Resource Tag: BIOCHEMISTRY
LCSH
Reduced Prolactin and Cortisol Responses to d-Fenfluramine in Depressed Compared to Healthy Matched Control Subjects
d-Fenfluramine was used as a neuroendocrine challenge in 19 subjects with major depression & 19 healthy controls. 5-HT-mediated prolactin & cortisol responses were both significantly attenuated in the depressed group. Patients with a history of suicide attempt had lower cortisol responses than those without. Peak cortisol responses were inversely related to baseline cortisol levels. There […]
Aberrant Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) 5 Signaling in Hippocampus of Suicide Subjects
This study investigated whether suicide brain is associated with alterations in components of the Extracellular Signal-Related Kinase (ERK) 5 signaling cascade. 28 suicide victims & 21 nonpsychiatric control subjects were examined. Findings suggested reduced activation &/or expression of ERK5 & MEK5, & reduced MDF2C-DNA-binding activity demonstrate abnormalities in ERK5 signaling in the hippocampus of suicide […]
Psychobiological Aspects of Suicidal Behavior (IN: Psychopathology: an Interactional Perspective, edited by D Magnusson & A Ohman
Studies in the past decade suggest that biological factors may contribute to the development of suicidal behaviour. The most well-substantiated findings are those that link suicide to a disturbed turnover of serotonin in the brain. These findings are reviewed in this chapter, & some of their implications are discussed. (52 refs.)
Impulsivity Related to Brain Serotonin Transporter Binding Capacity in Suicide Attempters
In this study, whole brain binding potential of the serotonin transporter & dopamine transporter was measured by a single photon emission computerised tomography in 12 patients after a serious suicide attempt & in 12 matched healthy controls. No significant serotonin transporter or dopamine transporter differences between patients & controls were found. In patients, but not […]
Reduced Orexin Levels in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Suicidal Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Orexin-A was measured in the cerebrospinal fluid of 66 patients with major depressive disorder, dysthymia, & adjustment disorder after a suicide attempt. Cerebrospinal fluid levels of orexin-A were significantly lower in patients with major depressive disorder than in patients with adjustment disorder & dysthymia. Results suggest suicidal patients with major depressive disorders have distinct neurobiological […]
CSF 5-HIAA and DST Non-Suppression – Independent Biomarkers in Suicide Attempters?
The interrelationship of suicide risk factors, low CSF 5-HIAA & DST non-suppression, were studied in 58 mood disorder patients with & without an index suicide attempt. In the sample as a whole, the serum cortisol level at 4:00 p.m. showed a significant positive correlation to CSF 5-HIAA. In patients with an index suicide attempt, the […]
A Review of Prospective Studies of Biologic Predictors of Suicidal Behavior in Mood Disorders
The authors review prospective studies of suicidal behaviour & serotonergic, noradrenergic, dopaminergic, & hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis function in mood disorders. The most promising biological predictors are low CSF 5-HIAA and HPA axis dysfunction as demonstrated by dexamethasone non-suppression that are each associated with about 4.5 fold greater risk of suicide. (98 refs.)
Noradrenergic Function in Suicide
The authors review some of the noradrenergic studies in suicide, including studies of the biosynthetic enzyme for norepinephrine, tyrosine hydroxylase, the receptors for norepinephrine, alpha- & beta-adrenergic receptors, as well as the signaling cascades linked to beta-adrenergic receptors. In general, these studies indicate the protein expression of tryosine hydroxylase, as well as alpha2- & beta2-adrenergic […]
Cerebrospinal Fluid Monoamine Metabolites and Suicide
In this letter to the editor, Sher notes a recent report that suggested low levels of cerbrospinal fluid 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid predicted completed suicide (Samuelsson et al, 2006). This observation is consistent with multiple reports suggesting serotonergic abnormalities are involved in the neurobiology of suicidal behaviour. It is asserted that it is reasonable to hypothesize cerebrospinal […]
Suicidal Intent and the HPA-Axis Characteristics of Suicide Attempters With Major Depressive Disorder and Adjustment Disorders
This study investigated Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis characteristics in relation to suicidal intent among suicide attempters with major depressive disorder & adjustment disorders. The relationship between suicidal intent & serum cortisol after a dexamethasone suppresion test was investigated in 78 suicide attempters, divided into diagnostic subgroups. There was a significant negative correlation between suicidal intent & post […]
Soluble Interleukin 2 Receptor Levels, Temperament and Character in Formerly Depressed Suicide Attempters Compared With Normal Controls
Soluble interleukin-2 receptor concentrations in plasma were measured & temperament & character profiles & their potential correlation were investigated in formerly depressed patients with a history of suicide attempt. There were no significant differences in soluble interleukin-2 receptor concentrations in plasma between the patient group & age- & gender-matched controls. When compared to controls, suicide […]
The Association Between Alcohol Misuse and Suicidal Behaviour
Aims: Despite recent small reductions in overall suicide rates, rates among those aged 25–44 have remained high. The aim of this paper was to examine the evidence for a link between alcohol misuse/consumption and suicidal behaviour, explore the reasons for this association, and consider the implications for reducing rates of suicidal behaviour. Methods: A medline […]
The Relationship Between CSF HVA/5-HIAA Ratio and Suicide Intent in Suicide Attempters
There is a need to find stable biomarkers for suicidal behavior and suicide prediction. Reduced homovanillic acid/5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (HVA/5-HIAA) ratios in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in depressed suicide attempters have been reported. Suicide intent is a predictor of repetition of attempts and suicide. In the present study we investigated the relationship of HVA/5-HIAA ratio to the […]
Abnormal Expression and Functional Characteristics of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Response Element Binding Protein in Postmortem Brain of Suicide Subjects
Background Cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor that, on phosphorylation by protein kinases, is activated, and in response, regulates the transcription of many neuronally expressed genes. In view of the recent observations that catalytic properties and/or expression of many kinases that mediate their physiological responses through the activation of […]
Prediction and Prevention of Suicide in Patients With Unipolar Depression and Anxiety
Epidemiological data suggest that between 59 and 87% of suicide victims suffered from major depression while up to 15% of these patients will eventually commit suicide. Male gender, previous suicide attempt(s), comorbid mental disorders, adverse life-situations, acute psycho-social stressors etc. also constitute robust risk factors. Anxiety and minor depression present with a low to moderate […]
Unaltered Number of Brain Serotonin Uptake Sites in Suicide Victims
The 5-HT uptake sites were studied with [3H ] paroxetine as radioligand in frontal cortex, cingulate cortex and hypothalamus from a control group (n=22) and a group of suicide victims (n = 19). The binding was also analysed with regard to the method of suicide (violent or non-violent) and history of depressive symptoms. The apparent […]