Brain ASAP

mGluR2/3 Inhibitors as Antidepressants: Targeting Glutamate Receptors in Depression

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Depression affects over 300 million people globally. Current antidepressants have limited efficacy and slow onset of action. New research shows promise for compounds targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors 2 and 3 (mGluR2/3) as fast-acting antidepressants with fewer side effects. Key Facts: 1/3 of depressed patients are treatment-resistant with current antidepressants mGluR2/3 inhibitors show robust, rapid (within …

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Neurofeedback for Cognitive Enhancement & Neuroplasticity?

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Neurofeedback is a promising technique that allows people to voluntarily control their own brain activity with the goal of improving cognitive functions or relieving symptoms. Key Facts: Neurofeedback provides real-time feedback on brain activity, allowing a person to learn to control activity in specific brain regions. It has shown clinical benefits for disorders like ADHD, …

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Major Depression Linked to High VCAM-1 Levels & Gray Matter Loss

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New research reveals that increased inflammation, indicated by higher levels of a protein called VCAM-1, is associated with decreased gray matter and altered brain connectivity in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). These brain changes also correlate with VCAM-1 levels. Key Facts: MDD patients had higher blood VCAM-1 levels than healthy controls Higher VCAM-1 related …

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Metabolic Biomarkers & Future Depressive Symptoms: Is There a Link?

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A new study examined whether metabolic biomarkers assessed through a high-throughput method are associated with future depressive symptoms. The results suggest the metabolites may not play a direct role in depression development. Key Facts: Researchers investigated associations between 121 metabolic measures and depressive symptoms at 7-year follow-up. Some metabolites showed tendencies for links with more …

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Optimizing Escitalopram (Lexapro) Dosage with CYP2C19 Enzyme Genetics & Body Weight

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Researchers have made strides towards enabling personalized dosing for the commonly prescribed antidepressant escitalopram. Using robust clinical trial data, they developed an innovative population pharmacokinetics model that elucidates the impact of patient genetics and physiology. Key Facts: Model based on data from over 170 healthy Chinese adults receiving single escitalopram doses Identified CYP2C19 liver enzyme …

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Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation (cTBS) Ineffective for Depression? (New Meta-Analysis Reports No Benefit)

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A new meta-analysis found that continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), a novel form of brain stimulation therapy, does not appear to be more effective than sham (placebo) stimulation for treating symptoms of major depression. Key Facts: cTBS is a type of repetitive transcranial magnetic brain stimulation that aims to modulate activity in certain brain regions …

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Flavonoids in Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Depression Symptoms in Women

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Eating foods rich in certain flavonoids may help lower the risk of experiencing depressive symptoms, suggests new research based on U.S. national health data. Key facts: Higher intakes of anthocyanidins, flavanones, flavones, and isoflavones were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms after adjusting for confounders. There was an inverse association between total flavonoid intake …

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Evaluating At-Home TDCS for Depression (HomeDC Trial)

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An innovative study aims to assess the feasibility of patients self-managing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) therapy for depression at home. This digitally-supported model could greatly expand access if proven safe, reliable and effective. Key Facts: tDCS uses scalp electrodes to deliver targeted electrical currents modulating brain activity Applied to prefrontal cortex, tDCS can have …

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EMA’s New Clinical Trial Guidelines for Antidepressant Development: Better & Faster Treatments (2023)

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The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has updated its guidance on clinical trials for new depression treatments, with the goals of harmonizing standards across the EU and facilitating development of improved therapies. Key Facts: Depression is a highly disabling condition affecting many worldwide, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic Up to 2/3 of patients …

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Eye Retinas as Biomarker for Suicide Risk: Potential of Electroretinography (ERG) in Detection

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Electroretinography, a non-invasive retinal scanning technique, shows some promise for detecting suicidal behaviors based on changes in retinal cell signals. However, large scale studies are needed to determine its reliability. Key Facts: Electroretinography (ERG) measures electrical signals from retinal cells in response to light flashes to assess retinal health. ERG wave changes have been linked …

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