause disruption of circadian regulation of sleep and wakefulness.
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The central nervous system is highly enriched in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) of the omega-6 and omega-3 series. The presence of these fatty acids as structural components of neuronal membranes influences cellular function both directly, through effects on membrane properties, and also by acting as a precursor pool for lipid-derived messengers. An adequate intake of omega-3 PUFA is essential for optimal visual function and neural development. ⋯ Recent evidence also indicates that in addition to the positive effects seen in chronic neurodegenerative conditions, omega-3 PUFA may also have significant neuroprotective potential in acute neurological injury. Thus, these compounds offer an intriguing prospect as potentially new therapeutic approaches in both chronic and acute conditions. The purpose of this article is to review the current evidence of the neurological benefits of omega-3 PUFA, looking specifically at neurodegenerative conditions and acute neurological injury.
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Neuromolecular medicine · Jan 2006
ReviewInherited focal, episodic neuropathies: hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies and hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy.
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP; also called tomaculous neuropathy) is an autosomal-dominant disorder that produces a painless episodic, recurrent, focal demyelinating neuropathy. HNPP generally develops during adolescence, and may cause attacks of numbness, muscular weakness, and atrophy. Peroneal palsies, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other entrapment neuropathies may be frequent manifestations of HNPP. ⋯ In some HNA pedigrees there are characteristic facial features, including hypotelorism. The prognosis for recovery of normal function of affected limbs in HNA is good, although recurrent episodes may cause residual deficits. HNA is genetically linked to chromosome 17q25, where mutations in the septin-9 (SEPT9) gene have been found.