The impact of exposure to phthalates in thyroid function of children and adolescents: a systematic review.

Phthalic acid esters, or phthalates, are plasticizers commonly used in the plastics industry and they are known for their endocrine-disrupting effects. Numerous epidemiological studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of phthalate exposure on thyroid function, both in adults and children. However, there is still considerable debate surrounding this issue.

New evidence for baroreflex and respiratory chemoreflex mediated cerebral sympathetic activation in humans.

The brain is highly innervated by sympathetic nerve fibres; however, their physiological purpose is poorly understood. We hypothesized that unilateral cerebral norepinephrine (NE) spillover, an index of cerebral sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), would be elevated when engaging the baroreflex [via lower-body negative pressure (LBNP; -20 and -40 Torr)] and respiratory chemoreflexes [via carbon dioxide (CO) administration (+8 Torr)], independently, and in combination. Twelve young and healthy participants (5 females) underwent simultaneous blood sampling from the right radial artery and internal jugular vein.

Acute isometric and dynamic exercise do not alter cerebral sympathetic nerve activity in healthy humans.

The impact of physiological stressors on cerebral sympathetic nervous activity (SNA) remains controversial. We hypothesized that cerebral noradrenaline (NA) spillover, an index of cerebral SNA, would not change during both submaximal isometric handgrip (HG) exercise followed by a post-exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO), and supine dynamic cycling exercise. Twelve healthy participants (5 females) underwent simultaneous blood sampling from the right radial artery and right internal jugular vein.

Getting Inside the Mind of Gay and Bisexual Men Who Have Sex with Men with Sexualized Drug Use - A Systematic Review.

Objectives: Sexualized Drug Use (SDU) consists of using any drug purposely before or during sex with the intent of modifying sex experiences. SDU is especially practiced among Gay and Bisexual Men who have Sex with Men (GBMSM). This study aims to review the relevant literature to identify and summarize the reasons reported by GBMSM to engage in SDU.

Dysfunction of norepinephrine and its metabolites in Alzheimer's dementia - A review with meta-analysis.

Some studies point locus coeruleus cell loss, the central nervous system main source of norepinephrine, to be one of the earliest neuropathological events of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there are conflicting reports regarding the level of norepinephrine and its metabolites (3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) and 3,4 -dihydroxyphenylglycolaldehyde (DOPEGAL)) in AD patients. Uncover these alterations may be a key factor for understanding cognitive deficits and AD pathology.

Inhibition of kidney potassium channels by fluoxetine: In vivo and in vitro studies.

In vitro studies have demonstrated that fluoxetine, a commonly used antidepressant drug, can modulate the activity of K channels. In the present study, we investigated the in vivo effect of acute and sub-chronic treatment of rats with fluoxetine on K renal transport. Furthermore, OK cells, a kidney epithelial cell line, were used in order to evaluate the in vitro effect of fluoxetine on K currents.

Voltage-clamp evidence of GABA receptor subunit-specific effects: pharmacodynamic fingerprint of chlornordiazepam, the major active metabolite of mexazolam, as compared to alprazolam, bromazepam, and zolpidem.

Background: Anxiolytic benzodiazepines, due to their clinical effectiveness, are one of the most prescribed drugs worldwide, despite being associated with sedative effects and impaired psychomotor and cognitive performance. Not every GABA receptor functions in the same manner. Those containing α1 subunits are associated with sleep regulation and have a greater effect on the sedative-hypnotic benzodiazepines, whereas those containing α2 and/or α3 subunits are associated with anxiety phenomena and have a greater effect on the anxiolytic benzodiazepines.

Catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in individuals with substance use disorders: a case control study.

Background: Impulsivity and substance use disorders (SUD) have been both associated with changes in dopaminergic processes. In this study, we intended to evaluate the dopaminergic function in imprisoned SUD offenders through the determination of s-COMT activity.

Methods: The study included 46 male individuals from a Portuguese penal institution.

Cannabis induced psychosis: A systematic review on the role of genetic polymorphisms.

Objective: Cannabis sativa is a recreational drug commonly consumed in Europe and is getting popularity for both recreational and therapeutic use. In some individuals, the use of cannabis leads to psychotic disorders. This systematic review summarizes the current evidence linking genetic polymorphisms and inter-individual susceptibility to psychosis induced by cannabis.

Targeting cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) limits collagen production-An in vitro study in a primary culture of human fibroblasts.

Previous studies showed that cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor is involved in skin inflammation, fibrogenesis and re-epithelialization in mice, indicating that this receptor may be implicated in wound healing. Thus, topical use of cannabinoids may have a role in local fibrotic and wound healing diseases such as scars or keloids. We investigate the effect of the CB2 selective receptor agonist (6aR,10aR)-3-(1,1-Dimethylbutyl)-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran (JWH133) and the CB2 selective receptor antagonist (6-Iodo-2-methyl-1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl)(4-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (AM630), on primary cultures of human fibroblasts.

