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Epigenetics of psychoactive drugs
Nadka Boyadjieva1, Miroslava Varadinova
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria. nadkaboyadjieva@gmail.com
The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
|September 5, 2012
Summary
Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are crucial in brain disorders. This review explores their role in psychiatric diseases and the impact of drugs like antipsychotics.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epigenetics involves heritable, reversible gene regulation affecting biological functions.
- DNA methylation and histone modifications are key epigenetic mechanisms impacting brain development and disorders.
- Epigenetic alterations are implicated in the pathogenesis and pharmacotherapy of neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on psychiatric epigenomics.
- To explore epigenetic mechanisms of various psychoactive drugs.
- To discuss epigenetic modulations in the pharmacology and toxicology of antipsychotics and other treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic studies in psychiatric disorders.
- Analysis of epigenetic aberrations related to psychoactive drug mechanisms.
- Discussion of epigenetic roles in the action and side effects of psychotropic medications.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modulations are significantly involved in psychiatric diseases like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Analyzing drug-induced epigenetic changes aids in identifying dysfunctional genes and predicting drug side effects.
- Epigenetic insights can reveal novel pharmaceutical targets for psychiatric conditions.
Conclusions:
- While epigenetics of psychosis is studied, antipsychotic-specific epigenetic research is limited.
- This review consolidates knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms of psychoactive drugs, including antipsychotics, lithium, and valproic acid.
- Understanding these epigenetic interactions is vital for advancing psychiatric treatment and drug development.
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