Yuan Wang’s research while affiliated with ShenJing Hospital of China Medical University and other places

Oxidative stress (OS) is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) but the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify genes related to both OS and MDD, and further to evaluate the utility of these genes as diagnostic markers and potential treatment targets. We searched datasets related to MDD from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) also related to OS according to GeneCards. Bioinformatics analyses and machine learning algorithms were used to identify hub genes mediating OS–MDD interactions. A summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) approach was employed to identify possible causal genes for MDD from blood tissue eQLT data. These investigations identified 32 genes mediating OS–MDD interactions, while SMR analysis identified KCNE1 (OR = 1.057, 95%CI = 1.013–1.102, P value = 0.010), MAPK3 (OR = 1.023, 95%CI = 1.004–1.043, P value = 0.020), and STIP1 (OR = 0.792, 95%CI = 0.641–0.979, P value = 0.031) as OS-related causal genes for MDD. These genes may thus serve as useful diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets.

Oxidative stress (OS) is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) but the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify genes related to both OS and MDD, and further to evaluate the utility of these genes as diagnostic markers and potential treatment targets. We searched datasets related to MDD from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) also related to OS according to GeneCards. Bioinformatics analyses and machine learning algorithms were used to identify hub genes mediating OS–MDD interactions. A summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) approach was employed to identify possible causal genes for MDD from blood tissue eQLT data. These investigations identified 32 genes mediating OS–MDD interactions, while SMR analysis identified KCNE1 (OR = 1.057, 95%CI = 1.013–1.102, P = 0.010), MAPK3 (OR = 1.023, 95%CI = 1.004–1.043, P = 0.020), and STIP1 (OR = 0.792, 95%CI = 0.641–0.979, P = 0.031) as OS-related causal genes for MDD. These genes may thus serve as useful diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets.

Depression is a common clinical psychological disease, which is called “yu zheng” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM has a long history in the treatment of depression (yu zheng), which has unique advantages. Jieyu pill (JYP), a classical TCM formula, has been widely used for treating depression because of its clear clinical efficacy, low side effects, and high compliance. In this review, we systematically introduce recent clinical and animal experimental studies on JYP and depression, and review the pharmacological mechanism and active ingredients of JYP, as well as its clinical application in depression therapy. This systematic review provides a deep understanding of TCM prescriptions, pharmacological mechanisms, and disease–medicine interactions, and lays the foundation for developing new treatments for depression.

Objective : The sudden outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a dramatic effect on the mental health of the public. In the present study, we demonstrated the psychological effects on children and adolescents associated with the epidemic . Methods : By using convenience sampling method, questionnaires, such as Spence Child Anxiety Scale, Child Depression Inventory and Coping style Scale, were distributed to participating 359 children and 3254 adolescents online. Results : The anxiety levels of children and adolescents were (23.87±15.79) and (29.27±19.79), respectively. 22.28% respondents were suffering from depressive symptoms. Seven significant factors associated with increased levels of anxiety, including female, resident in urban regions, emotion-focused coping style. Nine factors associated with increased levels of depression, such as smartphone addiction (OR 1.411, 95% CI 1.099–1.180), Internet addiction (OR 1.844, 95% CI 1.209–2.811), and resident in Hubei province (OR 3.107, 95% CI 1.252–7.708). Two additional factors associated with decreased levels of depressive symptoms: hours spend on Internet per day before the epidemic (OR 0.652, 95% CI 0.609–0.697) and tendency to apply problem-focused coping style (OR 0.937, 95% CI 0.923–0.951). Conclusion : Our findings indicate that the COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant psychosocial impact on children and adolescents. Findings of current levels of anxiety and depression not only highlight the need to address emotional distress for children and adolescents during the epidemic but also provide researchers with scientific fundamentals to formulate targeted interventions based on the significant influencing factors.

Background A large number of studies have shown a close relationship between ADORA2A and the pathological mechanism of schizophrenia. However, to our knowledge, there has been no studies examining the association between the ADORA2A gene and schizophrenia in Chinese Han population. Purpose The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between adenosine A2A receptor (ADORA2A) single nucleotide polymorphisms and schizophrenia in the North Chinese Han population. Patients and methods We detected ADORA2A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and summarized our results using SPSS statistical software and Haploview in schizophrenia case group (n=398) and healthy control group (n=535). Results The frequency of the CC homozygote genotype of SNP rs2298383T/C were significantly higher in the case than the control group (p=0.005, OR=1.712, 95% CI=1.172–2.502). After linkage disequilibrium analysis, SNPs rs5996696A/C and rs2298383T/C displayed strong linkage disequilibrium. We found that the frequencies of haplotypes TA (χ²=6.268, p=0.0123) and CA (χ²=7.012, p=0.0081) were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group. Conclusion In conclusion, SNPs in the ADORA2A gene may be associated with schizophrenia in the northern Chinese Han population.