The effects of trazodone on human cognition: a systematic review.

Trazodone is a widely used antidepressant that is also useful in the control of agitation and insomnia in Alzheimer's disease. This drug is now recognized as having a new mechanism of action, an effect on the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, restoring protein translation and slowing neurodegenerative progression in mice. This mechanism may have a role in dementia-modifying treatment.

Effects of lithium use on the white matter of patients with bipolar disorder - a systematic review.

Background: Several studies revealed changes in the microstructure of white matter in bipolar disorder patients. Lithium has been reported as having neuroprotective effects. However, its effect on the white matter remains unclear.

Effectiveness of multimodal interventions focused on smoking cessation in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review.

Background: Smoking is a significant risk factor for mortality and morbidity among patients with schizophrenia.

Objective: To clarify the effectiveness of multimodal smoking cessation interventions in adult smokers diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.

AM251, a cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist, prevents human fibroblasts differentiation and collagen deposition induced by TGF-β - An in vitro study.

Previous studies showed that cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB) is linked with skin fibrosis and scar tissue formation in mice. Therefore, the topical use of cannabinoids may have a role in the prevention or treatment of local fibrotic and wound healing diseases as hypertrophic scars or keloids. In this study, we asked whether CB activation or inactivation would change fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblast and collagen deposition in skin human fibroblast.

A new role for anandamide: defective link between the systemic and skin endocannabinoid systems in hypertrophic human wound healing.

The use of cannabinoids to treat fibrotic skin diseases is an emergent issue. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate systemic and skin endocannabinoid responses in the wound-healing process in humans. A prospective study was performed in 50 patients who underwent body-contouring surgery.

Cutaneous endocannabinoid system: Does it have a role on skin wound healing bearing fibrosis?

Introduction: Recently, the endocannabinoid system has been identified in skin and it has been linked with the formation of skin fibrosis and wound healing. We aimed to find and analyse reported data on compounds acting in the endocannabinoid system with significant effect in skin fibrosis.

Methods: A literature search on PUBMED was conducted for studies published in English until February 2020 on cannabinoids and skin fibrosis.

Probiotics and prebiotics: focus on psychiatric disorders - a systematic review.

Context: The gut-brain axis and microbial dysbiosis may play a role in psychiatric diseases. In this view, the gut microbiota has been considered a potential therapeutic target using probiotics and prebiotics.

Objective: This systematic review aims to find the existing clinical evidence that may justify the use of probiotics or prebiotics in psychiatric patients.

Dimethyltryptamine: Endogenous Role and Therapeutic Potential.

N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid produced by a number of plants and animals, including humans. Its psychoactive effects were first described in 1956 by Stephen Szára, but have been exploited for centuries by South American indigenous populations in the form of ayahuasca. In the present review, we assess the state of the art regarding a putative role for endogenous DMT and potential clinical applications of ayahuasca and DMT.

Hypertrophic Scars: Are Vitamins and Inflammatory Biomarkers Related with the Pathophysiology of Wound Healing?

Background: Hypertrophic scars are a consequence of wound healing.

Objective: The objective of the present study is to evaluate vitamin D and inflammatory biomarker plasma levels during wound healing.

Methods: A prospective study was performed in patients (n = 63) submitted to body contouring surgery.

Monoamines and cortisol as potential mediators of the relationship between exercise and depressive symptoms.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects of exercise plus pharmacotherapy on monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin) and cortisol levels. A total of 26 women with clinical depression were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: aerobic exercise plus pharmacotherapy or only pharmacotherapy. The exercise program consisted of aerobic exercise, 45-50 min/session, three times/week, for 16 weeks.

Impact of physical exercise on catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in depressive patients: A preliminary communication.

Background: Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a catabolic enzyme involved in the degradation of bioactive molecules including the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Higher COMT activity in depressive patients in comparison to non-depressed individuals has been reported. The effect of aerobic exercise on depressive patients has been studied and a number of researchers and clinicians believe it to be effective in the treatment of depression and to be involved in several molecular underlying mechanisms.

Flavonoids as dopaminergic neuromodulators.

Scope: The present study aimed to characterize and evaluate flavonoids effects on organic cation uptake in neuronal cells.

Methods And Results: Uptake experiments were conducted using radiolabeled methyl-4-phenylpyridinuim ([(3) H]-MPP(+) ), in human neuronal dopaminergic cells, SH-SY5Y. Catechin did not alter [(3) H]-MPP(+) uptake, however its metabolite 4'-methyl-catechin decreased it by almost 50%.

Effects of structured exercise and pharmacotherapy vs. pharmacotherapy for adults with depressive symptoms: A randomized clinical trial.

Objective: Physical exercise has been consistently documented as a complementary therapy in the treatment of depressive disorders. However, despite a higher prevalence among women compared to men, the trials developed in women are scarce. In addition, the optimal dosage of exercise capable of producing benefits that reduce depressive symptoms remains unclear.