Topiramate has been used increasingly in the management of psychiatric conditions. Clinical trials demonstrated that topiramate augmentation was effective in controlling negative symptoms in schizophrenia. This case report presents a case of a 38-year-old man with schizophrenia who achieved full negative symptom remission upon the adjunctive use of topiramate. However, the remarkable finding of this case is the concomitant decrease in the level of prolactin when topiramate (50 mg/day) was started and the rebound after discontinuation of topiramate. Previous studies stated that topiramate could prevent antipsychotic-induced weight gain and adverse metabolic effects. To the authors’ knowledge, no study has reported that topiramate augmentation could be a treatment strategy for antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. This finding could be verified by well-designed clinical trials.

Background: The application of atypical antipsychotics (SGAs) for treatment of psychiatric and behavioral symptoms of dementia is controversial since their efficacy might be offset by their adverse events (AEs). Objective: To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of SGAs for treatment of psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Methods: Two researchers searched MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials independently for double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trials (DB-PC-RCTs) as of June 2013, written in English. Efficacy was measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C), and (or) Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S). Safety and tolerability were measured by frequencies of drop-outs, AEs, and death. In total, 19 treatment comparisons drawn from 16 DB-PC-RCTs were included, and 3,343 patients randomized to the antipsychotic group and 1,707 to the placebo group were assessed. Results: This meta-analysis demonstrated a significant efficacy of atypical antipsychotics on BPRS (MD = -1.58, 95% CI = -2.52 - -0.65), CMAI (-1.84, -3.01 - -0.61), NPI (-2.81, -4.35 - -1.28), CGI-C (-0.32, -0.44 - -0.20), and CGI-S (-0.19, -0.30 - -0.09), compared to placebo (p < 0.01 for all). Patients receiving atypical antipsychotics showed no difference in risk for discontinuation (p > 0.05), significantly higher risks (p < 0.05 for all) for somnolence (OR = 2.95), extrapyramidal symptoms (1.74), cerebrovascular AEs (2.50), urinary tract infection (1.35), edema (1.80), gait abnormality (3.35), and death (1.52), and a lower risk for agitation (OR = 0.80, p = 0.03). Conclusions: The higher risks for AEs and mortality may offset the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics for treatment of dementia. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability thus should be carefully considered against clinical need.

Aims: Neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1) is a neurotensin (NT) receptor subtype with a high affinity for NT. NT and NTR1 signaling are involved in modulating the dopamine system. Individual variations in the dopamine system have been demonstrated to determine certain dimensions of personality, but no studies have thus far investigated the involvement of the NTR1 in the biological determination of personality. We therefore examined this link in a Chinese Han population. Methods: We genotyped 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs6090453C/G, rs6011914C/G, and rs2427422A/G) of the NTR1 gene and collected the data about the personality traits of novelty seeking (NS), harm avoidance (HA), and reward dependence (RD), as well as their subscales (measured by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire), in 575 healthy Chinese Han subjects. Then we examined the association between the 3 NTR1 gene polymorphisms and each personality trait. Results: There were significant differences in the HA2, HA3 and RD1 scores between rs6090453C/G genotypes (F = 3.425, 5.651, 4.054, p = 0.033, 0.004, 0.018, respectively), in the HA2 and total RD scores between rs6011914C/G genotypes (F = 4.080, 3.712, p = 0.017, 0.025, respectively), and in the total RD (χ(2) = 7.301, p = 0.026) and RD3 (F = 4.119, p = 0.017) scores between the rs2427422A/G genotypes. There were significant male-specific differences in the RD1 scores between the rs6090453C/G genotypes (F = 3.334, p = 0.037), in the total HA (F = 3.043, p = 0.049), HA2 (F = 4.472, p = 0.012) and RD3 (χ(2) = 6.997, p = 0.030) scores between the rs6011914C/G genotypes, and in the HA2 (F = 3.177, p = 0.043), total RD (χ(2) = 7.032, p = 0.030), and RD3 (F = 4.563, p = 0.011) scores between the rs2427422A/G genotypes. We also demonstrated a significant female-specific difference in the total RD scores between the rs6011914C/G genotypes (F = 3.677, p = 0.026). There was no significant difference in the total NS and subscale scores between the genotypes of all 3 SNPs (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: The variations in the NTR1 gene were involved in the biological mechanisms of HA and RD personality traits; however, the effect is influenced by gender.